Washtenaw Community College To Sign 15-Year Contract Extension With The United Association Of Plumbers, Pipefitters, Sprinkler Fitters, Welders and HVACR Technicians

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Aug. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Washtenaw Community College [WCC] and the United Association of Plumbers, Pipefitters, Sprinkler Fitters, Welders and HVACR Technicians [UA] will sign a historic 15-year contract extension for the renowned Instructor Training Program [ITP] during a ceremony August 13 at the Morris Lawrence Building on the WCC campus. The announcement was made by WCC President Dr. Rose Bellanca and UA General President William P. Hite.

The UA's Instructor Training Program is considered one of the most successful skills training programs in North America. This year also marks the 25^th anniversary of the UA/WCC partnership.

Each August, the partnership brings instructors of the skilled trades [welders, plumbers, pipefitters, sprinkler fitters, heating, ventilation and air conditioning technicians] together from across the world to train their peers in the most contemporary skill sets for the next generation of skilled trades workers.

The ceremony will also highlight the commissioning of Washtenaw Community College's first combined cooling, heat and power system (CCHP) system, which will save an estimated $60,000 in utility costs per year. The CCHP system was designed and built by GEM Energy, of Walbridge, Ohio. GEM Energy also is donating a micro-turbine to train future energy professionals in the college's United Association (UA) Great Lakes Regional Training Center.

Over the years, the WCC/UA partnership has produced thousands of certified and internationally recognized instructors in the piping industry. The relationship between the UA and WCC has grown significantly over the past quarter century. Today, the UA maintains a full-time, year-round presence at WCC, through its Great Lakes Regional Training Center. This facility includes classroom and auditorium space, as well as hands-on labs and workshops in everything from welding to rigging to heating and air conditioning.

"We could not be more proud of this milestone anniversary and contract extension," said Dr. Bellanca. "Because of our partnership with the UA – literally thousands of instructors – have taught other instructors the latest in teaching techniques and technologies using our state-of-the-art facilities."

"By hosting this Instructor Training program – we each play a vital role in training workers with the skills that employers are demanding. The goal is to connect ready-to-work employees with ready-to-be-filled jobs," Bellanca concluded.

The regional community benefits when the program comes each year to Ann Arbor. Conservatively, $5 million is generated in economic impact within Washtenaw County during its 10-day period.  This most directly impacts area restaurants ($950,000), hotels ($900,000), and retailers, transportation, and entertainment markets ($1 million). More importantly, the UA's year-long presence at the Great Lakes Regional Training Center at WCC creates an additional economic impact.

"We are thrilled to continue our partnership and friendship with the UA," says Ann Arbor Area Convention and Visitors Bureau President and CEO, Mary Kerr. "For 25 years, we have welcomed the opportunity to host UA members and are thrilled to celebrate with them the long-term renewal."

"We value our relationship with Washtenaw Community College," said the UA's General President Hite. "Their commitment to our program has allowed us to train instructors in new and innovative ways, thus allowing those instructors to return home better prepared to teach new generations of high skilled piping professionals."

"We look forward to a continuing successful relationship in the years ahead," said Hite. "We are proud to call Washtenaw Community College our home."

SOURCE Washtenaw Community College