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Local 23 Hosting COMET Class in Columbus: January 17

Local 23 Central Ohio Chapter will be holding a COMET (Construction Organizing Membership Education Training) class this Saturday, January 17 from 8am-1pm at the Columbus Union Hall/Training Center at 3005 Lamb Ave, Columbus, OH 43219. Come be a part of the movement in Columbus!

We are asking everyone that is attending to bring another member and RSVP for food order. There will be coffee and doughnuts in the morning, and lunch will be provided. We will have shirts and hard hat stickers for members. To RSVP, contact Bill Hulet: 330-323-0818 bhulet@bac23.org; Jesus Ochoa: 330-571-5289 jochoa@bac23.org.

Job Opportunities

Southwest Ohio/Northern Kentucky

BAC Local 23 is interested in hiring a Field Representative for the Southwest Ohio/Northern Kentucky area. All resumes should be sent to frontdesk@bac23.org.

Dayton Area

PCC Masonry is in need of journeyman bricklayers in the Dayton area. If you are interested, please contact Aaron Schuerman (419) 234-2876.

ICYMI: Important Changes to Drug Testing Services Going Forward

\Effective Jan 1, 2026, Mobile Medical Corporation is replacing SCT as your current CISAP administrator and will provide your drug testing services going forward. Testing notifications will be moving to 100% electronic. Mobile Medical Corporation will send testing notifications (annual and random) via both:

  • Email Address
  • Text Message

The notification will come from the number: 412-837-8544. Please save this number in your phone as “Mobile Medical.” The notification will include your authorization deadline date and a link to the testing facility list.

When you arrive at the approved facility, show them the digital authorization form, on your phone, along with your photo ID. If you already have a CISAP Drug Free Card, with a QR code, you will not receive a new one. The data will upload automatically. Replacement cards cost $15.00.

MMC Office hours are Monday – Friday 7:30 am – 5:00pm. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions. The phone number is 440-895-8358.

Ohio Bricklayers Pension Town Hall Meetings Coming Up

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:

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

Photo of the Week

Brother Jeff King being sworn in as the President of Cincinnati AFL-CIO Labor Council

Please know you can always reach out to leadership if you have any questions. Here is a link to their information. Our doors and phones are always open to you so please call us at 440-986-3000 or send an email to info@bac23.org.

President – Danny Musacchio
Secretary/Treasurer – Noah Carmichael
Vice Chairperson – Brian Collier

Vice Chairperson – Joshua Moss
Vice Chairperson – Brian Wear
Vice Chairperson – Shawn Herzog
Vice Chairperson –Justin Gartrell

By |2026-01-12T21:25:18+00:00January 12, 2026|Drug Testing, Job Opportunities, Pension, Training|0 Comments

Remembering Brother Jerre Riggle

We are saddened to inform our members that Jerre Riggle, the former field representative for the Youngstown/Warren area, passed away last week.

“Jerre was a good, loyal union man. He was a hard worker and when he got his marching orders – even if nobody else was doing it – Jerre did it. He followed through and led by example. The whole Local 23 family was very lucky to call him a brother and he will be missed,” said Lee Kurtz, former Local 8 President and retired member of 52 years.

Over the weekend, many of Riggle’s former union brothers and sisters attended his funeral service, paying respects to him and his family.

As a testament to his dedication to this union and all we stand for, Brother Jerre’s trowel and hammer were placed beside his ashes. Solidarity.

Local 23 Hosting COMET Class in Columbus January 17

Local 23 Central Ohio Chapter will be holding a COMET (Construction Organizing Membership Education Training) class Saturday, January 17 from 8am-1pm at the Columbus Union Hall/Training Center at 3005 Lamb Ave, Columbus, OH 43219. Come be a part of the movement down in Columbus!

We are asking everyone that is attending to bring another member and RSVP for food order. There will be coffee and doughnuts in the morning, and lunch will be provided. We will have shirts and hard hat stickers for members. To RSVP, contact Bill Hulet: 330-323-0818 bhulet@bac23.org; Jesus Ochoa: 330-571-5289 jochoa@bac23.org.

