The Piping Industry Training Center was filled with hundreds of guests on April 22 as the Piping Industry hosted an Industry Day open house to coincide with the 2015 UA State Apprenticeship Competition.
The event showcased the Piping Industry’s renowned apprenticeship program and state-of-the-art, 45,000-square-foot training facility while displaying the talents of the next generation of plumbers, pipefitters, welders, and HVAC service mechanics. In addition to tours of the PITC and the ongoing apprenticeship competition, the day also included vendor exhibitions, mobile trailer demonstrations, and lunch.
The three-day apprenticeship competition pitted the best apprentices from around the state against each other as they showed off the skills they have learned both in the classroom and on the job. The skills of competitors in four categories were judged by UA apprenticeship training directors and instructors from across the state who graded the apprentice competitors using real life situations commonly found on jobsites. Competitors vied for the right to represent Ohio in a regional competition, whose winners would then advance to the national championship.
“It was a great day for the Piping Industry,” said UA Local 50 Business Manager Scott Lopez. “A lot of people came out to our facility and learned about what we do and saw the skills we teach our apprentices.”
Hundreds of people, including elected officials, educators, area contractors, industry professionals, and media members, attended the competition and toured the Piping Industry Training Center. They saw firsthand the impressive location where the best plumbers, pipefitters, and HVAC service mechanics in Northwest Ohio are taught their trade, and local craftsmen take continuing educational courses to stay up on the latest technology and safety standards.
Safety was a major topic of focus throughout the day. Guests were educated on the numerous, mandatory safety classes the Piping Industry-trained workforce must take in order to remain certified to work on jobsites. Safety training not only keeps members of the workforce safe, but is also a huge benefit to contractors who employ them by knowing their jobs will be completed on time and on budget.
“I hope those who attended have a greater appreciation for what the men and women of the Piping Industry do each day – their training and dedication make them the best in their field,” added Lopez.