49th Annual UA Instructor Training Program Returns to Washtenaw Community College

The UA Instructor Training Program is a great place to witness the diversity and range of talent that exists within the United Association union.

For the past 49 - almost 50 - years, this program has been producing instructors of the highest caliber. This year's graduates are a continuation of that enduring legacy, and we thank you for that.

The UA had 1777 instructors enrolled in courses this year with 330 first-time participants

- also the most ever. Participants came here from 49 different states and the District of Columbia, 10 provinces of Canada … and for the second year in a row, they welcomed participants from Local 652 in the Republic of Panama.

There were 241 instructors working on campus this year as faculty, teaching 95 different courses with 280 separate sections. These teachers-also true examples of the commitment to excellence-come from within the ranks of the UA, as well as from Washtenaw Community College, Michigan State University, other universities, and industry.

UA 190 Instructors - L. to R.- Back Row - Terry Stalker, John Stalker, Scott Klapper, UA 190 Training Coordinator, Les Pullins, Al Culbreath, Frank Pohs, John Coleman, Doug Mayher, Ivory Sims, Ron House, UA 190 Business Manager - Front Row - Randy Schnabelrauch, Jake Holland, Mike Croghan, Todd Tennyson, Residential Organizer, Beth Workman, John McTaggert and Al Vasquez

Welcoming the Instructors

L. to R. - Above - PMC staff, Kate Maitland, Administrative Assistant, Janet Oesterle, Helper, Diane Calmeyn, Executive Associate, Sandra Miller, President, Lily Calmeyn, Helper, Doris Reinholt Senior Administrative Assistant Top Right - Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor Visitors Bureau Volunteers Right - Barbara Saks, Photographer UA, Don House, UA Director of the Service and Residential Department, Genie Ford, UA Journal Ron House, UA 190 Business Manager

One of the most important local aspects of the UA Instructor Program is making sure that we all do everything in our power to let those who attend know how much we appreciate the UA's choice of Washtenaw County for the UA Instructor Training Program. One of our welcoming gifts are the book bags from the Greater Michigan UA Local 190 Joint Training Program.

  
The UA Administrative Staff
Above left - Representatives from the Training and Executive Offices - Above right - UA Bookstore Workers from the UA Training Staff and UA Special Representatives, Left - Registration Staff Workers with UA Training Department Staff

Orientation

On Sunday all 1,777 enrolled students convened at the Morris Lawrence Building at Washtenaw Community College for Student Orientation and review of the weeks activities. Students heard rousing presentations on the tremendous activities at the UA Training Department from General President Martin J. Maddaloni. UA Director of Training George Bliss reviewed the weeks activities, and also took the opportunity to introduce the staff of the training department. The program was a great send off for the week's activities.

Left - General President Martin Maddaloni addresses the Instructors - Right - UA Training Department Director George Bliss reviewing the upcoming activities
Below - UA Instructors and the teachers and industry reps who will be teaching them - over 2,000 strong

Orientation provides an opportunity for old friends to meet, catch up, and for making new friends. It also gives the UA membership the opportunity to meet with their UA officials to discuss training.

Pictured Left - President Maddaloni discussing the program - Below Left - President Maddaloni and UA International Representative Tony Rohrer - Below Right - UA Director for Service and Residential Donald House, UA Assistant Director of Training Steve Allen, and Michigan's UA International Representative Tom McNamara
  

Fundamentals of Building Automation

With the continuing impact of high-tech building automation, the Fundamentals of Building Automation is a sought after class. The course is for instructors who are currently teaching or planning to teach a heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) service technician training program. The instructors who participated all had HVACR control experience.

The course familiarized UA Instructors with the basic fundamentals of Direct Digital Control (DDC). An overview of different Building Automation System (BAS) applications, as applied to the HVACR Industry was also a significant part of the course.

The UA Instructors who participated left with the necessary information for course development for their local UA Training programs back home.

