Nick Hardwick, a Tilesetters Local 18 apprentice, placed second in the Terrazzo category at this year’s Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC) International Masonry Institute’s (IMI) apprentice contest.
The competition, held in Boston Sept. 23 and 24, showcased the skill of highly trained apprentice craftworkers representing every local within the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (IUBAC).
‘CAPSTONE TO ANY APPRENTICE’S CAREER’
“Winning this competition is a capstone to any apprentice’s career,” said Tim Driscoll, IUBAC president. “The passion, preparedness, and persistence that make our members the best hands in the business were on full display at this year’s competition.”
The BAC Administrative District Council (ADC) of Eastern Missouri was well-represented in the competition. The BAC ADC represents members of Bricklayers Local 1 and Tilesetters Local 18.
Hardwick, of Missouri Terrazzo, and Bricklayers Local 1 apprentice Chase Morfeld, of John Smith Masonry, were among 75 apprentices from across the United States and Canada who competed to earn the title of International Craft Champion.
CLASS, HARD WORK AND SKILL
“Locals 1 and 18 have produced some of the best craftsmen in our industries, and Nick is carrying on that tradition,” said BAC ADC Director Brian Jennewein. “Nick had to advance through local and regional competitions to reach the finals. That alone is quite an accomplishment. Nick represented Local 18 and the District Council with class, hard work and skill. We could not be more proud of Nick.”
Contestants participated in several challenges to demonstrate what they’ve mastered while learning and working in BAC’s registered apprenticeship programs. Notably, they built mockups that reflect essential craft skills they use every day on construction job sites. First, second and third place awards in brick, pointing-cleaning-caulking, stone, tile, marble, terrazzo, cement and plaster were given.
Hardwick was all smiles when he was called on stage to receive his trowel award in the terrazzo category from IUBAC President Driscoll, Secretary-Treasurer Bob Arnold and Executive Vice President Jerry Sullivan.
PROFESSIONALISM AND DEDICATION
“Nick represented our local with professionalism and dedication,” said Local 18 Apprenticeship Coordinator Charlie Reiter. “With apprentices like him, I’m confident in the future of our local and our apprenticeship program.”
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