IMI, BAC Sponsor "The Big Build"

JOURNAL: ISSUE 4 - 2012

Local 4 IN/KY student Michael Anderson, right, helps Big Build participant David Cunningham.   IMI National Director of Apprenticeship and Training Bob Arnold guides this youngster in the basics of constructing a Gothic arch.

Hosted by National Building Museum, IMI and BAC were key participants in "The Big Build", a one-day family festival held September 22nd in Washington, D.C. The annual event focuses on the joy, wonder and satisfaction, not to mention the training and skill, which are part and parcel of the building trades.

Inside and outside the crowded Museum, visitors not only observed skilled artisans demonstrating an array of building techniques, but also took advantage of numerous hands-on activities, practicing and learning alongside building professionals.

Among the volunteer professionals were IMI instructors and BAC members, who generously donated their weekend time to be part of the most successful Big Build event yet. They were especially pleased that the IMI/BAC bricklaying, arch construction (both Roman and Gothic) and stone carving stations were among the Festival's busiest. Participants included Local 1 Maryland/Virginia/DC President Scott Garvin, Director of Apprenticeship and Training Matt Redabaugh, and Coordinator of Apprenticeship and Training Bob Humbertson; Local 9 Pennsylvania PCC Pre-job student Daniel DeJesus; Local 4 California Brick Pre-job student Xavier Adame; and Local 4 Indiana/Kentucky Terrazzo Cross-craft member Michael Anderson. Also representing IMI were President Joan Calambokidis, National Director of Apprenticeship and Training Bob Arnold, and Director of Sustainability and Program Development Maria Viteri.

"By the end of the day, families and their kids gained knowledge of building skills, but more importantly, they get to learn more about the building trades by talking with our instructors," says Garvin.