Important Changes to Drug Testing Services Going Forward

Effective Jan 1, 2026, Mobile Medical Corporation is replacing SCT as your current CISAP administrator and will provide your drug testing services going forward. Testing notifications will be moving to 100% electronic. Mobile Medical Corporation will send testing notifications (annual and random) via both:

  • Email Address
  • Text Message

The cell # the notification comes from is “412-837-8544.” Please save this number in your phone as “Mobile Medical.” The notification will include your authorization deadline date and a link to the testing facility list.

When you arrive at the approved facility, show them the digital authorization form, on your phone, along with your photo ID. If you already have a CISAP Drug Free Card, with a QR code, you will not receive a new one. The data will upload automatically. Replacement cards cost $15.00.

MMC Office hours are Monday – Friday 7:30 am – 5:00pm. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions. The phone number is 440

Employment Opportunities

Southwest Ohio/Northern Kentucky

BAC Local 23 is interested in hiring a Field Representative for the Southwest Ohio/Northern Kentucky area. All resumes should be sent to frontdesk@bac23.org.

West Virginia

Mardo Masonry is looking for masons around the Parkersburg and Clarksburg area and also looking for masons interested in running work. If you are interested, please contact Charlie Douglas at (304) 698-9412.

Contractors are seeking bricklayers for an addition on the Pendleton County courthouse in Franklin, WV. Per diem may be available based on the member’s distance. For more information, contact Geno Virgili at (724) 710-4822.

Photo of the Week

Northeast Chapter Member Tim James working for Miencorp Masonry at Kimberly Clark in Warren

Please know you can always reach out to leadership if you have any questions. Here is a link to their information. Our doors and phones are always open to you so please call us at 440-986-3000 or send an email to info@bac23.org.

President – Danny Musacchio
Secretary/Treasurer – Noah Carmichael
Vice Chairperson – Brian Collier

Vice Chairperson – Joshua Moss
Vice Chairperson – Brian Wear
Vice Chairperson – Shawn Herzog
Vice Chairperson –Justin Gartrell

By |2026-01-06T16:48:59+00:00January 6, 2026|Drug Testing, In Memoriam, Job Opportunities, Training|0 Comments

Happy New Year from BAC Local 23!

From our Local 23 family to yours, we hope you have a great new year! We are looking forward to a great 2026. If you’re in charge of snacks for the New Year’s Eve party this year, don’t forget to shop union when you can! You can find the AFL-CIO’s union-made shopping list here.

Please know you can always reach out to leadership if you have any questions. Here is a link to their information. Our doors and phones are always open to you so please call us at 440-986-3000 or send an email to info@bac23.org.

President – Danny Musacchio
Secretary/Treasurer – Noah Carmichael
Vice Chairperson – Brian Collier

Vice Chairperson – Joshua Moss
Vice Chairperson – Brian Wear
Vice Chairperson – Shawn Herzog
Vice Chairperson –Justin Gartrell

By |2025-12-29T20:30:26+00:00December 29, 2025|Holidays|0 Comments

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from BAC Local 23!

From our Local 23 family to yours, we wish you a wonderful holiday season. Thank you to everyone who made it out to the many Christmas parties across our Local these last few weeks. If you click the image below, you can watch a short video with photos from all the parties! And as always, don’t forget to shop union when and where you can this holiday season. You can find the AFL-CIO’s union-made shopping list here.

Photo of the Week

Left to Right: 50 Years of Service awards members Doug Messimer & Ray Rice and 40 year Bob Barber with Local 23 Vice Chairman Brian Collier at the Northeast Chapter Youngstown Christmas Awards Party!

Please know you can always reach out to leadership if you have any questions. Here is a link to their information. Our doors and phones are always open to you so please call us at 440-986-3000 or send an email to info@bac23.org.

