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Apprentice contestants in action during the North Central Tile competition.

BAC Apprentices’ Skill & Dedication on Display in Qualifying Rounds for BAC/IMI International Apprentice Contest

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This summer, hundreds of hopeful BAC apprentices competed for the honor of representing their local unions and ADCs at the 2022 BAC/IMI International Apprentice Contest in Boston, MA. The stakes were high at regional competitions across the country as a new generation of craftworkers competed amongst their peers to make a name for themselves in the trowel trades industry.

“The [contest] mock-ups represent a little bit of everything we’d need to know on the real job site,” said Armando Gonzales-Fuentes, restoration/pointing-cleaning-caulking apprentice with BAC Local 4 California, who qualified to compete in Boston during the Western States contest. “I want to show that I’ve put to use what I’ve been learning, that I’m capable of working at a higher level, and that

I can successfully move forward on this career path.”

Contestants were judged on a range of criteria, including layout, design, measurement, and their ability to complete a project that is level, plumb, and square within a set amount of time.

“I was nervous to compete, but it’s been a good experience, and fun. Everybody is a good sport and is encouraging,” said Abbey Formica, BAC Local 5 PA apprentice, who placed third in the Northeast tile competition.

For Miles Afriyie, brick apprentice with BAC ADC 1 of Illinois, the experience was a great motivator to continue learning and training. “I like competition because it pushes

Abbey Formica, BAC Local 5 PA apprentice, placed third in the Northeast tile competition. BAC ADC 1 IL apprentice Miles Afriyie at the North Central brick competition. BAC Local 4 CA restoration/pointing-cleaning-caulking apprentice Armando Gonzales-Fuentes competing during the Western States contest.

me to be better,” he said. “As long as you keep improving, you can’t go backwards.”

SKILLED HANDS ON DISPLAY

Like Afriyie and Formica, many competitors expressed their nervousness and excitement in competing, but their skill was on full display as they showcased what they’ve learned during their apprenticeship.

“It’s clear this year’s apprentices have a true love and respect for their crafts,” said Anthony DiPerna, IMTEF National Director of Apprenticeship and Training. “The future of this industry and our union is brighter than ever.”

Many of the apprentices competing credited their local unions, apprenticeship programs, instructors, and contractors for supporting their development and careers.

“It’s really nice to be a part of an organization where everyone has

your back,” said Mason Steed, stone apprentice with BAC Local 4 CA, who won his craft competition at the Western States contest. “The apprenticeship program opens the door to all the different methods and systems for stone installation. It’s really enlightening, and it’s nice to go somewhere where you’re being taught, earning a paycheck, and providing benefits for your family.”

Steed has already worked on noteworthy projects in his career with BAC, like Apple’s corporate headquarters, and is grateful to his recently retired instructor, Laurie Harris, for all the training, care, and support she provided him in the program.

“Everyone who goes through our apprenticeship program comes out highly skilled, and it showed in the competition,” said Mike Collins, BAC OH-KY ADC member and judge at the North Central contest. “It’s clear all the apprentices here today have the tools they need for successful careers in the BAC.”

UNION STRONG

Though they are early on in their careers, many apprentices have already experienced the life-changing benefits of being in the union.

“I worked a lot of low paying jobs with no benefits my whole life before joining the union,” said Stephen Kocik, BAC Local 3 NY concrete finisher, who placed second in the Northeast contest. “I have a lot of pride in the work I do now.”

“Winning today meant a lot to me,” said Edwin Rosado, BAC ADC 1 of Illinois apprentice, who placed first in the North Central tile competition. “It’s a sign that you’re going somewhere. I’m proud to set an example for others coming up behind me.”

As for the big day in Boston? “Win or lose, it’ll be an awesome experience just to go,” concluded Garrick Manning, brick apprentice with BAC OH-KY ADC, and first place winner in the North Central contest.

BAC, IMI, and IMTEF wish our talented apprentices the best of luck as they prepare to compete for the title of Best in Craft at the BAC/IMI International Apprentice Contest this September. //

BAC Local 4 CA stone apprentice Mason Steed won his craft competition at the Western States contest.

BAC OH-KY ADC member and judge Mike Collins at the North Central contest. BAC Local 3 NY concrete finisher Stephen Kocik placed second competing in the Northeast contest.

Edwin Rosado, BAC ADC 1 of IL apprentice, placed first in the North Central tile competition.

