UA: Training for the 21st Century
Demand on the Rise
Demand for qualified pipe layers, plumbers, pipe fitters, and steam fitters is on the rise. Even
in times of economic difficulty, when new construction wanes, upkeep and repair of existing
facilities requires trained and certified workers.
The United Association of Journeyman and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting
Industry of the United States and Canada or "UA" is ready to meet the need with over 300,000
members in more than 300 local unions. This multi-craft union includes members who work in
fabrication, installation and service of piping systems. The power and energy industry, breweries
and other food and beverage producers, pharmaceutical, and other large commercial developments all
need UA members.
UA members undergo extensive and rigorous training. According to their website, the UA spends
over $130 million annually on training program efforts involving approximately 100,000 journeymen
and apprentices in over 400 local training facilities at any given time. The UA also partners with
Washtinaw Community College and ACE to provide college credits for their programs.
To the layperson, welding my seem easy to perform but it is a difficult skill and requires
significant experience to produce sound welds. X-ray technology allows UA members an objective
means of determining if materials are properly fused. Unsound welds can produce catastrophic
results including injury or death.
The UA's Welder Certification Program is based on industry need and meets the national
standards of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) piping codes. It is the
involvement of a third party that increases the integrity and rigor of the program.
Local training is conducted by Certified Welding Instructors (CWI's) who take upper level
coursework with UA. Not everyone who is a good welder is a good teacher but CWI's bring their
extensive experience and instructor training to the table. In the February 2008 issue of the UA
Newsletter, Phillip Martin, Technical Administrator of Certification Programs writes, "It is only
fitting that in this time of incredible growth and demand for highly qualified welders in the
construction industry that we show the world we hold our testing and qualification processes to the
highest standards, having CWI's at our test facilities clearly provides assurance of such."
Technology increases the training needed for specialty welding such as plastic fusion welding
in geothermal and other "green" construction, gas systems in hospitals and automated welding.
Computer controlled orbital welding machines are used in fossil fuel plants, nuclear power plants,
and oil refineries. Phillip Martin explains, "The repeatability as far as a quality issues is just
astounding when a properly trained and qualified individual operates these machines."
At Lacey, Washington, Local 26 and at 16 other sites, the UA is creating accelerated welder
training programs strictly for returning vets. These intensive 16-20 week courses focus on welding
techniques for those with no welding background. The accelerated program gives them over 640 hours
of experience and certifications in a short time period. This provides military veterans with a
career that includes benefits and a competitive wage.
The training that military candidates have really helps out with the hands-on requirements of
UA members. Says Mr. Martin, "Military veterans are excellent candidates to come on board with the
UA. They have the attitude and aptitude to do the trades we perform."
Many businesses face stringent insurance and other requirements. UA is eager to prove that
their members meet and exceed these standards. To assure the integrity and quality of their
programs, the UA welcomes scrutiny of their training programs by contractor groups. They give
training presentations for power companies, utilities, and other business owners. Mr. Martin says,
"It is critical out there that contractors and owners know that our people have got what it takes
to do the job."