President – Danny Musacchio
Secretary/Treasurer – Noah Carmichael
Vice Chairperson – Brian Collier

Vice Chairperson – Joshua Moss
Vice Chairperson – Brian Wear
Vice Chairperson – Shawn Herzog
Vice Chairperson –Justin Gartrell

By |2025-12-22T19:27:54+00:00December 22, 2025|Holidays|0 Comments

Hands-On With The Next Generation of Bricklayers!

Last week, Canton Field Rep. Drew Fernandez and Akron Field Rep. Tom Dieringer took a trip to the Portage Lakes Career Center and spoke with the junior class about Local 23 and a future career in bricklaying. They laid brick and block with them for a few hours, all while talking about the industry and the benefits of being union strong. Juniors and seniors from four area high schools (Green, Manchester, Springfield and Coventry) attend Portage Lakes Career Center and the Construction Class that they offer. Students learn all the trades, but have spent the last couple weeks learning how to lay brick and block.

Fernandez and Dieringer are not alone in their outreach to young bricklayers! Canton member, Jeremiah Unklesbay, has been going to the Career Center on his own time once a winter for years and working with the young people. He also does the same with Buckeye Career Center in New Philadelphia.

“It’s really rewarding to be able to spend time with these young students and teach them about the work we do and about our union. A huge shoutout to the class’s instructor, Adam Irwin, for letting us join in and work with the students and thank you to Jeremiah and Beaver Constructors for donating 144 new blocks and a bulk bag of mason sand to the class. This is how we build our trade and our union: together,” said Fernandez.

Fernandez will be joining Unklesbay in January at the Buckeye Career Center to teach even more young people about the union.

Deck The Union Halls: Parties Are Bringing Members Together For The Holidays!

The holiday cheer continues at Local 23! Holiday parties are continuing on with members gathering all over to celebrate the season and spend time with their union family. There are many more parties and celebrations on the horizon so take a look at the times and locations below to find the party for your chapter! For up-to-date information, you can always reach out to the BAC Local 23 office at 440.986.3000 or email frontdesk@bac23.org to get connected with your field rep. And be sure to follow us on Facebook for updates and photos!

Don’t forget: All members should keep an eye on their mailboxes in the next few weeks. A special surprise from Local 23 will be coming your way! 🎅

Upcoming Holiday Parties:

Northeast OH Canton Christmas Party

When: December 16 @ 6pm

Where: Ironworkers Local 550, 618 High Ave. NW, Canton, OH 44703

Northeast OH Youngstown Christmas Party

When: December 16 @ 6pm

Where: Operating Engineers Local 66, 291 McClurg Rd., Boardman, OH, 44512

Valley Chapter Holiday Party

When: December 18th @ 6pm

Where: Theo’s Restaurant, 632 Wheeling Ave. Cambridge, OH

Northern West Virginia Chapter Holiday Party

When: December 19th @ 6pm

Where: 19 Middletown Rd. White Hall, WV

James Brown with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren at the Mansfield Kids Christmas Party

Employment Opportunity

BAC Local 23 is interested in hiring a Field Representative for the Southwest Ohio/Northern Kentucky area. All resumes should be sent to frontdesk@bac23.org.

Photo of the Week

James Brown receiving his 75 year plaque at the Mansfield Kids Christmas Party last week. Brother Brown was surrounded by loved ones including his great-grandchildren

Please know you can always reach out to leadership if you have any questions. Here is a link to their information. Our doors and phones are always open to you so please call us at 440-986-3000 or send an email to info@bac23.org.

President – Danny Musacchio
Secretary/Treasurer – Noah Carmichael
Vice Chairperson – Brian Collier

Vice Chairperson – Joshua Moss
Vice Chairperson – Brian Wear
Vice Chairperson – Shawn Herzog
Vice Chairperson –Justin Gartrell

By |2025-12-15T21:48:44+00:00December 15, 2025|Holidays, Job Opportunities, Outreach|0 Comments

OSHA 10-Hour Construction Course Available Dec. 29 and 30!

Attention to all members: we are now accepting sign ups for the OSHA 10-Hour Construction Course on Dec. 29 and 30 at the Northern Regional Training Center at 8499 Leavitt Road, Amherst OH 44001. To sign up, please call or text Brian Greynolds at (304) 276-2547.

