Veteran Crafts New Career

Flint – Bret Bozarth, an Army Veteran, spent his childhood in the Metro Detroit Area.  As a kid, Bret moved around a lot, and shortly after turning 16 years old he dropped out of high school and started working. Right around his 18th birthday, Bret spoke with an Army Recruiter. The Recruiter allowed Bret entry into the service even though he didn’t have a high school education.

While in the Army, Bret completed his GED.  Bret left the Army with an Honorable Discharge.  Years after being out of the service, Bret decided to re-enlist with the National Guard.  Bret served from 2006 to 2011 and completed one tour in Iraq.

Bret earned a good living as a Tool and Die Setter/Welder in a factory, but after 25 years, Brett decided to retire from the company to take care of his father-in-law, who had been diagnosed with Dementia.

When Bret cared for his father-law, he started doing some small masonry projects around his home. He eagerly researched the craft he had fallen in love with, and he knew he wanted a new career doing masonry work.  Bret contacted GST Michigan Works! and started working with a Career Coach who confirmed that Bret’s career goals were realistic and achievable. Bret received funding to attend a three-month Masonry training program at the International Masonry Institute.

Upon completing the certificate program, Bret interviewed with the Michigan Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC), Local 2 Union, and entered their Detroit training program. Today Bret is a first-year Masonry Apprentice with the BAC Union earning an excellent wage at Grunwell Cashero Construction Company.