International Masonry Training and Education Foundation

What International Masonry Training and Education Foundation does

The International Masonry Training and Education Foundation (IMTEF) is a private non-profit foundation that delivers training, certifications, and continuing education programs to members of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC) and to at-risk youth entering the trowel trades. Its core offerings include a multi-year apprenticeship pathway (3-4 years), pre-job training, a portfolio of advanced certifications (ACT, Historic Masonry Preservation, Rainscreen, Concrete Repair, JAHN, Grout and Reinforced Masonry, Supervisor Certification, AWS D1.1 Welding, and ABAA Air Barrier), OSHA/MSHA safety training, the Instructor Certification Program (in operation since 1985), and the Job Corps program delivered at 35 centers. The organization also runs the BAC/IMI International Apprentice Contest across eight craft categories.

IMTEF's underlying technology footprint centers on an internal Training Management System (TMS) used by apprentice coordinators and instructors to track member training status, certifications, class scheduling, and demographics from apprenticeship through retirement, supplemented by mass mailing and reporting capabilities. Physical infrastructure includes the 25-acre John J. Flynn BAC/IMI International Training Center in Bowie, MD (opened September 2007), with a 61,000 sq ft open-bay training facility, classrooms, labs, dormitories, and a conference center, supported by a network of 60+ local training centers across the United States and Canada. Operations extend across the U.S. and Canada.

IMTEF's business model is non-transactional: all training is provided free of charge to eligible BAC members and Job Corps participants, with the organization funded entirely through a grant from the International Masonry Institute (IMI), a labor-management entity created by BAC members and signatory contractors. Go-to-market is community-led, routed through BAC local unions and Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees (JATCs) rather than through conventional marketing channels, with the website and Twitter (@imiweb) serving as supplementary information dissemination tools. Customer segments consist of BAC journeyworkers seeking continuing education, BAC apprentices, Job Corps participants ages 16-24, BAC instructors, and JATCs administering apprenticeship programs.

Name

International Masonry Training and Education Foundation

Legal name

International Masonry Training and Education Foundation

Website

https://imtef.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

The International Masonry Training and Education Foundation (IMTEF) provides free training, certifications, and continuing education to members of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC) via a 25-acre National Training Center in Bowie, MD and a network of 60+ local training centers across the U.S. and Canada, funded by an IMI grant.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Construction Trade Training and Apprenticeship

NAICS

Apprenticeship Training (611513), Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Technical and Trade Schools (61151), Other Technical and Trade Schools (611519)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Construction, Engineering & Skilled Trades Licensure Prep (EDAAANAL)

akta.pro secondary industry

Skilled Trades, Safety & Compliance Certification Prep (OSHA, HAZMAT, welding, electrical, HVAC) (EDANAIAM)

Keywords

• Masonry apprenticeship training
• Trade certification programs
• Construction workforce education
• Trowel trades training
• Continuing education crafts

Headquarters

HQ city

Bowie

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Grant Funding: IMTEF is funded through a grant from the International Masonry Institute (IMI), a labor-management organization created by BAC members and signatory contractors. Training programs are provided free of charge to BAC members.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

IMTEF provides training, industry-recognized certifications, and continuing education programs to members of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC) and eligible Job Corps participants. Offerings span pre-job training, 3–4 year registered apprenticeships, advanced craft certifications (ACT, HMPC, CRC, Rainscreen, JAHN, Supervisor, AWS Welder, ABAA Installer), instructor certification, and OSHA/MSHA safety training, delivered at a national training center in Bowie, MD, 60+ local centers, and 35 Job Corps sites.

