IUBAC/IMI Tile Apprentices Crowned Champions at International Contest
The future of the tile industry was on full display in Detroit this September, as apprentices from across the United States and Canada competed in the BAC/IMI International Apprentice Contest. Hosted by the International Masonry Institute (IMI), this biennial event is the largest of its kind, bringing together the top one percent of apprentices from International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (IUBAC) training programs.
Over two days, contestants demonstrated their skill, precision, and dedication across multiple crafts. Each apprentice was challenged to complete complex, real-world projects under strict time limits, with judging based on layout, craftsmanship, neatness, safety, and overall aesthetics.
For TCAA members, the Tile category shined especially bright. We are proud to celebrate the achievements of this year’s winners:
1st Place: Mariusz Sarat, ADC 1 of Illinois
2nd Place: Neil Hough, ADC 1 of Illinois
3rd Place: Randall Williams, Local 1 PA-DE
These tile champions represent the future of our industry, bringing forward not only technical skill but also the pride and professionalism that define union apprenticeship. Their accomplishments underscore the importance of investing in structured training programs, which provide apprentices with a debt-free path to success while ensuring that we as contractors can depend on a highly skilled workforce.
Kevin Trevisan of Roman Mosaic, the employer of third-place winner Randall Williams, shared his pride in Randall’s success: “We are incredibly proud of Randall. It’s exciting to see the future of the tile industry is in good hands with talented apprentices like him stepping up to take their place in the trade.”
TCAA congratulates Mariusz, Neil, and Randall on their achievements and extends our appreciation to the IUBAC, IMI, and all training coordinators and contractors who make this contest possible. Events like these reinforce what we already know: the craft of tile setting is in capable hands for generations to come.
The IMTEF Winter/Spring 2026 Training Calendar is now available, offering a robust lineup of instructor-led, continuing education, and certification courses designed to strengthen skills across the construction industry. This season includes highly sought-after OSHA 500, 502, and 510 courses; Foreman and Mentorship Matters training; Historic Masonry Preservation; and multiple Train-the-Trainer opportunities. Classes are held at the John J. Flynn BAC/IMI International Training Center in Bowie, Maryland, with both in-person and online options available. Class sizes are limited to ensure high-quality, hands-on learning, and many courses have prerequisites or required orientations, so early planning is encouraged. In addition, the calendar features specialized continuing education and certification programs such as ABAA Air Barrier Certification, IMI Concrete Repair, Welding certifications, MSHA training, refractory courses, and advanced masonry systems including adhered veneer and rainscreen installation. Registration is available online and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend signing up as soon as possible to secure your spot. For questions or guidance on course selection, contact Serenia Holland, Director of Education Operations, at 301-291-2105 or sholland@imtef.org.
Tile Solutions Plus 2025: A New Chapter for the Tile Industry The sun rose over the Arizona desert as hundreds of tile professionals from across the country gathered at the Arizona Grand Resort & Spa in Phoenix for this year’s Tile Solutions Plus (TSP) conference, held October 27–29, 2025. What began over a decade ago as Total Solutions Plus has officially entered a new era — rebranded as Tile Solutions Plus , a name that reflects the industry’s collective momentum and forward focus. For members of the Tile Contractors’ Association of America (TCAA) , this year’s TSP was more than just a conference, it was a reunion, a learning lab, and a powerful reminder of what collaboration can accomplish. A Gathering of Expertise and Energy From the opening session, the atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm. Contractors, manufacturers, distributors, and educators all came together with a shared goal: to advance craftsmanship, elevate business practices, and strengthen relationships that sustain the tile industry. Educational sessions offered something for everyone, from technical deep dives into installation standards and new materials to business seminars focused on leadership, profitability, and long-term sustainability. Workshops like Family Succession Planning for Contractors drew large crowds, underscoring the importance of preparing the next generation of leadership in this evolving trade. Beyond the Classroom But the learning didn’t stop in the meeting rooms. Attendees bonded over the annual golf tournament , enjoyed hikes through the desert trails , and took in the architectural brilliance of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West during an evening networking tour. These shared experiences captured the true spirit of TSP, professional development balanced with connection and community. In the exhibit hall, manufacturers and suppliers showcased the latest in tile technology, tools, and materials. For TCAA contractors, it was an opportunity to connect directly with innovators and suppliers shaping the products they rely on every day, exchanging ideas and insights that will carry back to job sites across the country. TCAA’s Voice and Vision throughout the conference, TCAA’s presence was felt. Members participated in roundtables and discussions, ensuring the voice of union tile contractors remained central to conversations about quality, training, and workforce development. The event also highlighted how partnerships across the industry can elevate standards and strengthen the entire ecosystem. As one attendee noted, “TSP always reminds us that while we may come from different corners of the industry, we all share the same foundation: pride in our craft and a drive to keep improving.” Looking Ahead As TSP 2025 came to a close, the rebrand to Tile Solutions Plus felt symbolic, a fresh name for a future built on collaboration, innovation, and craftsmanship. For TCAA and its members, the event reaffirmed the association’s leadership role in shaping the tile industry’s next chapter. The countdown to TSP 2026 has already begun as we turn our sights to Miami. With the promise of another opportunity for TCAA members to learn, lead, and build the future of trade together. If you are passionate about a certain topic, you want to see covered please reach out to our staff or board to share your thoughts as we start the planning process for next year.