Next Generation of Craftworkers On Display At The Skills USA Competition

Last Friday, a group of young men and women came together at the Skills USA Competition at The Great Big Home & Garden Expo at the I-X Center in Cleveland to work on team projects that included carpentry, plumbing, electrical and, of course, masonry.

In total, 13 schools competed in the North East Regional Competition. A-Tech, Auburn Career Tech, Cuyahoga Valley Career Tech, and Medina County Career Tech will all be advancing to the State Competition!

The competition was judged by BAC Local 23 leaders: Cleveland Field Rep. Nicole Ohmer, Cleveland Field Rep. Joe Harrison, Akron Field Rep. Tom Dieringer, and Local 23 Vice Chairperson Joshua Moss.

“Last Friday was a great glimpse into the future of our trade. We had the opportunity to watch and judge the next generation of craftworkers in a team atmosphere where masonry was showcased. These types of events really bring excitement to the trade and give young craftworkers the opportunity to showcase their skills,” said Moss.

On January 29th, the Southern Ohio Regional Training Center hosted 35 students who attend classes at the Grant Career Center in Bethel, Ohio. Our Local 23 apprentices, along with Local 23 instructors David Hale and Matt Lightle, were able to show the high school students what our center has to offer. Our Local 23 team worked hand in hand to familiarize the visiting students with bricklaying, caulking and restoration skills. This was a first time visit for the students of Grant Center, who have a special connection to Local 23: classes at their school are taught by former BAC member Ken Carter!

BAC Local 23’s Central Ohio Chapter will be holding a Steward training class on Feb. 7 at 8 a.m. at the chapter’s headquarters at 3005 Lamb Ave., Columbus, OH 43219. To register, please contact Bill Hulet at 330-323-0818 by the end of the day on Feb. 5 so he can order lunch for class participants.

These special called meetings are open to all plan participants and spouses to explain the upcoming changes to the Ohio Bricklayers pension plan. All plan professionals will be in attendance to answer your questions. Please make every effort to attend. Dates and locations are as follows:

NEXT TUESDAY: Tuesday, February 10th, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: 9437 Hamilton Dr., Mentor, Ohio 44060

Thursday, March 12th, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: 1550 Chase Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio 45223

Director of Apprenticeship and Training for BAC Local 23, Brian Greynolds working on some mockups at the Columbus Training Center!

“A huge thank you to Brian and the whole Local 23 team who are working tirelessly to reopen the training center. The demand for union bricklayers in Columbus is growing, and Local 23 will be ready,” said Local 23 President Danny Musacchio.