Training, Education, & Safety
Apprenticeship provides you with the most extensive career training in the industry which is accomplished with On-the-Job and Related Training to give you a solid future in the Trades. This is offered to you at no cost - Yes, it is free! Whether it is Brick, Block, Stone, Tile, Masonry Restoration, Marble or Terrazzo, we can find a fit for you.
It’s no secret that there is a growing need for highly-skilled craft workers, and everyone also knows the most-skilled are starting to reach retirement age. That's why we at BAC Local 2, Michigan have taken a proactive stance with our Apprenticeship Training Program to secure the future of the Craft.
In this program you will gain the necessary tools and skills you need to be successful in the Masonry Trade. Whether you have no experience at all or maybe a little, contact the apprenticeship office to find out how you can begin your career in Masonry.
Training is generally imparted in two ways:
On the job training
On the job training provides actual working scenario. The motto of such training is “learning by doing.” Apprentices are trained at the work site while he or she is doing the actual job. Usually a Journeyman serves as the hands-on trainer for the Apprentice and often supports and provides the practical application towards mastering their skills.
Related (Classroom) training
Related training is crucial for our Apprentices and Journeymen. Classroom training is at the Mason Trades Building. Many times, related training duplicates the actual working conditions. The classroom setting allows Apprentices to pay more attention to the activities and projects. Thus, making them more confident when returning back to the job site.
Safety & Health
The Best Hands in the Business do not take Risks!
Construction work is one of the most dangerous occupations, but it doesn't have to be. Hazards hurt, disable and kill people, eliminating them should be the primary focus of every safety program.
A positive Safety Culture happens when trust exist between management and workers. Those on the front line need to feel comfortable speaking with supervision about important issues such as safety without fear of losing their job. Safety is everyone's responsibility, understanding how to get it done requires Safety Leadership.
Testimonials
I attended the pre-apprenticeship training program in the winter of 2018. It was the best decision I have ever made. When I entered the IMI training center, I had no prior masonry skills whatsoever. While in attendance I learned all the basic skills that I would need to become proficient in my craft. On most days, the training center basically mimics what a real work day would be like in the field, preparing you for the day-to-day life of a bricklayer. There is also a good amount of time spent in the classroom addressing safety knowledge of the jobsite, and earning certifications in such things as OSHA awareness, confined space safety, and first aid/CPR training.
On top of everything else, I left with a full set of hand tools, all of which I am still using today. My life went from bouncing around low-paying, unrewarding jobs to having a great career in a trade that is a source of pride in my life. I cannot possibly recommend this program highly enough. It will change your life.
Andrew Ball, Local 2 Apprentice
I attended my apprentice pre job training in early 2020 after Laboring in the field for a year, I felt becoming a bricklayer was the career path meant for me. I had a lot of good takeaways from my 12 week pre job training, I learned a lot from the class room technical training and enjoyed going out to the floor and applying what I just learned. I really liked the accomplished feeling I got after completing a project and taking a step back and seeing what I was able to build. I enjoyed the team building projects with the other apprentices in my class learning how to work together to complete a project. Not only are you supplied the tools needed to do your job in the field, but you are also given the ability to come back for upgrade training. I am currently working on getting my welding certification, and look forward to advancing my ability’s as I work towards becoming a journeyman.
Conrad Parker, Local 2 Apprentice
During my time at the training facility I learned a lot from all the hands on training from trainers and other experienced tile setters in the facility. The guys thoroughly explained and showed how to do steps of the job to make sure you were training correctly.
The classes being on Saturday were perfect for establishing a 40 hour work week, also the training helps familiarize us with tools we use everyday on the job and even allowed us to keep them for on the field use which helped us be ready for the field of work.
Nick Todaro, Local 2 Apprentice