Product overview

IMTEF provides a comprehensive portfolio of training, certifications, and continuing education programs for members of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC). The core offerings include: the Training Management System (TMS) for tracking member progress; the John J. Flynn BAC/IMI International Training Center in Bowie, MD as the primary training facility; and the Instructor Certification Program (ICP) for developing qualified instructors. Certification programs include Advanced Certifications for Tile (ACT), Historic Masonry Preservation Certificate (HMPC), Concrete Repair Certificate Program (CRC), Rainscreen Certificate Program, Supervisor Certification Program (SCP), JAHN Certification, Grout and Reinforced Masonry Certification, AWS Certified Welder, and ABAA Installer Certification. The organization also delivers pre-job training, 3-4 year apprenticeship programs, the Job Corps Program for at-risk youth, and the BAC/IMI International Apprentice Contest. Health and safety training including OSHA courses is provided through certified trainers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Training Management System (TMS) Internal software used by apprentice coordinators and instructors throughout BAC to track member training status from apprenticeship through retirement, including pre-job training progress, on-the-job training hours, apprenticeship records, journey-level certifications, class scheduling, mass mailing, demographic reports, and training calendar planning.
• John J. Flynn BAC/IMI International Training Center The flagship 25-acre national training facility in Bowie, MD offering advanced training, cross-craft training, train-the-trainer courses, advanced certifications, and continuing education programs to BAC members. Includes classrooms, hands-on training bays, computer lab, library, dormitory, conference center, and dining hall.
• Advanced Certifications for Tile (ACT)
• Historic Masonry Preservation Certificate (HMPC) A 50-hour program providing experienced masons with theory and history of the preservation movement, traditional materials and methods, and advances in preservation technology.
• Concrete Repair Certificate Program (CRC) Hybrid training program developed in partnership with ICRI combining virtual and in-person instruction covering concrete repair theory, history, materials, and hands-on techniques, with a minimum of 28 hours of coursework.
• Rainscreen Certificate Program Comprehensive program covering drained, vented, ventilated, and pressure-moderated rainscreen systems, with hands-on installation experience and knowledge of various cladding systems.
• Supervisor Certification Program (SCP) Program developing highly skilled, confident, and effective supervisors for the union masonry industry.
• JAHN Certification and Stone Patching Workshop Exclusive certification program licensed by Cathedral Stone Products, Inc. (U.S. distributor), equipping students with techniques to repair most types of masonry using long-lasting stone patching methods.
• Grout and Reinforced Masonry Certification Certification program for grouting and reinforced masonry practices as increasingly specified by designers.
• AWS Certified Welder Program Training program introducing Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), with emphasis on fillet and groove welds using E6010 and E7018 electrodes. Testing administered by Earlbeck Technologies (AWS ATF), leading to AWS D1.1 welder certification in vertical 3G and overhead 4G positions, with AWS cards and National Registry of Welders listing.
• Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA) Installer Certification IMTEF-authorized training for ABAA's Self-Adhered and Fluid Applied course, including theory and practical instruction on air barrier assembly installation, conducted with an authorized ABAA representative on-site as a prerequisite for ABAA's Installer Certification.
• Instructor Certification Program (ICP) Multi-year certification course for BAC and Job Corps instructors requiring 5 years of journey-level experience, a 200-hour curriculum spread over several years, and portfolio creation. Held annually at the National Training Center in Bowie, MD.
• Job Corps Program Free education and training program for eligible young people ages 16-24 providing pre-job training in brick or tile at 35 Job Corps centers with BAC instructors, including the option to pursue a GED or high school diploma.
• Pre-Job Training Programs Entry-level training providing critical job preparation skills including craft-specific technical and hands-on training, health, safety, and workplace skills for new BAC apprentices.
• BAC Apprenticeship Programs 3–4 year registered apprenticeship programs providing classroom, shop, and on-the-job training through local Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees (JATCs).
• Health and Safety Training Programs Health and safety training including OSHA courses, confined space awareness, asbestos awareness, fall protection, hazardous communication, masonry wall bracing, scaffolding training, welding certification, and OSHA Train-the-Trainer programs.

