WCC, United Association celebrate 35 years of partnership; more than 3,500 on campus for training week
August 12 2024 - 2:42PM
Washtenaw Community College (WCC) and the United Association (UA)
are celebrating 35 years of skilled trades partnership with the
arrival this week of some 3,500 attendees for the union’s annual
training week.
The United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the
Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry’s intensive five-year Instructor
Training Program (ITP) equips union instructors to educate and
train all UA members back home on the best industry safety and
training practices. Union members may also simultaneously enroll as
WCC college students and earn an associate degree.
“There is no greater legacy that we can leave than teaching
someone a skill and providing an education. We are proud of our
long running partnership with the United Association that focuses
on cutting-edge safety and training techniques and offers the
opportunity to earn a college degree at the same time,” said WCC
President Dr. Rose B. Bellanca.
WCC hosts five trades unions for skills training throughout the
summer. The college’s partnership with the UA – which brings the
largest group – is the oldest.
With more than 2,300 UA attendees registered and another 1,200
in support personnel and vendors at WCC, the entire campus is
utilized during training week. Approximately 125 different classes
are offered, most with multiple sections.
“This program is a beacon of our commitment to maintaining
industry expertise and adapting to its evolving needs,” said UA
General President Mark McManus. “The UA has the most admired
training program in the industry, and much of that stems from the
work during ITP week. We’re proud to offer the finest training,
including access to the industry’s groundbreaking trends and
revolutionary technology.”
The UA represents approximately 379,000 plumbers, pipefitters,
sprinkler fitters, HVACR service technicians, welders and
pipeliners working in the construction industry throughout North
America.
In all, approximately 6,000 members, staff and vendors from all
five unions train on the WCC campus from June through August,
bringing a projected $20 million economic windfall to Ann Arbor and
Washtenaw County.
About Washtenaw Community CollegeWashtenaw
Community College (WCC), Ann Arbor, Michigan, educates students
through a wide range of associate and certificate programs in areas
such as health care, business, STEM and advanced transportation and
mobility. The college also works through community, business and
union partnerships to develop highly specialized training programs
to meet the region’s workforce talent needs.
For more information about Washtenaw
Community College, visit
www.wccnet.edu.
MEDIA CONTACTFran LeFort,
734-677-5295
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bda1cebb-e1df-4707-a655-3f0fc3277891