The OSHA 10-Hour Construction Course is an entry-level safety program designed to provide workers with essential knowledge of construction industry hazards and safe work practices. This course helps participants recognize, avoid, mitigate, and prevent job-related safety and health risks on construction sites.

Training covers OSHA regulations, workers’ rights, employer responsibilities, and standards specific to the construction industry. Core topics include:

* Introduction to OSHA and worker rights

* Focus Four hazards: falls, electrocution, struck-by, and caught-in/between

* Personal protective equipment (PPE)

* Scaffolding safety

* Stairways and ladders

* Health hazards in construction

* Tools and equipment safety

* Excavation and trenching basics

* Material handling

The course is taught by an OSHA-authorized instructor and includes interactive discussions, real-world examples, and hazard recognition exercises. Upon successful completion, participants receive an OSHA 10-Hour Construction completion card, demonstrating foundational safety awareness required by many employers, contractors, and job sites.

Class will start at 8am both days. Dec. 29 will be a full day and Dec. 30 will be a half day, ending at noon. We will need a minimum of 3 members to sign up, with a class size limit of 40, to hold the course. If you are interested in attending, call or text Brian Greynolds at (304) 276-2547.

Holiday Parties In Full Swing!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Holiday parties are off to a great start, with the Northwest Chapter Kids Christmas Party, Central Ohio Chapter Holiday Party, and Tri-State Christmas Dinner kicking off the festivities (check out the pics below). There are many more parties and celebrations on the horizon so take a look at the times and locations below to find the party for your chapter! There still might be some additional dates added, so be sure to stay tuned. For up-to-date information, you can always reach out to the BAC Local 23 office at 440.986.3000 or email frontdesk@bac23.org to get connected with your field rep. And be sure to follow us on Facebook for updates and photos!

PS: All members should keep an eye on their mailboxes in the next few weeks. A special surprise from Local 23 will be coming your way! 🎅

Upcoming Holiday Parties:

Central Retirees Christmas Luncheon

When: December 11 @ 11am

Where: 3005 Lamb Ave., Columbus, OH 43219

Southwest Ohio Holiday Party

When: December 11 @ 6pm

Where: 3366 Successful Way, Dayton, Ohio, 45414

Southern West Virginia Christmas Party

When: December 11 @ 6pm

Where: 600 Leon Sullivan Way, Charleston WV, 25301

Northwest Chapter Holiday Party

When: December 12 @ 6pm

Where: 4652 Lewis Avenue, Toledo OH 43612

Northshore Christmas Party

When: December 12 @ 6pm

Where: 6001 Rockside Rd., Independence, OH 44131

Northeast OH Akron Christmas/Awards Party

When: December 12 @ 6pm

Where: 908 ½ N. Main St., Akron, OH 44310

Northeast OH Canton Christmas Party

When: December 16 @ 6pm

Where: Ironworkers Local 550, 618 High Ave. NW, Canton, OH 44703

Northeast OH Youngstown Christmas Party

When: December 16 @ 6pm

Where: Operating Engineers Local 66, 291 McClurg Rd., Boardman, OH, 44512

Valley Chapter Holiday Party

When: December 18th @ 6pm

Where: Theo’s Restaurant, 632 Wheeling Ave. Cambridge, OH

Northern West Virginia Chapter Holiday Party

When: December 19th @ 6pm

Where: 19 Middletown Rd. White Hall, WV

Employment Opportunity

BAC Local 23 is interested in hiring a Field Representative for the Southwest Ohio/Northern Kentucky area. All resumes should be sent to frontdesk@bac23.org.

Unemployment Updates For Members

Unemployment is a bit different this year, but no need to worry because Local 23 has your back.

Field representatives will no longer complete union verifications from their offices. Instead, once a week unemployment will send a list to the main office in Amherst. The ladies at the Local 23 office that take the dues payments will verify you are a member in good standing and are paid up on your dues. Once they verify that you are paid up on your dues, they send the list back to unemployment for processing.

