--- title: Union Training? No Contest image: http://qm-host.com/imi/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/stone-150x150.jpg --- [![IMI_logo_primary_forweb_ret_400](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hubfs/IMI_logo_primary_forweb_ret_400.png?width=174&height=34&name=IMI_logo_primary_forweb_ret_400.png)](https://www.imiweb.org/) - BUILDING SOLUTIONS - SOLUTIONS - [New Construction](https://www.imiweb.org/new-construction/) - [Restoration](https://www.imiweb.org/restoration/) - NEW CONSTRUCTION ASSEMBLIES - [Brick](https://www.imiweb.org/new-brick-construction/) - [Concrete](https://www.imiweb.org/new-concrete-construction/) - [Concrete Masonry Units](https://www.imiweb.org/new-concrete-masonry-construction/) - [Plaster, Stucco, & EIFS](https://www.imiweb.org/new-plaster-stucco-eifs-construction/) - [Rainscreen](https://www.imiweb.org/new-rainscreen-construction/) - [Stone](https://www.imiweb.org/new-stone-construction/) - [Terrazzo](https://www.imiweb.org/new-terrazzo-construction/) - [Tile](https://www.imiweb.org/new-tile-construction/) - 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[CONTACT](https://www.imiweb.org/imicontact/) - ![](https://imiweb.org/wp-content/uploads/icn-search-nav.png) ![HEADER_Contact1.jpg](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hubfs/mosaicprint_img/HEADER_Contact1.jpg?width=2000&name=HEADER_Contact1.jpg "HEADER_Contact1.jpg") # International Masonry Institute News ![HEADER_Contact1.jpg](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hubfs/mosaicprint_img/HEADER_Contact1.jpg?width=2000&name=HEADER_Contact1.jpg "HEADER_Contact1.jpg") # International Masonry Institute News [September 17, 2009](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/union-training-no-contest) [Leave a comment](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/union-training-no-contest#comments-listing) [Training](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/training), [Conferences and Events](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/conferences-and-events) [A Language Barrier for Air Barriers](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/a-language-barrier-for-air-barriers) [Bricklayer, or "Building Envelope Specialist"?](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/bricklayer-or-building-envelope-specialist) # Union Training? No Contest > ![](http://qm-host.com/imi/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/stone-150x150.jpg "stone")![](http://qm-host.com/imi/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/terrazzo1-150x150.jpg "terrazzo1")![](http://qm-host.com/imi/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/tile1-150x150.jpg "tile1")![](http://qm-host.com/imi/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/pcc-150x150.jpg "pcc")![](http://qm-host.com/imi/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/plaster-150x150.jpg "plaster")![](http://qm-host.com/imi/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/brick-150x150.jpg "brick")![](http://qm-host.com/imi/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/cement-150x150.jpg "cement")![](http://qm-host.com/imi/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/marble1-150x150.jpg "marble1") More than one hundred BAC apprentices are anxiously counting the days until September 28, when they get to show off their skills at the [International Apprentice Contest](http://www.bacweb.org/news/intl_apprent_contest2/index.php). Along with their considerable talents, what they are really showing off is the training system that got them this far. While most rookie employees learn on-the-job (i.e., trial and error), particularly in construction, apprentices with the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers invest years learning their craft and business, and BAC and IMI invest significant resources teaching them. > *"The union approach enabled me to get proper training and to become a skilled craftworker,"* says regional contestant Mark Viscuso from Connecticut. Most contests emphasize speed. This one, like the training behind it, is different. Combining hands-on and written tests, apprentices are judged on workmanship, production value, safety, and integrity of construction. *"The only thing we have to sell is our professionalism, craftsmanship and good work ethic,"* noted Local 1 PA/DE President John Phillips, host of the northeast regional contest. More than just a show of some talented newcomers, the contest *"clearly demonstrates our Union's and our contractors' commitment to the future,"* says BAC President and IMI Co-Chair John J. Flynn. [Learn more about the BAC/IMI training system](http://www.imiweb.org/training/index.php) [Training](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/training), [Conferences and Events](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/conferences-and-events) [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Finfo.imiweb.org%2Fblog%2Funion-training-no-contest%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Finfo.imiweb.org%2Fblog%2Funion-training-no-contest%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Finfo.imiweb.org%2Fblog%2Funion-training-no-contest%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Finfo.imiweb.org%2Fblog%2Funion-training-no-contest%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Union%20Training%3F%20%20No%20Contest) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Finfo.imiweb.org%2Fblog%2Funion-training-no-contest%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Finfo.imiweb.org%2Fblog%2Funion-training-no-contest%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) ### Related