The week includes classroom instruction, an International Apprentice Contest, certification exams and demonstrations and a graduation ceremony in which 170 will be honored for their completion of the certificate program and an additional 45 will earn associate degrees from WCC.

Manufacturers’ representative Specified Systems and REHAU teamed up to donate RAUPEX crosslinked polyethylene (PEXa) pipe, EVERLOC+ compression-sleeve fittings and F1960 cold expansion fittings to the $18 million new training facility.

XOi’s deep data cataloging capabilities, advanced AI-driven analytics, and intuitive remote support options enhance the value of UA’s training programs, giving the organization resources to help contractors close the skilled labor gap. 

The bill seeks to reauthorize the 1937 National Apprenticeship Act, which established the registered apprenticeship system, for the first time since its inception 84 years ago.

Many characteristics today associated with registered apprenticeships — progressive wage increases, mentorship and safety standards — are not part of the 1937 law; they have instead been included in subsequent U.S. Department of Labor regulations. These provisions and more would be codified into the new federal law, as well as expanding apprenticeship programs through authorization of $400-$800 million in new grant funding.

The UA and MCAA continue to work jointly to address the very intractable and serious tax and workforce standards, and fair competition abuses of tax cheating by unscrupulous employers that misclassify employees as independent contractors.