Regional Training Center Breaks Ground During UA Instructor Training Program

The unique educational bond between Washtenaw County and the International Union of Plumbers, Pipe Fitters and Sprinkler Fitters was strengthened with the August 17 groundbreaking of the Great Lakes Regional Training Center

During the 48th Annual UA Instructor Training Program, the UA held a groundbreaking on the new 44,000 square foot training center that will be housed on the campus of Washtenaw Community College. This Regional Training Center will be one of five strategically located across the country. It is expected to be completed sometime next year.

Pictured right - David Rutledge, Chairman WCC Board of Trustees, US Representative Lynn Rivers, WCC President Larry Whitworth, UA Training Director George Bliss, UA General President Martin Maddaloni, Dennis Bila, President WCC Educational Association

Training opportunities will encompass air conditioning service, valve repair, medical gas and specialty welding courses, to computer aided drafting and distance learning. "This training center is proof that the UA is committed to offering the finest training in the industry," said International Union General President Martin Maddaloni, (pictured left). "We're grateful to Washtenaw Community College, not only for our great relationship that we have had with them throughout the years, but for their strong commitment to this new Regional Training Center." The Training Center's mission will be specialty skill training, such as the kind used to build highly sensitive environments like a hospital operating room or scientific research lab.

The training center will enhance, but not replace, the annual week-long UA Instructor Training Program, which was has been held at WCC a week in August for the past twelve years.

Each year the Instructors gain proficiency in the techniques of teaching a class and in the use of instructional materials. They also broaden and deepen their understanding of the technical aspects and new innovations in their profession.

Washtenaw Community College President Larry Whitworth (pictured below-right), said the school "is extremely proud of our partnership that has developed with the United Association, which has culminated with this Center."

The UA chose the WCC in good part because the school provided the land, and the instructors will be able to use the building every August during the training program. "Another part of it is the boom of technology in the state of Michigan", said George H. Bliss III, the Director of Training at the UA's national office in Washington, D. C. "We want to offer something to our people who are helping to build Michigan."

In addition Bliss said, "the community in the Ypsilanti/Ann Arbor area has been wonderful to us."

The Groundbreaking was held on a great day in Michigan, although, maybe a little windy.

Above, UA Representative Lynn Rivers, WCC President Larry Whitworth, UA General President Martin Maddaloni

Right - UA Director of Training George Bliss with Grandson, George Bliss, Jr. looking on before the ceremony begins