IMI Launches Refractory Training

By way of member surveys, Local Union and Chapter meetings, and discussions by the Regional Councils, it’s clear that members want training in refractory. “Now, thanks to IMI, this specialized training is available,” says BAC President John J. Flynn. This year, IMI has introduced refractory training at its National Training Center.

Twenty-four apprentices and journeymen from all over the U.S. attended the first round. They spent an intensive two weeks on refractory familiarization and gunnite application, under the direction of veteran refractory bricklayers Frank Koletar and Harry Suggs, both of Local 45 New York.

“The market is brisk,” notes Local 4 Indiana/Kentucky President Joe Bramlett, whose area includes a significant amount of refractory work. With this training, he says, “we are on the right track.”