The 2022 BAC/IMI International Apprentice Contest showcased the skill of highly trained up-and-coming craftworkers from the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC). The event was held September 23-24 in Boston, Massachusetts at the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center.
Seventy-five apprentices from across the United States and Canada competed to earn the title of International Craft Champion. First, second, and third place were awarded in brick, pointing-cleaning-caulking, stone, tile, marble, terrazzo, cement, and plaster.

Contestants participated in several challenges to validate what they’ve mastered while learning and working in BAC’s registered apprenticeship programs. Notably, they built mockups that reflect essential craft skills they use every day on construction job sites.

“The contest is a testament to the hard work and dedication BAC apprentices and their instructors have put into training throughout their time in the program,” said Caryn Halifax, President of the International Masonry Institute (IMI) and International Masonry Training and Education Foundation (IMTEF).

BAC’s apprenticeship programs provide a pathway to the middle class, connecting people with good paying, in demand construction jobs, and providing a debt-free education. Apprentices earn money while they learn and work, getting pay raises based on collectively bargained wage scales as they advance in the program. Plus, they receive great health care and retirement benefits, like a pension, and they work for employers who believe in providing safe and dignified work.

Past winners of the International Apprentice Contest go on to enjoy long, fulfilling careers with BAC. Many advance into leadership roles, ranging from forepersons to union officers, contractors, and instructors.
“Winning this competition is a capstone to any apprentice’s career,” said Tim Driscoll, President of BAC. “The passion, preparedness, and persistence that make our members the best hands in the business were on full display at this year’s competition.”

Congratulations to the winners of the 2022 BAC/IMI International Apprentice Contest:

BRICK

First Place: Garrick Manning – Ohio-Kentucky ADC 

Second Place: Kurtis Sutter – Ohio-Kentucky ADC 

Third Place: Joseph Cosman – Local 1 Connecticut

POINTING-CLEANING-CAULKING

First Place: Donald Murray III - Ohio-Kentucky ADC

Second Place: Francisco Ramirez Esparza – ADC 1 of Illinois

Third Place: Jakub Bialas – Local 1 New York

STONE

First Place: Sebastian Tomaszewski – Local 1 New York

Second Place: Jorge Soriano – Local 1 Pennsylvania/Delaware

Third Place: Jeremy Bercier – Local 1 Oregon/Washington/Idaho/Montana

TILE

First Place: Zhenyong Lin – Local 3 California

Second Place: Edwin Rosado – ADC 1 of Illinois

Third Place: Gregory Gartner – Local 1 Pennsylvania/Delaware

MARBLE

First Place: Mason Steed – Local 3 California

Second Place: Angel Diaz Hernandez – Local 1 Maryland, Virginia and District of Columbia

Third Place: Julian Valencia – Local 7 New York & New Jersey

TERRAZZO

First Place: Brian Dohring – Local 3 California

Second Place: Nick Hardwick – ADC OF EASTERN MISSOURI

Third Place: Arturo Banda – ADC 1 of Illinois


CONCRETE

First Place:  John Fogarty - Local 3 New York

Second Place: Travis Probst - Wisconsin District Council

Third Place: Stephen Kocik - Local 3 New York

PLASTER

First Place: Luis Padron – ADC 1 of Illinois

Second Place: Salvador Vargas – ADC 1 of Illinois

Third Place: Cameron Holder – Local 1 New York