ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – An Upper Peninsula union has made a major investment designed to support future laborers and strengthen the local workforce.
Friday morning, the United Association of Plumbers/Pipefitters and HVAC Techs Local 111 opened a new apprenticeship training center in Escanaba. The facility adds 12,000 square feet to the existing training area, including classrooms, a computer lab, and workshops.
According to Local 111 Business Manager Dean Gutzman, the addition ensures a cohesive, hands-on experience for every apprentice.
“Before, we were in a couple of different spots,” he explained. “We really didn’t have a proper facility. We were constantly moving things in and out and putting stuff in storage. We can have everything that we need under one roof here and get everything done that we need to. We’re just trying to up our training to help people get a life-sustaining job so that they can stay in the area.”
Local 111 has also finished a full remodel of its former training center, complete with a new ventilation system, electrical system upgrades, and more welding booths.
