IMI Alberta - Edmonton Training Centre

Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Local 1 Alberta apprentice Stacy Hewko has been putting in some extra time this week in our shop, sharpening her skills before heading out for refractory shutdown work this fall.

Did you know that our members can use the shop, space and materials to practice their skills when they feel they need it?

Whether you’re getting ready for a new job, brushing up on a skill, or just want some extra time in the shop, the space is there for you.

If you’re a member and want to know more about coming in to practice, give us a call!

We’re here to help you keep building your skills and get ready for the work ahead.

🧱 Wall of the Week

This week, we’re heading to Calgary to take a look at a building that has been standing for more than 100 years! The historic Simmons Building in Calgary’s East Village.

Originally built in 1912, the two-storey brick building was constructed as a mattress factory and warehouse. Today, it’s home to a handful of restaurants including one of our personal favourite places to get breakfast… Sidewalk Citizen Bakery

What makes the building especially interesting from a masonry perspective is the role that restoration has played in giving this historic building a new life. After sitting largely unused and facing the possibility of demolition, the building underwent a major restoration and adaptive-reuse project that preserved many of its original architectural features while bringing it into a new era.

More than a century later, those brick walls are still doing what masonry does best, telling a story about the people, materials and craftsmanship that built them! 🧱

It’s a great reminder that the work of skilled tradespeople can become part of a community’s history, long after the original job is finished.

Ps. Check out the cool LEGO version they have of the building that lives inside of the cafe.

🧱Calling all apprentices and employers!

Back-to-school season is here, which means it’s time to start thinking about your next round of technical training!

The new AIT academic year started August 1, so if you’re an apprentice (or an employer with apprentices on your crew) now is a great time to check out the upcoming class schedules and get registered.

Bricklayer technical training is available through both training providers in Alberta:

The IMI Alberta - Edmonton Training Centre training schedule is located here: https://www.bacalberta.ca/training

The SAIT (Calgary) training schedule is located here: https://www.sait.ca/apprenticeships-and-trades/programs/bricklayer

Don’t wait until the last minute to get your classes booked! Get registered, get your training dates in the calendar, and keep moving forward with your apprenticeship.

Questions about apprenticeship or registration? Give us a call at 587-988-2465.

A big thank you to our new supplier partner W. R. Meadows, Inc. for donating membrane and building envelope products to our apprenticeship program.

Apprentices learn full masonry assembly system installations, which includes protecting substrates and controlling moisture in every build.

You asked and we listened. New hats are IN ✅

🧱 Wall of the Week 🧱

This week's feature is the former Gray Family Eau Claire YMCA in downtown Calgary.

While the historic building closed in 2021 and reopened in 2025 as the Eau Claire Athletic Club, one feature that we are so happy remains is this iconic masonry wall with the YMCA logo built directly into the brickwork near the entrance.

One of the many advantages of masonry is its versatility. Through thoughtful design and craftsmanship, brick can be used to incorporate logos, patterns, artwork, and architectural details right into a building's exterior, creating something that's both functional and memorable.

And as this wall proves, quality masonry truly stands the test of time. Decades later, it's still making a statement while continuing to serve the next chapter of the building's history.

Today is International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples. We recognize and celebrate the histories, cultures, traditions, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.

Our staff, instructors, students, and alumni live, learn, and work on the traditional territories of many Indigenous Peoples across Alberta, including the lands covered by Treaties 6, 7, and 8

As an organization, we know that learning is ongoing. We remain committed to listening, building meaningful relationships, and creating opportunities that honour Indigenous voices and communities 🧡