BOWIE, MD – This afternoon, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) and Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh hosted a roundtable and tour at the John J. Flynn BAC/IMI International Training Center at the International Masonry Training and Education Foundation (IMTEF). The IMTEF provides critical support to workers through registered apprenticeship opportunities that provide economic mobility and good family-supporting jobs. During the visit, Congressman Hoyer and Secretary Walsh discussed the just-passed CHIPS and Science Act, which will bolster domestic manufacturing of semiconductors, reduce dependence on foreign supply chains, and give workers and small businesses the tools they need to make it in America.
“Making registered apprenticeship opportunities more accessible to American workers not only ensures they receive the training and skills they need to build meaningful careers, but also allows the U.S. to maintain our competitive edge in this twenty-first century global economy,” said Congressman Hoyer. “I was glad to host this roundtable with Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh, apprentices, and labor leaders at the IMTEF today to discuss the progress Maryland has made on expanding registered apprenticeship and job training programs. As a key part of my Make It In America agenda, I was proud to vote for and send the historic CHIPS and Science Act to the President, which will be essential to bolstering our supply chain and creating opportunities for American workers. I look forward to continuing to work alongside the Biden-Harris administration to advance the goals of the Make It In America agenda to ensure our workers have the tools they need to get ahead.”
“Registered Apprenticeship is a proven model to connect workers to good jobs—a key priority for the Biden-Harris administration and for Congressman Hoyer,” said Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh. “The IMTEF offers critical workforce development and training that ensures workers can support their families and create a rewarding career. Bolstering job training across industries is a major part of making more products in America, which is a key component of the recently passed CHIPS Act. I look forward to continuing working with Congressman Hoyer to ensure and robust investment in Registered Apprenticeship to support communities and our nation’s economy.”
“We appreciate Secretary Walsh, Congressman Hoyer, and others taking the time to tour our facility and speak with our members,” said BAC International President Tim Driscoll. “Apprenticeships change lives every day. BAC apprentices receive the best training, benefits and job opportunities in the construction industry. Over 3-4 years, apprentices earn money while they train on-the-job and in the classroom. They are able to access health care and other member benefits for themselves and their families. Through this process they master a craft that is in demand across the country.”
“Registered Apprenticeship has long been recognized as the most practical and efficient training system to meet the construction industry’s needs for a continuing supply of a skilled workforce,” said IMI/IMTEF President Caryn Halifax. “The International Training Center is the jewel in the crown of our apprenticeship system. Here, we give new craftworkers the training they need to be productive on the job from day one, train instructors to the highest standards and latest curriculum, and advance policies that ensure equitable and diverse training experiences.”
“Skilled labor is important. Not everyone can be a doctor or lawyer,” said BAC Local 1 Maryland, Virginia, and District of Columbia Secretary-Treasurer Pedro Clavijo. “You can make good money being a union mason. This career allows them to provide for their families and contribute to their communities, which strengthens the economy.”
“Being an apprentice with BAC is all about developing tangible skills that cannot be taken away from you, no matter what,” said BAC Local 1 Maryland, Virginia, and District of Columbia stone apprentice Peter Thuronyi. “I like being able to see and point to the work that I’ve done. I admire how this program is all about people coming together and creating a standard of living that’s increasingly rare.”
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