posts [![IMI’s Emerging Contractor Program Builds Estimating and Project Management Skills for Union Masonry Contractors](https://info.imiweb.org/hubfs/Emerging%20Contractor%202026.jpg)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/imis-emerging-contractor-program-builds-estimating-and-project-management-skills-for-union-masonry-contractors) ##### [IMI’s Emerging Contractor Program Builds Estimating and Project Management Skills for Union Masonry Contractors](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/imis-emerging-contractor-program-builds-estimating-and-project-management-skills-for-union-masonry-contractors) Vanessa Ball, a member of BAC’s Mountain West ADC, has been working in pointing-cleaning-caulking since 1993. Over the years,... By [Allison Sauntry](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/imis-emerging-contractor-program-builds-estimating-and-project-management-skills-for-union-masonry-contractors/author/allison-sauntry) - May 19, 2026 [Read More](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/imis-emerging-contractor-program-builds-estimating-and-project-management-skills-for-union-masonry-contractors) [![New Class of Certified Instructors Equipped to Teach the Trowel Trades Nationwide](https://info.imiweb.org/hubfs/IMIBricklayersUnionGraduation-10.28.2021-420.jpg)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/new-class-of-certified-instructors-equipped-to-teach-the-trowel-trades-nationwide) ##### [New Class of Certified Instructors Equipped to Teach the Trowel Trades Nationwide](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/new-class-of-certified-instructors-equipped-to-teach-the-trowel-trades-nationwide) The International Masonry Institute (IMI) and International Masonry Training and Education Foundation (IMTEF) have a lot to... By [Henrieta Muradzikwa](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/new-class-of-certified-instructors-equipped-to-teach-the-trowel-trades-nationwide/author/henrieta-muradzikwa) - October 29, 2021 [Read More](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/new-class-of-certified-instructors-equipped-to-teach-the-trowel-trades-nationwide) [![3 Black Training Leaders Discuss How to Support People of Color in Your Union](https://info.imiweb.org/hubfs/how-to-support-poc-in-your-union-featured-image.jpg)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/3-black-training-leaders-discuss-how-to-support-people-of-color-in-your-union) ##### [3 Black Training Leaders Discuss How to Support People of Color in Your Union](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/3-black-training-leaders-discuss-how-to-support-people-of-color-in-your-union) ***A version of this article originally appeared in BAC Journal, Issue 2 2020, and is reprinted here with permission in honor of...*** By [Elizabeth Kekeris](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/3-black-training-leaders-discuss-how-to-support-people-of-color-in-your-union/author/elizabeth-kekeris) - February 23, 2021 [Read More](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/3-black-training-leaders-discuss-how-to-support-people-of-color-in-your-union) Search ### Categories - [Training (27)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/training) - [Sustainable Design (23)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/sustainable-design) - [Energy Efficiency (21)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/energy-efficiency) - [Conferences and Events (16)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/conferences-and-events) - [Tile (15)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/tile) - [Apprenticeship (10)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/apprenticeship) - [Structural Masonry (10)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/structural-masonry) - [Historic Masonry Restoration (8)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/historic-masonry-restoration) - [Instructor Certification Program (ICP) (8)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/instructor-certification-program-icp) - [Masonry Camp (7)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/masonry-camp) - [masonry (7)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/masonry) - [Member Spotlight (6)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/member-spotlight) - [JBC Masonry Innovation Competition (5)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/jbc-masonry-innovation-competition) - [Stone (5)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/stone) - [Apprentice Contest (4)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/apprentice-contest) - [Building Code (4)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/building-code) - [Project Feature (4)](https://info.imiweb.org/blog/topic/project-feature) #### ![logo-ftr-1](https://info.imiweb.org/hs-fs/hubfs/logo-ftr-1.png?width=200&height=41&name=logo-ftr-1.png) BAC/IMI International Training Center 17101 Science Drive Bowie, MD 20715 [Privacy Policy​](https://imiweb.org/imi-privacy-policy/) | [Contact Us​](https://imiweb.org/contact-imi/) **Related Organizations** [International Masonry Training and Education Foundation](https://imtef.org/) [International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers](https://bacweb.org/) [International Council of Employers of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers](https://www.icebac.org/) [Tile Contractors’ Association of America](https://www.tcaainc.org/) ### Sign up for updates from IMI © International Masonry Institute. 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