BAC Apprentices Showcase Passion for the Craft at 2025 International Apprentice Contest
The future of the skilled trades was on full display at the 2025 BAC/IMI International Apprentice Contest (IAC), where 80 apprentices from the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC) showcased their talents in a bid to be crowned champions of their craft.
The event, held September 26-27 at Huntington Place in Detroit, Michigan, attracted the top percent of the union’s apprentices from across the United States and Canada. To qualify, apprentices had to place in local and regional skills contests. First, second, and third place were awarded at the IAC in brick, restoration/pointing-cleaning-caulking, stone, tile, marble, terrazzo, cement, and plaster.
“It means a great deal for me to place and see how I did amongst my peers,” said Michael McKee, Local 23 OH/WV/KY/MD, who won first place in brick. “I love that bricklaying offers something new every day. It’s hard work, but it’s very rewarding to see a building come from nothing.”
McKee and his fellow contestants raced to build complex mockups that reflect real-world construction projects in less than 8 hours. They’re scored on criteria like layout, craftsmanship, neatness, safety, and aesthetics by a team of judges who are all industry and craft experts.
“We got the blueprints the night before the competition,” said John Deslippe, Local 1 PA/DE, who took home first in restoration/PCC. “It was fun to compete. Every apprentice here is so good. I knew I wanted to win from the time I first heard about the competition, and it feels good to represent my Local.”
Union officers, representatives, instructors, and signatory contractors from across North America came out in support of their apprentices.
“There are a lot of people in my corner supporting me,” said Madelynn Bryant, WI ADC apprentice, who took home second in restoration/PCC. “Being in the union means job security and having a career for the rest of my life.”
Mike Schmerbeck, President of the International Council of Employers of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers and IMI/IMTEF Co-Chair, echoed that message. “These apprentices made a great career choice. They’ll make a livable wage, get great benefits, and enjoy the pride that comes with working on projects in their communities.”
Past winners of the IAC go on to enjoy long, fulfilling careers with BAC. Many advance into leadership roles, ranging from forepersons to union officers, contractors, and instructors.
“The apprentices competing here today are the future of our industry,” said BAC President Tim Driscoll. “We have an unparalleled training system that’s the envy of the industry, and it doesn’t exist without great labor-management cooperation.”
“Hopefully, this will open up some doors for me,” said Anthony DiCristotano, ADC 1 of IL apprentice, who won first in terrazzo. “It feels great to win, and this has been such a nice experience. I’ve met a lot of people, so we’ll see where the wind takes me.”
Ashton Sollars, Local 3 CA apprentice, who won second in brick, is also dreaming about his future. “Hopefully, I’ll become a foreman in the future, and maybe even have my own business – you never know.”
At the awards ceremony, the mood amongst the winning apprentices was triumphant. “I wanted this so badly, and I did it! I’m speechless,” exclaimed Bryant.
“It feels so great to win. I’m so happy,” said Mariusz Sarat, ADC 1 IL apprentice and first-place tile winner.
Caryn Halifax, IMI/IMTEF President, recognized the success of all the competitors. “For an apprentice to make it to the International Contest means that they’ve really put extra time and effort into building their skills. Everyone here today walked in the door as winners and has a bright future ahead of them.”
Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 BAC/IMI International Apprentice Contest.
For a full list of winners visit: bacweb.org