The basic gist is that instead of going through your local chapter, unemployment will be going through the main office.

This is a much faster process than before.

While waiting for unemployment, be sure to continue with work searches as usual. You can put down the last contractor you worked for and BAC local 23 as contacts. And make sure when you file you are putting down Local 23 and the main address: 8497 Leavitt Road, Amherst, OH  44001. Remember to check your claim daily for correspondence. For dues payment you can call 1-800-442-0479.

For any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your field rep. You can also call the office at 440-986-3000 or email them at frontdesk@bac23.org.

Your union is here for you.

Photo of the Week

Field Representative Scott Ansell made a recent visit to the Northern Ohio Regional Training Center. Fourth year apprentices Richard Roberts, Toledo, and Jacob Addis, Cleveland, built this awesome set of steps.

Please know you can always reach out to leadership if you have any questions. Here is a link to their information. Our doors and phones are always open to you so please call us at 440-986-3000 or send an email to info@bac23.org.

President – Danny Musacchio
Secretary/Treasurer – Noah Carmichael
Vice Chairperson – Brian Collier

Vice Chairperson – Joshua Moss
Vice Chairperson – Brian Wear
Vice Chairperson – Shawn Herzog
Vice Chairperson –Justin Gartrell

By |2025-12-09T13:23:42+00:00December 9, 2025|Holidays, Job Opportunities, Training, Unemployment|0 Comments

Union History: Class is in session!

BAC Local 23 Secretary-Treasurer, Noah Carmichael, has been teaching apprentices the history of our union for 10 years. He recently held a class, assigning apprentices to find union leaders from throughout history. The students did a great job finding incredible leaders like Eugene Debs, George Meany, Cesar Chavez, and James Connolly. One group even did a presentation on union organizations from around the globe. This class was connecting the dots throughout the history of the labor movement to their own union and their own work right now!

“I am not a formally trained teacher, but I came up with the union history class for our first-year apprentices and have been teaching it for 10 years. It is very important to the future of our union, and union members to understand where they came from. People bled to have union rights, and we honor those people by remembering their history and teaching our members how to fight to preserve them. The bricklayer’s union and our members are part of the entire labor movement. The goal is to have our members, even the apprentices, be a strong part of it,” said Carmichael.

Our entire region here in Local 23 is rich with union leaders, union history, and many unspoken battles that took place right underneath our feet.

Holiday Parties Are  Coming!

BAC Local 23 is hosting our yearly holiday parties this season for our members. These events give everyone a chance to relax, catch up, and enjoy some food and holiday activities together. It’s a simple way for the union to bring people together and mark the end of another year of hard work! We will be hosting these events for every chapter. Stay tuned as we finalize all the dates and times!

For up-to-date information, you can always reach out to the BAC Local 23 office at 440.986.3000 or email frontdesk@bac23.org to get connected with your field rep. And be sure to follow us on Facebook for updates and photos!

Valley Chapter Holiday Party
    When: December 18th @ 6pm
Where: Theo’s Restaurant, 632 Wheeling Ave. Cambridge, OH

Northern West Virginia Chapter Holiday Party
    When: December 19th @ 6pm
Where: 19 Middletown Rd. White Hall, WV

Northwest Chapter Kids Christmas Party
    When: December 6 @ 11am
Where: 67 S. Walnut St., Mansfield, OH 44902

Tri-State Christmas Dinner
    When: December 6 @ 6pm
Where: 99 15th St., Ashland, KY 41101

Central Retirees Christmas Luncheon
    When: December 11 @ 11am
Where: 3005 Lamb Ave., Columbus, OH 43219

Northshore Christmas Party
    When: December 12 @ 6pm
Where: 6001 Rockside Rd., Independence, OH 44131

Northeast OH Akron Christmas/Awards Party
    When: December 12 @ 6pm
Where: 908 ½ N. Main St., Akron, OH 44310

Photo of the Week

Local 23’s Sierra Kriston with the West Virginia Women Work’s 2025 Fall Class!

