The work of UA members saves lives every day, from providing clean water and sanitation to fire protection. Fire sprinkler systems not only save lives but often extinguish fires before they spread, saving property as well. UA members install and maintain all types of fire suppression systems on commercial, residential and industrial sites.
Welders are found on almost every jobsite in North America. These skilled workers cut and join a variety of materials, from steel, cast iron and plastic to complex and specialized products used on projects ranging from pipelines and power plants, to pharmaceutical and computer chip factories—and more. Estimates are that there will be a shortage of skilled and certified welders in North America that could number in the hundreds of thousands. Now is the time to acquire these critical skills.
Michael A. Pleasant Assistant General President Michael Pleasant has been a member of the United Association for more than 34 years, and throughout those years he not only learned the skills of his trade, but at the same time, he has risen to the highest levels of leadership in the UA. A native of Robinson,
Kyle Lamon loved the Army, but it got to the point where it was getting monotonous. He wanted freedom. “When you’re 26 and have to ask permission to leave for a weekend, it gets old,” he said. “I had a rodeo scholarship. At Fort Bragg, I started riding bulls at a small operation. I used to ride the Professional Rodeo Association (PRA) rodeos. I have the broken bones to show for it. When I was transitioning out, I felt like I didn’t have a lot of options. My buddy told me about the VIP welding program at Fort Campbell. I applied and got in.”
Sprinkler fitters install life and property saving fire protection systems in homes, schools, hospitals, office buildings, hotels, and more. As more and more people become aware of the difference these life-saving and property protection systems can make and when new legislation and code changes are implemented there will be more calls for the installation of these systems in new construction, as well as retrofitting of existing structures.
Join the UA Are you looking to begin a new career as an apprentice? Are you an experienced tradesperson searching for a brighter future? To receive more information on careers available at the UA, please submit your contact information. Find a Local Union Build your future, your way. Career Paths Once you become a UA
Education and Training News The latest news and updates from the Education and Training Department Learn More UA Apps We have an App for that! Learn More Become an Apprentice In 1936, The United Association’s joint apprenticeship program was the first nationally registered program recognized by the Department of Labor in the United States. Over
