The Apprenticeship Training Center is a 12,000-square-foot facility built next to the UA Local 111’s existing building on North 30th Street in Escanaba, 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,” said Dean Gutzman, business manager for the UA Local 111. “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 members in the Upper Peninsula and Niagara, Wis. With this new facility, UA Local 111 intends to better meet increasing demand for trade skills and provide training needed to prepare apprentices for future careers.

“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, not have to leave the area to find work,” Gutzman said.

A classroom inside the United Association of Plumbers/Pipefitters and HVAC Techs Local 111’s new training facility in Escanaba. (Liam Houston/Daily Press photo)

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 included upgrades to the electrical system, a new ventilation system and more weld booths.

More information on UA Local 111 and its training programs can be found on the union’s website, lu111.com

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

Another interior view of the United Association of Plumbers/Pipefitters and HVAC Techs Local 111’s new training facility in Escanaba. (Liam Houston/Daily Press photo)