One of the biggest challenges for young people today is deciding on a vocation that offers stable employment, higher than average wages, a solid pension plan, and opportunities for meaningful training to enhance their skills and marketability.
That’s a tall order for many professions, but it’s a menu of attractive items currently being offered to members of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada – commonly referred to as UA. As an actively registered member of UA Local 800, individuals looking to establish their career in the trades can participate in apprentice programs like the one being taught by Lucas Virtanen, Welding Instructor Training Director for Local 800, which represents Plumbers, Steamfitters, and Welders.
“This is a program I’ve spearheaded that is TDA (Training Delivery Agent) approved by the Ministry,” said Virtanen. “We’re in the third year of running this program. It’s a structured trade school session like you’d get at a college, but we’re just doing it right here in the Hall.”
According to Virtanen, many of the current participants started working as welders in the non-union sector, but they eventually wound up joining Local 800 to reap the benefits of higher pay, benefits, protection of the Union and training. Many of the participants in the current Pressure Systems Welder apprenticeship program share similar stories and aspirations.
James Wirth, for example, is a Sault Ste. Marie based welder who has been enrolled in the program for 11 months.
“I was working at a metal fabrication shop and I thought I could do something better and get a better job with benefits,” said Wirth. “It’s a good paying job with pension and benefits and reliable work. It checks off all the boxes on my list, so I was drawn to it.”
Wirth said he enjoys the hands on aspect of the training, which combines in-class training classes with work in the field.
“I’m a visual learner, so seeing the demonstrations and applying what I learn is simpler for me. I like to watch someone and then replicate the actions. It makes it easier to learn.”
Twenty-year-old apprentice Emily Moore moved to the Sault to take a two-year metal fabrication course at the college. Her instructors there opened the doors to joining the union, which led to Moore’s enrollment in the Pressure Systems Welder apprentice program.
“My papa was a hobby welder, and I did a few projects with him,” said Moore, explaining how she got her interest in welding. I was definitely attracted to the job stability the trade offers, and the union benefits are great. I’ve joined at a young age, so I have many years to build a pension. I also like the hands-on training and working collaboratively in small groups with the other apprentices.”
Apprentice Keegan McAllister got his first exposure to welding in high school, where he completed many welding courses.
“I really developed a passion for it, and I decided to take it to the next level by joining the union and joining the apprentice program,” said McAllister. “It’s everything I expected. I enjoy the challenges and the learning curves. You’re never not learning something while you’re here.”
Talon Beharriell is another Local 800 member enrolled in the apprenticeship program. Talon, 25, grew up around welding his entire life, and knew at an early age that he would wind up in a welding apprenticeship program. He said he has come to appreciate the variety of instruction offered in the apprenticeship program and the options for employment such training provides.
“I like the different processes as I learn. They build up my skills and give me a different sense of accomplishment,” said Beharriell. “My goal is to get as many tickets as I can for the different welding processes. There are a lot of different opportunities available through the Union.”
Anyone thinking of joining the trades or looking for work in the industry should reach out to the UA Local 800 to discuss the various apprenticeship opportunities available.
For more information, visit United Local 800 online.