Since 1893, the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union Local 112 (UA Local 112) has supplied the Central NY/ Southern Tier with commercial and industrial piping system installation and mechanical equipment services. The Plumbers and Pipefitters Local No. 112 Education and Apprentice Fund provides the 540 members of UA Local 112 with the training and support essential for career success. Recently, an increase of new construction work and the opening of fabrication shops in Utica has resulted in the need for members to become skilled and certified with a new Gas Metal Arc Welding Process (GMAW) referred to as RMD (Regulated Metal Deposition). RMD is a process of welding that has become increasingly required by contractors and fabricators on statewide projects. This past February, with assistance from WDI’s grants program, UA Local 112 was able to purchase a Miller PipeWorx Welding System and incorporate RMD training into the apprenticeship program.
The RMD training and certification will help local members earn certifications needed to meet industry standards as defined by the National Certified Pipe Welding Bureau, develop the skills requested by contractors, and ultimately procure more local work opportunities.
The UA anticipates that at least 40 UA Local 112 members will become trained and certified in GMAW Process during the coming year. We look forward to learning more about the results of this project as this training course becomes established in the UA Local 112 apprenticeship program.
