IMI Certifications Helping Win Work for BAC Signatory Contractors & Members

When architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) professionals want to assure craftworkers on their projects are uniquely qualified to perform the work, they include the International Masonry Institute’s (IMI’s) certifications and certificates in their project specifications. 

The programs’ advanced training provisions signal a high level of expertise, whether in supervising a complex job, installing specialty tile or restoring an important landmark. With IMI certifications and certificates in specifications, BAC signatory contractors are better positioned to bid and win projects, which helps increase work hours for BAC members.

It helped signatory contracting company Lorton Stone land the exterior marble restoration work on Baltimore’s 150-year-old city hall. Lorton Stone President Manny Seara says that having the Historic Masonry Preservation Certificate Program (HMPC) helped the company in the bid process and to secure the project. 

“There’s only one way to get the certificate, and that’s by being a BAC member,” Seara says. 

Seara’s crew soon will begin the delicate cleaning, repairing, and stone carving necessary to bring the second Empire-style building back to its original splendor. 

While many of Lorton’s BAC craftworkers are seasoned restoration workers, the certificate serves as proof of its expertise to the larger AEC community. “It helps us project to our customers that we are more qualified than the non-union we are competing against every day,” Seara says. “We need all the help we can get in explaining to the customers why our prices are higher than the non-union. Our training and this certificate set us apart from them.” 

Anthony DiPerna, IMTEF National Director of Apprenticeship and Training, says it is important to make sure that each man and woman on the job are highly skilled and productive. “Our claim to fame is that we do train. Advanced certifications help us live up to our name as the 'Best Hands in the Business.' When IMI certifications land in project specifications, we get work for our contractors and members. Not only that, but we raise the standard for the entire industry.” 

Over the last year, IMI certificates and certifications have shown up in hundreds of project specifications—further proof of their significance in helping BAC signatory contractors bid and win the work. 

In addition to helping bid and win jobs, advanced training, certificates and certifications are a great way to keep updated on industry happenings, prove your expertise to employers, and set yourself apart as a leader on job sites. BAC members with certificates and certifications in specialty areas often find themselves getting more work as a result of their proven, advanced skillset. If you are looking to expand your knowledge base or add additional work opportunities, pursuing a certificate or certification is a great place to start.

As a reminder, IMI and IMTEF offer an array of certificates and certifications, including: 

Advanced Certifications for Tile (ACT)

Certifying installers’ skills in seven key areas: Gauged Porcelain Tile, Grouts, Membranes, Large Format Tile and Substrate Preparation, Shower Receptors, Mortar (MUD) Floors, and Mortar (MUD) Walls. 

Requirements: BAC journeyworkers and advanced apprentices can choose to pursue any of the seven certifications by taking both a written and hands-on test. Each certification takes four to eight hours and requires several days of study time. Interested BAC members are given a study guide, including installation instructions and copies of the current “American National Standard Specifications (ANSI) for the Installation of Ceramic Tile” and the “Tile Council of North America (TCNA) Handbook for Ceramic, Glass, and Stone Tile Installation.”

Historic Masonry Preservation Certificate (HMPC)

This 50-hour program covers the role of craftworkers in the overall execution of a preservation project, including the theory and history behind the preservation movement, and an in-depth understanding of traditional materials/methods and advancements in preservation technology.

Requirements: BAC members must attend the six-day program, and pass both a written exam and the hands-on components of the training.

Supervisor Certificate Program (SCP)

This 48-hour program prepares foreman, superintendents and other supervisors to successfully carry out the responsibilities of a job site leadership position. 

Requirements: BAC members must take the following courses: Foreman Training, Foundation for Safety Leadership, Plan Reading, Six Steps to Mentoring, OSHA 30 and CPR/First AID.

Grouting and Reinforced Masonry Certification 

This eight-hour program covers fundamentals of structural masonry building, codes and standards, reinforcement and connectors, grout placement requirements, and safety. 

Requirements: Must attend the eight-hour class and show competency in hands-on training.

Flashing Certification

This eight-hour program covers the latest techniques in masonry flashing systems and materials, including a review of masonry cavity wall drainage systems, code requirements and how specific components impact wall performance. 

Requirements: Must attend the eight-hour class and show competency in hands-on training.

In addition to these core programs, IMI and IMTEF partner with other organizations to offer additional certifications, including the American Welding Society’s Welding Certification, JAHN Certification, and the Air Barrier Association of America’s Self-Adhered and Fluid Applied Installer Certification.

If you are interested in pursuing an advanced certification, contact your local training center today.

 

Project Highlights: IMI Certifications in the Spec

Project: Milwaukee Bucks Arena

Owner: Milwaukee Bucks

Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Signatory Contractors (Tile): Grazzini Brothers & Company and Hetzel Tile & Marble Inc. Other companies working on the project included Arteaga Construction Inc. (brick), Sids Sealants LLC (PCC), and Wisconsin Terrazzo & Tile Inc./ (terrazzo).

Certificate: Advanced Certifications for Tile: Large Format Tile and Substrate Preparation

Total Project Value: $524,000,000

 

Project: Mechanical Engineering Building Renovation and addition at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Owner: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign – Facilities and Services

Location: Champaign, Illinois

Signatory Contractor: Otto Baum Company Inc.

Certificate: Grouting and Reinforced Masonry

Total project value: $27,245,258

 

Project: New Columbia City High School

Owner: Whitley County Consolidated Schools

Location: Columbia City, Indiana

Signatory Contractor: Weigand Construction

Certificate: Grouting and Reinforced Masonry

Total project value: $74,909,868

 

Project: Cape Cod Regional Technical High School

Owner: Cape Cod Regional Technical High School

Location: Harwich, Massachusetts

Signatory Contractor: Capital Carpet and Flooring Specialists

Certificate: Advanced Certifications for Tile: Large Format Tile and Substrate Preparation, Membranes, and Mortar (Mud) Floors

Total project value: $44,096,194