High Purity Piping

Instructor, Reinhard Hanselka, a member of the International Pipe Trades Joint Training Committee, makes a point with the class.

For anyone operating within the Bio-Pharmaceutical Industry, there have been significant challenges in their individual interpretation and compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) regulations. Combining the challenges of cGMP interpretation and the length of time to develop a product, the executives of Biotechnology Companies are in a constant evaluation of their fiscal and regulatory status.

The industry is seeking assistance in this interruption of requirements as well as maintaining cost and schedule within their own specific individual requirements. The cost of these facilities has been increasing over time and the most efficient way to curb rising cost is to train owners, operators, and support industries with a better understanding and application of the regulatory requirements of this industry.

This class was for anyone interested or working in the Bio-Pharmaceutical Industry. The course outline covered six specific areas related to Bio-Pharmaceutical facilities. This course is designed to replicate how a Bio-Pharmaceutical owner would approach the key aspects to define and build a new sterile manufacturing facility. This approach is somewhat different than how current training centers and educators approach this industry. Generally the focus is on a specific area or systems within the facility whereas this course looks at the whole facility then drills down to specific areas. The course is designed in this way for several reasons, the most important is that students retain more data once they understand the WHOLE of the facility then can apply the PARTS as required.

This course is intended to give the novice as well as the expert additional understanding for their own personal and career development. Any student with an interest in the Bio-Pharmaceutical Industry can gain knowledge from the data and interaction that this course offers.

Backflow Prevention Certification

This course presented guidelines for acceptable practices for testing, annual inspection and repair of backflow prevention assemblies used in cross connection control programs. Course material included information for identifying cross-connections, understanding how backflows occur and the dangers they present, methods used to control backflows and recommended applications for each type of backflow assembly, laws and liability, and hands-on testing and maintenance procedures for various assemblies. Students who successfully passed the voluntary certification exam administered at the conclusion of the course were certified as Backflow Prevention, Assembly Testers, and Instructors.

UA/NCPWB Welding - When Your Job Depends On Quality Welding

The UA's Welder Certification Program has been growing at a rapid rate. A number of facility owners view the weld certification program as a valued, added commodity exclusively available through signatory contractors.

It is vitally important that the instructors pass these skills along to our apprentices and journeyworkers that will prepare them for a bright future in our industry. It is incumbent upon each instructor to insure that they maintain their level of training so that the UA continues to set the standard for our industry. Appropriate prerequisites for all manual arc-welding courses were implemented. Students applying to take any welding courses must have passed the applicable UA test during the twelve months proceeding the start of the 2002 UA Instructor Training Program.

The Authorized Testing Representative (ATR) classes continue to prepare Instructors for the requirements of testing within the UA/NCPWB Joint Testing Program, with 4 levels of classes.

Classes available in the welding curriculum included Oxy-acetylene Cutting and Welding, Orbital Tube Welding, GTAW-Wire Feed Machine Welding, Tube and Pipe Welding, Machine Cutting Severing & Beveling, Aluminum Pipe Welding, Gas Metal Arc Welding, Downhill Welding, Shielded Metal-Arc Welding, and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding.

UA STAR Certification Program HVACR

During the training program specific classes were geared to teaching the HVACR Service Apprenticeship Curriculum, and Journey Training for specialties in the HVACR Industry.

Among the discussions at the program was the new UA STAR Certification. UA STAR Certification gives UA workers the edge in the competitive heating, cooling and refrigeration industry. As a UA service  technician they can take the UA STAR Certification exam and earn STAR Certification, plus 30 college credits toward an Associates Degree in HVACR or Construction Supervision.

The UA STAR Program was developed jointly by the UA and Ferris State University - one of the most highly acclaimed providers of education programs in the heating and cooling industry.

As UA STAR Certified technicians they'll find themselves in demand in a high-tech, fast-growing industry that offers great potential for a lucrative and secure future. They prepare for the UA STAR Certification exam throughout the 5-year apprenticeship at the local UA training school. Then they take the exam, receive certification and will be among the most sought-after service technicians in the industry.

