The Michigan Trowel Trades Apprenticeship and Training Fund was established to provide comprehensive training and education for individuals pursuing careers in the masonry and allied trowel trades. The program is registered with and approved by the United States Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship and operates under the August 14, 1975 Agreement and Declaration of Trust, as well as all subsequent amendments and Apprenticeship Committee Standards.
The Michigan Trowel Trades Apprenticeship and Training Fund was formed through the merger of several apprenticeship programs, creating a unified and standardized training system designed to meet the evolving needs of the construction industry. The program is administered by a Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC), which is responsible for oversight of curriculum, training standards, and program operations in accordance with federal and state regulations.
The International Union of Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers (BAC), the oldest labor organization in North America, represents one of the oldest crafts in the world. BAC Local 2, Michigan, chartered in November of 1897, represents skilled tradespeople in all facets of the trowel trades, including brick and block laying, building restoration, cement, marble, plaster, refractory, stone, terrazzo, tile, and precast panel work.
The primary objective of the apprenticeship program is to ensure a sufficient number of highly skilled mechanics in the masonry trades. To achieve this, the program combines extensive on-the-job training with related classroom instruction, ensuring apprentices develop both the technical knowledge and practical skills required to meet industry standards and safety practices.
Employers contribute to the Apprenticeship and Training Fund pursuant to the collective bargaining agreement, and these contributions are administered by the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee to support training, facilities, and program development. The Committee also determines the appropriate number of apprentices to be employed to balance workforce demand with training capacity.
Apprentices are trained under the supervision of experienced journeyworkers and industry professionals, with a strong emphasis on safety, craftsmanship, and productivity. The program is continually reviewed and updated to reflect advancements in materials, techniques, and industry standards.
Through its commitment to workforce development, the Michigan Trowel Trades Apprenticeship and Training Fund plays a critical role in strengthening the masonry industry while improving the quality of life for its members by providing access to skilled careers, family-sustaining wages, and comprehensive benefits.