Imagine your education came with a paycheck, health care and a guaranteed career — the United Association Local 333 makes it happen for aspiring workers in mid-Michigan.
The UA Local 333 labor union has been representing plumbers, pipefitters and HVAC mechanics across Lansing, Jackson and Battle Creek since 2000.
“There’s only one other organization in the world that puts more money into education than what the UA does, and that’s the U.S. military,” said Dustin Howard, business manager at UA Local 333. “We pride ourselves on education for all of our members.”
The program lasts five years and is completely free for apprentices, providing them with opportunities to earn dozens of certifications and professional licenses, including their Michigan plumber’s license. While in the program, apprentices take classes and train out of two different
education centers in mid-Michigan.
In addition to their free education, apprentices get paid for their time spent working on-site and learning in class — and are offered health care and retirement plans, allowing them to graduate free of debt and with a wealth of knowledge that sets them apart from other workers in their field.
“Why do I think apprenticeships are important? Education, education, education. I can’t say it enough,” said Howard. “There is a night-and-day difference when you have an individual who goes through apprenticeship and one who learns on the job. The training we give our members
is truly second to none. And, in turn, the community gets a better-quality product at the end.”
Right now, UA Local 333 has more than 250 apprentices enrolled in its program between the union’s three locations across mid-Michigan. Howard said that there has been a significant increase in enrollment the last few years, as the stigma around nontraditional education has declined.
WE ASKED HOWARD TO GIVE HIS UA LOCAL 333 ELEVATOR PITCH:
“We don’t offer a job; we offer a career. And you’re going to get paid to get that career going.”