Please know you can always reach out to leadership if you have any questions. Here is a link to their information. Our doors and phones are always open to you so please call us at 440-986-3000 or send an email to info@bac23.org.

President – Danny Musacchio
Secretary/Treasurer – Noah Carmichael
Vice Chairperson – Brian Collier

Vice Chairperson – Joshua Moss
Vice Chairperson – Brian Wear
Vice Chairperson – Shawn Herzog
Vice Chairperson –Justin Gartrell

By |2025-12-02T15:39:31+00:00December 2, 2025|History, Holidays|0 Comments

Happy Thanksgiving from BAC Local 23!

At BAC Local 23, we’re thankful for all our members who show up and work hard every day.

Enjoy the holiday, eat well, rest up, and spend time with the people who matter most. You’ve earned it!

If you’re in charge of grabbing the grub for the holiday meal, be sure to check the AFL-CIO’s list of union-made brands!

Where: 908 ½ N. Main St., Akron, OH 44310

Holiday Parties Are  Coming!

BAC Local 23 is hosting our yearly holiday parties this season for our members. These events give everyone a chance to relax, catch up, and enjoy some food and holiday activities together. It’s a simple way for the union to bring people together and mark the end of another year of hard work! We will be hosting these events for every chapter. Stay tuned as we finalize all the dates and times!

For up-to-date information, you can always reach out to the BAC Local 23 office at 440.986.3000 or email frontdesk@bac23.org to get connected with your field rep. And be sure to follow us on Facebook for updates and photos!

Valley Chapter Holiday Party
    When: December 18th @ 6pm
Where: Theo’s Restaurant, 632 Wheeling Ave. Cambridge, OH

Northern West Virginia Chapter Holiday Party
    When: December 19th @ 6pm
Where: 19 Middletown Rd. White Hall, WV

Northwest Chapter Kids Christmas Party
    When: December 6 @ 11am
Where: 67 S. Walnut St., Mansfield, OH 44902

Tri-State Christmas Dinner
    When: December 6 @ 6pm
Where: 99 15th St., Ashland, KY 41101

Central Retirees Christmas Luncheon
    When: December 11 @ 11am
Where: 3005 Lamb Ave., Columbus, OH 43219

Northshore Christmas Party
    When: December 12 @ 6pm
Where: 6001 Rockside Rd., Independence, OH 44131

Northeast OH Akron Christmas/Awards Party
    When: December 12 @ 6pm
Where: 908 ½ N. Main St., Akron, OH 44310

Photo of the Week

Marsa Masonry, Bridgeport School Project

Please know you can always reach out to leadership if you have any questions. Here is a link to their information. Our doors and phones are always open to you so please call us at 440-986-3000 or send an email to info@bac23.org.

President – Danny Musacchio
Secretary/Treasurer – Noah Carmichael
Vice Chairperson – Brian Collier

Vice Chairperson – Joshua Moss
Vice Chairperson – Brian Wear
Vice Chairperson – Shawn Herzog
Vice Chairperson –Justin Gartrell

By |2025-11-24T20:49:24+00:00November 24, 2025|Holidays|0 Comments

Holiday Parties Are Right Around The Corner!

BAC Local 23 is hosting our yearly holiday parties this season for our members. These events give everyone a chance to relax, catch up, and enjoy some food and holiday activities together. It’s a simple way for the union to bring people together and mark the end of another year of hard work! We will be hosting these events for every chapter. Stay tuned as we finalize all the dates and times!

For up-to-date information, you can always reach out to the BAC Local 23 office at 440.986.3000 or email frontdesk@bac23.org to get connected with your field rep. And be sure to follow us on Facebook for updates and photos!