Quantifiable outcome

• 65+ training centers nationwide
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Tile Council of North America (TCNA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTCNA collaborated with IMI, BAC, CTEF, NTCA, TCAA, and other organizations to create the Advanced Certifications for Tile (ACT) program. ACT certifies installers in 7 key areas: Grouts, Large Format Tile & Substrate Preparation, Membranes, Mortar (Mud) Floors, Mortar (Mud) Walls, Shower Receptors, and Gauged Porcelain Tile/Panels/Slabs.
• Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCTEF is one of 6 organizations that created the ACT certification program for tile installers, working with IMI and BAC to establish industry-recognized standards.
• National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNTCA partnered with IMI, BAC, CTEF, TCAA, and TCNA to develop the ACT certification program establishing quality standards for tile installation.
• Tile Contractors Association of America (TCAA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTCAA is a founding partner of the ACT certification program, working with IMI, BAC, CTEF, NTCA, and TCNA to develop installer certification standards.
• International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIMI developed the Concrete Repair Certificate Program (CRC) in partnership with ICRI. The hybrid program covers 28+ hours of coursework combining virtual and in-person instruction on concrete repair theory, history, materials, and hands-on techniques.
• Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIMTEF is authorized by ABAA to teach Self-Adhered and Fluid Applied courses as a prerequisite for ABAA's Installer Certification. Includes both theory and practical instruction with an authorized ABAA representative on-site for hands-on training.
• American Welding Society (AWS)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAWS has established the Accredited Test Facility (ATF) program. IMTEF's welding course works with Earlbeck Technologies, an AWS ATF testing facility, to provide AWS D1.1 welder certification. Certified welders receive AWS cards and are listed in the National Registry of Welders.
• Earlbeck TechnologiesmajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerEarlbeck Technologies is an AWS Accredited Test Facility that works with IMTEF's welding course to administer certification tests for structural welding (D1.1 vertical 3G and overhead 4G positions).
• Cathedral Stone Products, Inc.minorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerIMTEF offers an exclusive JAHN certification program licensed by Cathedral Stone Products, Inc. (U.S. distributor). The program includes stone patching hands-on workshops teaching masonry repair techniques.
• Department of Labor (Job Corps)coreOthersJob Corps is a federal program funded by the Department of Labor that provides free education and training to young people ages 16-24. IMI conducts training programs at 35 Job Corps centers using BAC instructors.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• United Brotherhood of Carpenters – Carpenters Training Institute: The UBC training system delivers apprenticeship and journeyman upgrade programs through regional training centers and the International Training Center, serving a comparable unionized construction craft constituency to IMTEF.
• Iron Workers International Training Center: Iron Workers operates the Iron Workers International Training Center in Pinole, CA, providing apprenticeship, certification, and instructor training for structural and reinforcing ironworkers. Directly comparable to IMTEF as a building trades national training body with a dedicated campus and certification stack.
• National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER): NCCER is the leading standardized craft training and credentialing body for the U.S. construction industry, offering apprenticeship curricula, craft certifications, and assessments across many trades including masonry. It is the most direct functional peer to IMTEF, operating across both union and open-shop contractors.
• Home Builders Institute (HBI): HBI is a national nonprofit that provides training, curriculum, and job placement in residential construction trades, including masonry and tile. Like IMTEF, it delivers apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs and partners with federal workforce initiatives such as Job Corps.
• International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) – Finishing Trades Institute: FTI is the training arm of IUPAT, delivering apprenticeship and certification programs for painters, glaziers, and finishers at a national training center model analogous to IMTEF's Bowie campus and JATC network.
• International Union of Operating Engineers – Training Center: IUOE operates one of the largest union apprenticeship and crane operator training systems in North America. It mirrors IMTEF's model of a national training campus combined with a network of regional JATCs funded by labor-management contributions.

Broad incumbents

• Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC): ABC is the largest U.S. trade association representing non-union contractors and runs its own apprenticeship and craft training programs that compete with BAC/IMTEF for craft labor supply in masonry and adjacent trades.
• Associated General Contractors of America (AGC): AGC represents general contractors and provides workforce development, training curricula, and craft credentials at industry scale. It is a broader incumbent that touches masonry training as part of a wider portfolio rather than as a dedicated trowel-trades specialist.

Emerging players

• Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF): CTEF is a co-founder of the ACT program and offers the Certified Tile Installer (CTI) credential. It overlaps directly with IMTEF's tile certification stack while operating as an independent industry training body.
• National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA): NTCA co-developed the ACT certification program with IMTEF/IMI and runs its own installer training and recognition programs for the tile trade. It is a partial competitor and partial standards-body partner overlapping IMTEF's ACT curriculum.

Market position

Strengths1 record

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/imiweb
• Facebookfacebook.com/InternationalMasonryInstitute

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about International Masonry Training and Education Foundation