New Training Center Opens For Plumbers

A new training center for men and women interested in a career as a plumber is up and running in the Pittsburgh area. Owned and operated by Plumbers Local Union #27, the $4 million training center includes state of the art equipment and a diversified curriculum that enables plumbers to apply their skills and education in residential, commercial and industrial facilities.

Located in the Montour West Industrial Park in North Fayette Township, the center includes, among other learning tools, replicated hospital patient and nursing station rooms that are used to teach apprentices how to install piping in critical care medical facilities and become certified as Medical Gas Installers.

“This is the newest and finest training center in Western Pennsylvania for men and women interested in becoming registered plumbers,” said Tom Bigley, Business Manager for Plumbers Local Union #27. “With the current and expected increase in local construction, it is imperative that we have a quality training center to attract people into this challenging and rewarding profession. The training program and facility that we now have are second to none.”

In addition to other features, the center includes an impressive two-story wooden framed house where apprentices are taught how to install actual plumbing throughout a residential home. Courses are also provided in Health & Safety, Plan Reading, Back Flow Prevention, Plastic Fusion, Rigging, Drainage Pipe Under Fittings and Computer Assisted Design (CAD), among others. Two large computer rooms designed for distant learning are also located in the center, with course work focusing on math and science.

“There’s a lot more to plumbing than most people imagine,” Mr. Bigley said. “New building codes, ever changing materials and technology, and the environment in which we live require constant training and education for plumbers to successfully be able to apply their trade professionally and economically.

“Here at our new training center, we have all of the capabilities and resources necessary to train and provide expert plumbers for area contractors on any type of construction project. It is a community resource that we are proud to provide for this region.”