In honor of National Apprenticeship Week, the America’s Work Force Union Podcast welcomed Tony DiPerna, National Director of Apprenticeship and Training at the International Masonry Training and Education Foundation (IMTEF). DiPerna discussed the evolving landscape of apprenticeship training and the significant strides made in the diversification and modernization of the masonry trades.
A seasoned veteran with a 38-year career in the trades, DiPerna shared his personal journey from being a bricklayer's son to his current position leading the training arm of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC) with the IMTEF. He emphasized the importance of a standardized curriculum across North America, ensuring that apprentices receive consistent, high-quality training in all regions. This standardization is crucial as the industry adapts to new technologies, such as virtual and augmented reality, to keep members up-to-date with modern practices.
The discussion also highlighted proactive efforts to increase diversity within the trades. DiPerna noted that the BAC is the fastest-growing union for female participation, thanks in part to initiatives like maternity leave and childcare support through programs like KinderCare. These efforts are helping to break down barriers and attract a diverse workforce, including individuals from underserved communities.
DiPerna also reflected on the evolving approach to apprentice recruitment. With most apprentices now coming from outside traditional high school channels, the BAC has shifted its focus to targeting individuals in the service and warehouse industries. This strategy is supported by programs like MC3, which provide direct entry into the trades for those completing a pre-apprenticeship training course. This approach aligns with the broader mission of the North American Building Trades Unions (NABTU) to provide pathways to the middle class through skilled trades.
Listen to the full episode to dive deeper into the training methods and outreach efforts discussed by DiPerna.
America’s Work Force is the only daily labor podcast in the US and has been on the air since 1993, supplying listeners with useful, relevant input into their daily lives through fact-finding features, in-depth interviews, informative news segments and practical consumer reports. America’s Work Force is committed to providing an accessible venue in which America's workers and their families can hear discussion on important, relevant topics such as employment, healthcare, legislative action, labor-management relations, corporate practices, finances, local and national politics, consumer reports and labor issues.
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