Pipe Up! Podcast
Welcome to the Pipe Up! Podcast, the official podcast of the United Association (UA), where the voices of the piping industry come together. Hosted by UA General President Mark McManus, Pipe Up! delivers engaging, informative and inspiring conversations covering important topics facing UA members, signatory contractors, and the broader construction and mechanical trades community.
Whether you are a journeyperson, apprentice, instructor, contractor, or industry partner, Pipe Up! is your go-to resource for insights on workforce development, union leadership, innovation, industry trends, and the real stories that shape the lives of UA members across North America.
New Episode Out Now!
#21 Representing America at WorldSkills – With Charlie Goede
General President Mark McManus sits down with 19-year-old UA Local 777 apprentice Charlie Goede.
In a special Independence Day episode, Pipe Up! highlights a young UA member preparing to represent both the United States and the United Association on the world stage.
General President Mark McManus sits down with 19-year-old UA Local 777 apprentice Charlie Goede, who will travel to Shanghai this September as Team USA’s competitor in plumbing and heating at the 2026 WorldSkills Competition – often called the Olympics of the skilled trades.
Charlie discusses his journey from a Connecticut technical high school and SkillsUSA to becoming the first UA member selected to compete at WorldSkills, the intensive training underway ahead of the competition, and what it means to carry the hopes of his local, his family, and more than 400,000 UA members into an international arena.
From apprenticeship and mentorship to fishing, moose hunting, and plans to someday teach the next generation of UA members, this episode is a reminder that the future of the skilled trades is already hard at work.
Pipe Up! With The General President
Pipe Up! With The General President
Listen and Subscribe
The Pipe Up! Podcast is available on all major podcast platforms, making it easy to tune in from your computer, smartphone, tablet, or TV. Episodes are usually released monthly and can be streamed directly from the UA Pipe Up! Podcast page.
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What Is the Pipe Up! Podcast?
The Pipe Up! Podcast is a recurring audio series produced by the United Association. Each episode features candid conversations with UA leadership, distinguished guests, industry experts, and members from the field. The podcast explores a wide range of subjects—including labor relations, safety, training, diversity, technology, legislative advocacy, and the future of the skilled trades.
By highlighting UA members’ experiences, challenges, and successes, Pipe Up! gives listeners a front-row seat to the issues that matter most in the piping industry. The podcast is designed to inform and inspire action, foster unity, and celebrate the achievements of the UA Community.
Get Involved
Do you have a story idea, a question, or a suggestion for the Pipe Up! Podcast? The UA welcomes input from its members and industry partners.
You can reach us through the contact form below or email us at [email protected].
Listen, learn, and Pipe Up!—because every voice in the UA matters.
