History of the Training Center
After the formation of Local #9 on October 1, 1993,
the new Executive Board, led by former union
President Daryl Hollenback, began consolidating the
various pension, health care and apprenticeship funds
throughout the state.
To this end, the Michigan Bricklayers and Allied
Craftworkers Apprenticeship Fund was established and a Board of Trustees was formed (it is composed of an equal number of representatives from Local #9 and the Associated General Contractors). TIC International Corporation was hired as the Fund administrator.
The International Masonry Institute (IMI), our research, promotion and training arm, had already established a new, but proven, training program as part of the International's Project 2000. Training centers were established in New Jersey, Chicago, Detroit and Springfield, Mass. Each consisted of 12 week, 40 hours per week, preapprentice training programs.
In December 1994, the board of Trustees hired David Fraim, a former union officer with 13 years experience as the apprentice instructor for the former Local #12, to help establish a similar program. Fraim toured several IMI training centers and started instructor training with the IMI.
At the same time, because of its central location and easy accessibility the Trustees' selected the Lansing area for the Apprenticeship School's site.
In July 1995, the Training Committee purchased a large, former manufacturing building that provided approximately 6,000 square feet of training area and 800 square feet of office space, which is still in use today. The initial remodeling was completed quickly, with volunteers building the training mock-ups. Testing and interviews were also handled promptly and the first class began on August 10,1995. Local #9 retiree Ronald Long provided valuable assistance as a part-time instructor. To date, over 400 students have completed the program and are working in various chapters throughout BAC Local 9.
In the fall of 1996, more remodeling was completed and office space was then leased to Local #9. Having the Local's offices and the Apprenticeship School in the same building has proven to be both economical and efficient
In April 1997, David Fraim retired as the director and full-time instructor and Tom McCord was hired to replace him.
The Training Center was remodeled again in 1999 by adding much needed floor space with a major face lift to the existing building and parking lot. Minor improvements have been made as needed to accommodate office space, tools and supply storage for additional training needs.