Northwest Chapter Kids Christmas Party
When: December 6 @ 11am
Where: 67 S. Walnut St., Mansfield, OH 44902

Tri-State Christmas Dinner
When: December 6 @ 6pm
Where: 99 15th St., Ashland, KY 41101

Central Retirees Christmas Luncheon
When: December 11 @ 11am
Where: 3005 Lamb Ave., Columbus, OH 43219

Northshore Christmas Party
When: December 12 @ 6pm
Where: 6001 Rockside Rd., Independence, OH 44131

Northeast OH Akron Christmas/Awards Party
When: December 12 @ 6pm
Where: 908 ½ N. Main St., Akron, OH 44310

Photo of the Week

Joe Prezioso and Tim Sapp working for Tervo Masonry on villa foundations at the new Shepherd of the Valley retirement community in Salem, Ohio.

Please know you can always reach out to leadership if you have any questions. Here is a link to their information. Our doors and phones are always open to you so please call us at 440-986-3000 or send an email to info@bac23.org.

President – Danny Musacchio
Secretary/Treasurer – Noah Carmichael
Vice Chairperson – Brian Collier

Vice Chairperson – Joshua Moss
Vice Chairperson – Brian Wear
Vice Chairperson – Shawn Herzog
Vice Chairperson –Justin Gartrell

By |2025-11-18T15:58:36+00:00November 18, 2025|Holidays|0 Comments

ACT Ohio and BAC Local 23 Hold Training Event for School Counselors

During this two-day event, more than 100 school counselors from across Northern Ohio participated in a specialized training hosted by ACT Ohio and the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC) Local 23. The program helped counselors gain a deeper understanding of registered apprenticeship programs and how they provide students with debt-free, high-skill career pathways in the construction industry.

The event was held at the Northern Ohio Regional Training Center in Amherst, where attendees toured the state-of-the-art facility, observed live masonry and masonry restoration demonstrations, and even took part in hands-on activities alongside instructors and apprentices.

“This event gives counselors a real appreciation for the professionalism and technical expertise today’s apprentices develop,” said Kitty McConnell, a representative from ACT Ohio. “It’s about showing them that apprenticeship programs are not a second option — they’re a first-class career path for students who want to earn while they learn.”

This event also fulfills a state requirement for counselor professional development. Under Ohio Revised Code § 3319.2213, guidance counselors serving grades 7–12 must complete a four-hour training on building and construction trades apprenticeships every five years as part of their license renewal. The training—offered at no cost—must be conducted through a Joint Labor-Management Apprenticeship Training Center (JATC) and provides information on pay, benefits, and job opportunities in the skilled trades.

While this specific mandate focuses on the construction sector, Ohio law also encourages broader career exploration and workforce awareness through programs like the Career Awareness and Exploration Funds, established under House Bill 110, which help schools expand students’ understanding of diverse career pathways.

By attending the Amherst session, counselors not only met state professional development requirements but also gained firsthand insight into how BAC Local 23’s apprenticeship model blends classroom learning, on-the-job training, and competitive wages to prepare students for lifelong success.

“In many schools, students hear about college every day, but not enough about careers in the trades,” said Brian Greynolds, BAC Local 23 Training Director. “By inviting counselors here, we’re helping them see what modern apprenticeship training really looks like — and how rewarding it can be.”

The training is part of ACT Ohio’s ongoing initiative to connect educators, workforce leaders, and industry partners in strengthening Ohio’s future workforce. By equipping counselors with accurate, up-to-date information on apprenticeship programs, ACT Ohio and BAC Local 23 are ensuring that every student in Ohio learns about all paths to success — college, career, or construction.

Photo of the Week

Robert Frederick working for Grae-Con Construction in Parkersburg West Virginia

Please know you can always reach out to leadership if you have any questions. Here is a link to their information. Our doors and phones are always open to you so please call us at 440-986-3000 or send an email to info@bac23.org.

President – Danny Musacchio
Secretary/Treasurer – Noah Carmichael
Vice Chairperson – Brian Collier

Vice Chairperson – Joshua Moss
Vice Chairperson – Brian Wear
Vice Chairperson – Shawn Herzog
Vice Chairperson –Justin Gartrell

By |2025-11-10T20:56:16+00:00November 10, 2025|ACT Ohio, Training|0 Comments
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