Winners of the International Apprenticeship Contest pose for a victory photo. From left: Alex Svetz, Ronald Amen, Camron Little, Carin Dahlin, Cole Rodgers. Courtesy of Dean Battaglia.
Al Garcia of Oakland, CA stands next to a rain flow harvesting system. Paula Farmer | Washtenaw Community College
By Jacob Kuiper
Staff Writer
The annual Instructor Training Program returned in-person to WCC August 13-19 with nearly 3,000 United Association members.
This partnership between WCC and The United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada has been happening since the 1980s, and attracts thousands of attendees from as far off as Australia. Welders, plumbers, pipefitters, sprinkler fitters, heating, ventilation and air conditioning technicians gather from around the world to work with the next generation of skilled tradesmen.
While the ITP has been virtual the past couple of years this doesn’t stop some from returning again and again to be a part of this event. Members like Al Garcia of Oakland, CA have taken part many times. “I’ve attended 10 times now. It’s wonderful….There isn’t anything more I can be certified in.” he chuckled. This year Mr. Garcia was working in one of several sophisticated mobile learning trailers on campus. His trailer was specialized in green tech and plumbing where students could learn everything from pipe fitting and HVAC to low flow toilets and smart heating and cooling.
The real action, though, happened on Wednesday, August 17 during “Industry Day” when UA members got to hear from union leaders as well as Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Also on Industry Day is the coveted International Apprenticeship Contest where contestants from around the world compete in various disciplines to show off their trade expertise. Zach Robichaud of Canada competed in the refrigeration and HVAC competition and explained the event and how to qualify, “You basically do a bunch of small tasks to show off your skill…. I first competed in a local competition and then moved on to my district competition and then a Canada-wide competition. After that I got to come here.” He goes on to explain that if you win you get a gold ring and get to come back next year as a helper. That however is a minor goal in the larger picture for him, “It’s really all about the networking and career opportunities.”
At the end of the program 154 UA members earned ITP certificates, the largest class ever, and 40 received an associates degree from WCC.
