Ann Arbor welcomes group with annual UA Block Party
For 27 years, The United Association of Plumbers, Pipefitters, Sprinker Fitters, Welders and HVACR Technicians (UA) has come to Washtenaw Community College to hold its annual Instructor Training program.
More than 2,000 instructors will participate in the training program, which will include more than 330 first-year attendees, from Saturday, August 13 through Friday, August 19.
The Ann Arbor Area Convention and Visitors Bureau will help welcome the group to the area with its annual UA Block Part from 6 to 10 p.m., followed by a pub crawl that benefits the Semper Fi Fund.
The UA’s Instructor Training program is considered one of the most successful skills training programs in North America. The UA/WCC 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.
“This year I am excited about the new and revised course offerings,” said UA Director of Training Chris Haslinger. “We’ve worked hard to rise to the challenge of incorporating new technology and the use of advanced equipment in all sectors of our Instructor Training program. This emphasis will assure our instructors, coordinators and directors are industry-leading educators. It is no surprise that our efforts have resulted in a program that is world-renowned.”
Examples of new class offerings this year include: Infection Control Risk Assessment, Fire Alarm Panels and Emerging Welding Technologies.
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.
“Summers in Washtenaw County are packed with events—and welcoming the return of the UA to the area is truly a highlight,” said Mary Kerr, Washtenaw County Convention and Visitors Bureau President and CEO. “The relationship that’s developed between the UA, WCC and the community over the past 27 years speaks volumes—it represents a value that extends beyond the significant economic impact of hosting the Instructor Training Program and has become a partnership built on camaraderie and a commitment to education.”
For details on the Annual UA Block Party, visit welcomeua.visitannarbor.org.