The International Masonry Institute (IMI), a strategic alliance of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC) and signatory contractors, offers an unbeatable combination: skilled training, technical assistance and market development services. Team IMI gives BAC local unions and contractors the competitive advantage and helps to ensure that buildings get built right—with union masonry.
Training
The IMI training network includes the BAC/IMI International Training Center and area centers, plus a team of training professionals offering programs for all levels, from pre-apprentice to contractor. Training is offered in all the masonry trades: brick, block, tile, terrazzo, marble, mosaic, stone, plaster, pointing/cleaning/caulking and cement, plus the latest safety and health requirements and techniques.
Technical Assistance
The IMI team of architects, engineers and construction experts offers:
- Project-specific technical consultations
- Project troubleshooting for designers and contractors
- Technical guides and details
- New products and constructability research
- Building codes and standards development
- Contractor College to give IMI contractors a competitive edge, with technical information and business management strategies
Market Development
IMI demonstrates the advantages of union masonry and BAC craftsmanship to building decisions makers—owners, developers, architects, engineers and contracting officials—through a variety of approaches, including:
- Trade shows and exhibits
- Craft-specific promotional events
- Advertising and marketing campaigns
- Project tracking, from pre-bid to design phases
- Custom consultations to national and local firms
- Masonry education programs for architects and engineers
- Starting tomorrow’s designers off right, with masonry education
- The innovative Masonry Camp, where BAC apprentices and architectural interns learn the value of collaboration and an appreciation for quality masonry