When the United Association wrapped up its week-long training program on the Washtenaw Community College campus — the last and largest of five annual union visits — the completion ceremony included the celebration of 32 new WCC alumni.
Marking the 35th anniversary of the UA conducting its Instructor Training Program at WCC, an estimated 3,500 attendees, support personnel, vendors and dignitaries visited the area.
That list of dignitaries included U.S. Secretary of Energy and former Governor of Michigan Jennifer Granholm, who spoke to the UA’s Future Leaders Cohort about the expansion of manufacturing taking place in the green energy industry.
Granholm told the group that the success of the Inflation Reduction Act, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the CHIPS and Science Act is resulting in steady work for the union through the construction of new manufacturing facilities — citing that 900,000 new construction trades jobs were created under the new legislation, more than any other time in U.S. history.
Prior to the UA visit, WCC hosted similar instructor training programs for the Operational Plasterers and Cement Masons; the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers; the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers; and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
In all, the training attracted more than 6,000 people and provided a projected $20 million economic windfall to Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County.
The college’s relationship with the United Association was a precursor to launching similar training with other unions. Its intensive five-year program sets the industry standard and equips union instructors to educate and train all UA members back home on the best industry safety and training practices.
“The UA has the most admired training program in the industry, and much of that stems from the work during ITP week,” said UA General President Mark McManus.
While the week-long summer visit is the highlight of the partnership, WCC also provides United Association members year-round educational opportunities that can result in earning an associate degree.
More than 600 members have taken advantage of that opportunity, with 32 union members from 17 states and Ontario, Canada completing their programs this summer.
Those who earned WCC degrees donned traditional caps and gowns during the ITP Completion Ceremony and received a diploma from WCC Vice President of Economic & College Development Dr. Michelle Merusi.
Tags: Alumni, October 2024, On The Record, UA Instructor Training Program