The test is administered by the National Inspection-Testing-Certification Corporation and covers questions dealing with:

Mechanical Systems
Ventilation
Safety
Electrical Systems
Piping
Controls
Lifting
Equipment
Heating
Mathematics
AC & Refrigeration
Plumbing
Steam Systems
Customer Service

A number of contractor groups toured the training programs to learn more regarding the UA's continual upgrading of their HVACR Program and the new STAR Program.

They had the opportunity to tour through the UA's HVACR Trailer (pictured left) that is utilized throughout the country for specialized training. They also had the opportunity to interact with the students who were taking HVACR Instruction Training at the program.

    Our members - Reach for the STAR - the UA STAR Certification. It's a technician's ticket to a bright future!

UA Instructional Trailers

Significant tools in the arsenal of the UA Instructor Training Program are the UA Training Trailers. These mobile school rooms are driven to journey and apprentice training schools throughout the country and Canada.They allow the local training programs to have the most up-to-date equipment, instruments and training programs to utilize in the instruction of their trainees.

The transferability of these traveling school rooms greatly increase the tools of every joint training committee, at the most cost-effective means possible.

ATR's - Authorized Training Representatives

This course is offered to instruct local union authorized testing representatives in their responsibilities in conducting United Association Welding Certification Program (UA/WCP) testing events. Included in this course is the administrative requirements and practical applications of the UA/NCPWB Welding Program.

At the conclusion of the course the successful ATR students will meet the requirements of the United Association Welding Certification Program Quality Control Systems Manual and are authorized to conduct testing events and maintain proper records.

Job Supervisory and Leadership Development

One of the individuals who has the most significant role in the construction process is the foreman/supervisor on the project. As the contractors representative they must not only control the labor on the project, but the coordination of the many systems under the control of the mechanical contractor, adhere to safety rules and regulations, and be aware of all code, special licensing, and certification requirements. This course introduces UA instructors to the basic rudiments of leadership as related to the workplace, the joint apprenticeship training school, and/or community affairs. The fundamentals of leadership, the role of the leader, human relations, and communication techniques are stressed. Those who take this course should implement leadership courses at the local union level.

VALVES

Valves are an always and ever increasing part of the mechanical installation. The Valve Class is a course to familiarize each student with valve designs, functions and general applications. The materials of valve construction, the specifications and standards governing their construction and use are also discussed.

Proper installation and maintenance of valves are highlighted. Instructors who participate in this class will be able to prepare the necessary class schedules and courses for the education of the UA apprentice and journeyperson.

Medical Gas Instructor

Medical Gas, and the certification of Medical Gas Installers, continues to be one of the UA's most sought after programs. Instructors need to be prepared to teach those from their home Locals on the correct installation and certification of medical gas installations. The UA course given during training week reviewed all the governing standards for medical gas piping systems, that is Chapter 4 of NFPA (current edition) along with ANSI/ASSE 6010 Medical Gas Systems Installers Professional Qualification Standard and ANSI/ASSE 6050 Medical Gas Systems Instructors Professional Qualification Standard. This course includes code interpretation, correct piping installation, installer qualification, and brazing qualification in accordance with ASME Section IX.

A written exam was administered at the end of the course. Only the participants who successfully passed this course qualified for a certification as a "Medical Gas Instructor of the United Association" issued by the National ITC Corporation (NITC).

Of just as significant importance is providing of the general and specific information needed to develop local training programs throughout the United Association. Medical Gas Binders were supplied to all participants for use during the course, that provided the information for instructors to take back and utilize in their classes.

Introduction to the Transit and Level

Along with advances in technology, it is of paramount importance to make sure we are always teaching and reinforcing the fundamental. This course introduced the fundamentals in the use on the jobsite of the transit, the level, a pipe laying laser, and the relationship to other surveying equipment that may be provided by the employer. The keeping of field notes so that a written record of work done in the field can be preserved was also introduced. Practical job applications was covered, such as learning how to set up and use the instrument, use of equipment, discussion of surveying terms, theories and their relationship on the jobsite, laying out and installing building piping and appurtenances.

