Wrapping up another successful week of training at Washtenaw Community College, United Association (UA) General President Mark McManus called the 1,835 union members who traveled to Ann Arbor for the 64th Annual Instructor Training Program the backbone and the future of an organization that represents more than 343,000 plumbers, pipefitters, sprinkler fitters, steam fitters, welders and service techs across the U.S. and Canada.
McManus' comments were made at the UA Completion Ceremony held at the Eastern Michigan University Convocation Center. More than 137 newly certified instructors were recognized, as well as 29 members certified as training coordinators and another 11 who earned an associate degree from Washtenaw Community College.
U. S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta was the guest speaker at the ceremony. Since being nominated to the post by President Trump, Acosta has strongly supported apprenticeship programs as a way to close the nation's skilled trade gap. McManus said Acosta called him during his first weeks on the job to learn more about the UA's highly regarded apprenticeship programs. Acosta extended an open invitation to the 32 apprentices who competed in the UA's International Apprenticeship Contest to visit him in Washington and discuss their experiences, noting the 6.2 million open jobs in the nation, many of which cannot be filled because of a shortage of trained skilled tradespeople.
The UA will return to Washtenaw Community College for the 2018 Instructor Training Week Aug. 11, 2018.
U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta, left, and UA General President Mark McManus honor the graduates of the 64th Annual Instructor Training Program at a Completion Ceremony held recently at Washenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
For more information, visit www.UA.org or call (410) 269-2000.