Structural and Non-Structural Masonry Work Out for a New Fieldhouse

Students and faculty at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse are enjoying a brand-new Fieldhouse and Soccer Support Facility, thanks to the teamwork of BAC ADC of Wisconsin members, signatory contractor Market & Johnson, and the International Masonry Institute (IMI).

The $49 million, 144,000 grosssquare-foot facility is a win for union masonry, with a $4 million package featuring brick and cast stone veneer, prefabricated masonry lintels, and lightweight concrete masonry units (CMUs).

IMI Director of Industry Development and Technical Services Pat Conway supported key members of the project team in optimizing the masonry that, in turn, created more work hours for BAC members.

MASONRY LINTELS OFFER ADVANTAGES OVER STEEL

The project’s masonry lintels are one great example of the optimization. “Over the years, we’ve learned from IMI that contractors prefer masonry lintels from a constructability perspective,” said project architect Kyle Schauf with HSR Associates. “Masonry lintels allow us to develop architectural details that minimize thermal transfer at window heads. They’re a great alternative to a structural steel beam bottom plate spanning from the inside of the building to the edge of the veneer.”

Not only that, but masonry is locally available and less expensive than structural steel lintels, which often have long lead times and are delivered from overseas. That can have a major impact on project sequencing and schedules.

Masonry lintels also move at the same rate as the surrounding masonry walls, eliminating potential cracking due to differential movement that occurs with steel lintels. “They offer a pure solution to spanning openings without introducing dissimilar materials,” said project engineer Chad Allen with Oneida Total Integrated Enterprises (OTIE).

ALTERNATIVE ENGINEERED METHOD ELIMINATES NEED FOR CONTROL JOINTS

The project team further minimized cracking and controlled masonry movement by using the alternative engineered method, which addresses control joints for CMU walls. The contractor, structural engineer, and IMI collaborated to eliminate control joints on a 200-foot-long, 60-foottall CMU wall that served as a transition between two building geometries. Doing so helped solve both structural and constructability challenges.

With the installation of midwall bond beams at 48 inches on-center and the extension of masonry lintels the entire length of the wall, the structural engineer had enough horizontal steel in the wall to restrain masonry movement, meaning control joints were not necessary.

“For this particular wall, using the engineered method simplified everything,” said Allen. “It was easier than figuring out where to locate vertical joints and how to communicate them on a plan to make sure they were installed correctly.”

The crew with Market & Johnson used self-consolidating grout to ensure proper grout flow, especially with the added grout and rebar in the wall. It turns out, this sped up CMU

The exterior of the new Fieldhouse and Soccer Support Facility at the University of Wisconsin.

installation while reducing complicated temporary wall bracing.

LIGHTWEIGHT CMU KEEPS THE CREW HAPPY

Lightweight CMU proved to be another creative solution for the fieldhouse. Market & Johnson worked with the structural engineer to convert the project’s 144,000 CMU to a lightweight 16-inch CMU. Often, normal weight materials get specified by default. The engineer did a compliance check and found that the unit’s compressive strength, combined with Type S mortar, met compressive strength requirements for the masonry assembly.

“We prefer installing lightweight CMU,” said Kevin Fabry, Masonry Project Manager for Market & Johnson. “Ultimately, it’s good for our masonry crew’s longevity and reduces chances for injuries and fatigue. Using a lightweight 16-inch CMU, one mason lifts approximately 1,000 pounds less per day.”

According to Fabry, though lightweight CMU costs a little more per unit, they’ve measured a 10 percent increase in installation and positive feedback from their crew.

The team scored big on this project, showing how masonry offers an economical, durable, and beautiful building solution. It is a fitting start for a facility that’s sure to see many victories for the college’s athletic teams. //

IMTEF’S NEW MATERNITY BENEFIT

for BAC Craftworkers

SUPPORTING PREGNANT WOMEN AND NEW MOTHERS REPRESENTED BY BAC.

Get $600 a week for up to 26 weeks

• 6-8 weeks of coverage after your delivery

• Up to 20 weeks during your pregnancy if you’re medically unable to work

For more information and to apply:

amalgamatedbenefits.com/AEBA/IMTEF or scan the QR code.

SAVE ON CHILDCARE AT KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTERS

BAC members can now get a 10% discount on weekly tuition at KinderCare Education’s 1500 centers nationwide.

KinderCare provides high-quality learning programs for children from 6 weeks to 12 years old.

Get your voucher and find a center near you: https://www.kindercare.com/employee-benefits/ international-masonry-institute or scan the QR code.

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