UA 400 Pipe Trades and the Mechanical Contractors Association (MCA) hosted Apprentice Signing Day on Sept. 24, 2021 to recognize 46 first-time apprentices as they begin their five-year apprenticeships in steamfitting, pipe fabrication, plumbing and HVAC service. The event included a brief program followed by contractors presenting certificates of achievement to the apprentices along with a USA-made Gerber pocketknife in an outdoor ceremony at the UA 400 Training Center in Kaukauna. 

"Today's event is important because it helps the new apprentices realize the significance of their careers,” said Trevor Martin, UA 400 business manager. “Similar to celebrating a student athlete's accomplishments, we feel it’s equally necessary to recognize the people who for the next 30-plus years will be building and maintaining the communities we live and work in. Every apprentice here today will play an impactful role in their communities. This day is also a great way to showcase the partnership between UA 400 and the MCA, and our commitment to creating strong family supporting jobs here in the New North.”
 
UA 400 signatory contractors, representing the MCA, who are employing the new apprentices include August Winter & Sons, Bassett Mechanical, Beno Plumbing, B & P Mechanical, CR Meyer, Coenen Mechanical, Enerpipe, Gartman Mechanical, Hurckman Mechanical Industries, J.F. Ahern, Piping Service Inc., Plymouth Plumbing & Heating, Reeke Marold Company, Team Industries Inc., and Tweet-Garot Mechanical.

“Working with Local 400 allows area MCA contractors to hire skilled tradesmen and women at a moment’s notice,” said Jeff Gaecke, vice president of MCA. “Not only does Local 400 supply the manpower, but the employees are the most skilled and safest craftsman around.”

Speakers who addressed the apprentices and invited guests were Chief Executive Officer of The New North Barb LaMue, Mayor of Kaukauna Tony Penterman, UA 400 Business Manager Trevor Martin, and Vice President of the Mechanical Contractors Association of Wisconsin Jeff Gaecke.
 
Currently, there are a total of 334 apprentices working towards their apprenticeship. The UA 400 five-year apprenticeship programs provide classroom instruction from UA Certified Instructors and on-the-job training alongside experienced UA journeyworkers and apprentices. Once an apprentice has completed his/her apprenticeship and becomes a journeyworker, the education and training doesn’t stop. Continuing education opportunities are available to all UA members through specialized training and certification programs.

“I would 100 percent recommend the trades to friends,” said Brian Martinez-Gonzalez, a first-year, UA 400 plumbing apprentice with Beno Plumbing in Green Bay. “I believe that even if you don’t see yourself doing this forever, it opens doors and opportunities to anyone wanting to work and learn.”

Matt Beno, owner of Beno Plumbing, a UA 400 signatory contractor said, “We prefer to hire UA 400 trained apprentices and journeyman because I know they will be well-trained and prepared tradesman. UA 400 apprentice training requirements exceed the state standards. The UA 400 has a state-of-the-art training facility available to all their tradesmen to continue to advance their training and skills in the industry.”

For more information on training and apprenticeship opportunities at UA 400 Pipe Trades, contact Scott Wenger, training coordinator, at scott@ua400.org.