The United Association (UA) Union of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders &.Service Techs and the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) have partnered to design and launch the "Mechanical Industry Future Leaders Institute," to provide education and training to future leaders in the mechanical industry. The three-day program is designed for late period apprentices and recently graduated journey persons.
In a letter announcing the partnership, Mark McManus, General President, UA and Brian Helm, President, MCAA said the joint initiative is a key part of the UA‐MCAA Strategic Planning Committee’s efforts to proactively position the mechanical industry for continued success and growth.
The program will be held at the UA's training facility in Annapolis, MD. The initial session will be held in fall.
Candidates will be 4th- and 5th-year apprentices or journeypersons who graduated from their apprenticeship program within the last five years.Candidates will be recommended by their Business Manager on the basis of their demonstrated leadership, and leadership potential at the local level. The Business Manager will submit an application and letter of recommendation for each candidate. The Business Manager must also provide a letter of endorsement from the local affiliated MCAA executive.
A joint UA‐MCAA Selection Committee will identify up to 35 candidates best suited to participate in each program session.
"This groundbreaking program will provide extensive training focused on the skills needed to become a successful and productive leader in. the mechanical industry," continued the letter from McManus and Helm. "Participants will learn about leadership requirements specific to our industry and will hear from a combination of presenters ranging from the UA, the MCAA and outside leadership experts.
No Charge for Program
All costs associated with the initial three-day program will be borne jointly by the UA and the MCAA.
"We believe it is critical that we do all we can to equip our future leaders with the skills they will need to meet the challenges of our ever‐evolving industry. We believe the United Association consists of extremely talented individuals who will greatly benefit from the program. We believe our industry has a responsibility to provide as much education as possible to our future leaders. And, we believe that providing our future leaders the education they need to be successful is the joint responsibility of labor and management," the letter continued.
Members of both organizations will receive updates in the coming months.