Through the years, the United Association has built a solid reputation among contractors and throughout the communities we serve by continuing to excel in everything they do. They excel because of the steadfast commitment to education.

The Construction Supervision and Industrial Training Associate degree programs offered at Washtenaw Community College Construction Institute provide a perfect fit to the United Associates ongoing mission to train the finest, most well-rounded tradespeople in the world. The rigorous five year apprenticeship program combined with an Association's degree from a well-established and respected academic institution, such as WCC, only enhances the prestige and marketability of the UA membership. It sends the message that not only does the UA member work hard on the job, they also work hard in the classroom, constantly improving their skills and knowledge.

Distance Learning Teaching Techniques

A mainstay of the instruction that will be part of the UA curriculum will be Distance Learning. This enables an instructor in one state to teach a course to students in numerous locations and states.

The course at UA training covered the use of interactive television and other distance learning techniques. It addressed presentation techniques for instructors and planning distance learning classes. The methods for converting conventional class materials into a format suitable for distance learning was covered.

The course also covered the use of Internet pages, e-mail, chat rooms, telecourses, audiotapes, and instructor created videotapes in support of a distance learning program.

Hands-on practice using interactive television equipment was provided which gave a very interesting perspective to the program.

GRADUATION

Graduation night saw hundreds gathered at the Eastern Michigan University's Convocation Center (pictured left) to honor the assembled group of students with well-earned and well-deserved recognition for becoming "Certified Instructor of the United Association."

These dedicated individuals completed a challenging program and have joined with a select number of others who have done the same. This accomplishment did not come easily! They had to commit, study hard, remain on course and continue to work toward the goal…year after year.

Right- L. to R. - UA Assistant General President William Hite, UA General President Martin Maddaloni

As UA Director of Training George Bliss (pictured left) stated: "Now you are able to enjoy the rewards of the sacrifices you made. Please do enjoy yourselves this night. I believe that the certificate you are receiving represents one of the greatest honors you will ever earn in your entire UA career."

Martin J. Maddaloni, UA General President (pictured below-right) spoke to those graduating, "To the 2002 graduating class…Congratulations… and job well done! This is your night. A night you've been working towards for a long time. You deserve all the thanks and praise we can give you, and so do your families, who have supported you and encouraged you over the years. This is another record year for our Instructor Training Program. I find that very encouraging. Despite all the gloom and doom about the economy, things are still going strong in the UA. The proof is here tonight…with the largest graduating class in our union's history. The class of 2002 is more than 200 strong…and that is a truly amazing and noteworthy milestone for our organization. Good luck in the coming year…and in the years ahead, serve the UA, and the UA will serve you. Congratulations on this great achievement. God bless you, and God bless the United Association."

Of all the vocations a person may be called to - teaching is one of the finest. These instructors have now embraced that calling. The ones we will look to, to educate future generations of young people in the skills of our chosen craft. The work will help build the future for us all. By completing the program, these new Certified Instructors of the United Association have chosen the path of excellence.

Other speakers for the evenings program discussed the determination and dedication of the graduates as a testament to the highest qualities aspired to in the United Association.

Left to Right - Dr. Larry Whitworth, President Washtenaw Community College, Dr. Dan Kruger, Professor of Labor Studies at Michigan State University and UA 190 member Deacon Richard Shaneyfelt of St. Mary of Chelsea.

The 2002 graduating class will join the ranks of other distinguished Certified Instructors of the United Association. At graduation they were honored for all they had done to accomplish this moment, working hard, making tough sacrifices, and putting in many long and hard hours. At graduation they were given the gratitude, respect, and the recognition of everyone in the hall…not only for what they have done to receive this certificate, but also for everything they will do in the future.