Tile Apprentice Competition Brings Top Installers Together
DETROIT, MI -- The future of the tile industry was on full display in Detroit this September as apprentices from across the U.S. 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 showcased 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 Tile Contractors’ Association of America (TCAA) members, the Tile category shone especially bright. This year’s winners included:
- 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 contractors can rely 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,” he said. “It’s exciting to see that the future of the tile industry is in good hands with talented apprentices like him stepping up to take their place in the trade.”
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