UA Apprenticeship
I began my pre-apprenticeship in March 2017, with a ground up build, Bronson Healthy Living Campus at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. What an amazing experience to begin my professional career on such an iconic building in my hometown. My first days on site I was in the dirt learning underground plumbing and rough-ins. Fast forward some time and I would be learning how to solder copper pipe, read blueprints, lay-out piping systems, install all manner of mechanical equipment, etc. During this job I even got to be a part of connecting the back half of an ambulance that sits on the third floor. Yes, there is half an ambulance in the middle of the building on the third floor!
December 2017 I was sworn in the United Association as a member of Local 357 Plumbers & Pipefitters, it was at this point my apprenticeship officially began and would not be completed without approximately 3,000 hours on the job training, 7,500 total working hours, 1,000 hours of classroom work, and one completed UA Star Exam. During my time in the classroom, I focused on obtaining all information available and worked hard to hone my skills as a piping professional. Leaving with the certifications below. (Some may have since expired)
- ASSE Backflow Tester
- Crane signalman card
- OSHA 30
- UA EPRI Industrial Rigging
- UA PE1 Plastic Fusion
- UA PE2 Plastic Fusion
My first year as a journeyman was spent running multiple projects; often overseeing multiple projects at once and maintaining a proven track record of success. By developing relationships founded in trust and respect with my project managers, I was given all the tools needed to find success. My career was taking off, and just as I was being asked to run bigger projects and take on more responsibility, an amazing job opportunity was presented to my wife. Alyssa happily accepted her first position as a School Administer, putting to practice the master’s degree she earned during our stay in AZ. Not only was this something she wanted to pursue for some time, but it was finally a chance to move closer to her family on the east side of the state. Her acceptance of this position led me to transfer locals from UA Local 357 to UA Local 636 in Detroit.
Projects
- Bronson Healthy Living Campus at KVCC
- Nazareth Center Assisted Living
- Watervliet Public Schools
- Western Michigan University (Multiple Projects)
- Kalamazoo College (Subcontracted in-house plumber for 9 months)
- Vicksburg Public Schools
- Kalsec
- Lawton Public Schools
- Kalamazoo Public Schools
- Portage Central High School Pool
- The Mill at Vicksburg
- https://vicksburgmill.com/
- Highly recommend checking this out!
- Gordie Howe International Bridge (First big project with UA Local 636)
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