WCC Hosts 24th Annual UA Instructor Training Program

Published on Aug 12, 2013 1:26pm

More than 2,000 members of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States, Canada and Australia [UA] are scheduled to arrive on the Washtenaw Community College [WCC] campus on Aug. 11 to participate in a week-long United Association Instructor Training Program [ITP].

Members of the UA represent skilled workers affiliated with building trade professions such as plumbers, pipe fitters, sprinkler fitters and service technicians. The program, which runs Aug. 11-16, will be held at the Washtenaw Community College Great Lakes Regional Center [GLRTC] and is designed to improve teaching techniques, diversify mechanical skills, and enhance knowledge of the scientific and technical elements of the building trades.

"We are delighted to recognize the 24th anniversary of the partnership between the United Association and Washtenaw Community College," said Dr. Rose Bellanca, WCC president. "We remain committed to providing a state-of-the-art venue that allows UA members to enhance their skills and craftsmanship, which are vitally important to a growing and vibrant economy."

"The United Association Instructor Training Program focuses on training our instructors on becoming better educators," said Chris Haslinger, director of training for the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters. "Our collaboration with WCC is a true educational partnership that benefits everyone year-round," he said. "The program is designed to be forward thinking and the WCC facilities and faculty ensure that participants not only have the skills they need now and but are well prepared with skills for the workplace of the future."

Congressman John D. Dingell will be on the WCC campus Wednesday, August 14 at 9 a.m. for the kick-off of "Industry Day" – a day to share the comprehensive training that the UA is engaged in and that supports business and industry in Washtenaw county and across the country.