Training our instructors: The 68th UA Instructors Training Program

Brothers and Sisters,

This year, 17 instructors from Pipefitters Local 537 were proud to participate in the United Association’s 68th Instructors Training Program (ITP) held at Washtenaw Community College (WCC) in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The UA ITP is specifically designed for our instructors to improve their teaching techniques, diversify their mechanical skills, and enhance their knowledge of the scientific and technical elements of our trade. Through this program, our instructors stay up-to-date with the skills and techniques needed in our trade and are able to share that knowledge with our apprentices and journeypersons.

“The commitment of our Local 537 training instructors to go to this vigorous 5-year training program makes our union that much stronger,” said Paul McGrath, Director of Training and Education, Pipefitters Training Center.

Front row (l to r): Andrew Varley, Neil Barhight, Tim Sullivan, Dan Mulligan, International Rep. Harry Brett
Middle row (l to r): Peter Aylward, Director of Training and Education Paul McGrath, Local 537 Business Agent – Refrigeration Division Brian A. Nicholson, Local 537 Business Manager Danny O’Brien, UA Director HVAC Brian Kelly, District 1 Vice President Peter Gibbons, Bryan Longmoore, Michael Howard, Tom Cahill, Jesse Smith, Michael Prendergast
Back row (l to r): Chris Smith, Steven Parsons, Michael Basch, Phil Winmill, Matt Standish, Mark Glynn, Bill Kerrigan

Seven of our instructors were new to the program, and 10 were returning instructors to this intensive training program. Four of our returning instructors completed this program this year and celebrated their graduation on August 18, 2022, at the Eastern Michigan University Convocation Center. We are proud to recognize the achievements of our instructors Neil Barhight, Tim Sullivan, Dan Mulligan who completed the program this year, and Andrew Varley, who graduated with an associate’s degree.

Please join me as we congratulate all ITP participants and our newly-graduated instructors!

In solidarity,