The United Association of Plumbers/Pipefitters and HVAC Techs Local 111 Apprenticeship Training Center is a 12,000 square foot facility built next to the UA Local 111’s existing building on North 30th street, which also received upgrades to its welding facilities.

“We built this so that we can have all of our training and facilities in one area,” Dean Gutzman, business manager for the local 111, said to the press. “We were kind of all over the place before, and we didn’t have enough room, so now we can have everything under one roof.”

United Association Plumbers, Pipefitters and HVAC/R Technicians Local 111 represents the workforce of the Upper Peninsula and Niagara, Wis. With this new facility, the UA 111 intends to better meet demands for trade skills and provide the adequate training needed to prepare apprentices for their future careers.

“[The facility] was built to meet existing demand, but now we have the room to expand also. Which we have been doing, because there is a much bigger demand for trade skills,” Gutzman noted. “Basically, what we’re trying to do here is supply training for people so they can have a sustainable living wage job and be able to stay in the area, [and] not have to leave the area to find work.”

Inside the new UA Local 111 facility (Liam Houston)

The new training area features dedicated classrooms, a computer lab, and workshops for hands-on training in plumbing, HVAC/R, and pipefitting. The remodel of the existing shop includes upgrades to the electrical system, a new ventilation system, and more weld booths.

More information on UA Local 111 and their training programs can be found on their website, lu111.com

—

Liam Houston can be reached at 906-786-2021 ext. 151 or lhouston@dailypress.net

Inside the new UA Local 111 facility (Liam Houston)

Inside the new UA Local 111 facility (Liam Houston)