As part of their training through IMI's Rapid Response system, Mike Thomas and Bobby Smith lay brick pavers around a flagpole to help beautify the grounds of The Children's Home for abused and neglected children in Tampa, Florida. The training Thomas and Smith received through IMI's mobile training system qualifies them to work in the city's refractory industry or building schools and prisons. Honorees had just completed 12 weeks of pre-job training using one of IMI's three mobile training units. Through IMI, both needs are being filled. Units travel across the country at the request of BAC locals who need to train more than 15 trowel trades workers, but have no training center nearby, or want workers trained for specific projects.
Trainees spend the majority of each week laying brick and block.
Additional classroom time covers OSHA safety regulations, basic blueprint reading and other related subjects. Some of the graduates' new employers attended the ceremony, hosted by Alderman Marvin Pratt, chairman of the Finance and Personnel Committee. Graduation speakers included Pratt, IMI Board of Trustee member Fred Kinateder, President of Kinateder Masonry, Inc., and BAC Wisconsin District Council Director Tim Ihlenfeld. Like their Milwaukee counterparts, they were employed once they completed the program. Bricklayers are in high demand throughout Florida.