Letter to the Editor: Mayor Pagano Excited for New Union Training Center

The members of the Plumbers’ and Pipefitters’ Local Union No. 562 invited me to share in the groundbreaking ceremony for the Local Training Center on Friday, June 8, 2012, and I must say I was quite impressed.

The new $12 million training complex to be built by Plumbers and Pipefitters 562 will consist of three buildings that will provide state-of-the-art training for apprentices and continuing upgrade training for journeymen.  The new complex will be built at Local 562’s current complex in North County on Larimore Road, and is scheduled to open in August of 2013. 

Something I was not aware of was the United Association of the Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Union has created a program called Veterans In Piping (UA VIP). The UA VIP program helps returning veterans transition to civilian life, receive training, and find careers with contractors throughout the country. The UA VIP offers many programs, including a 18-week accelerated welding program that prepares graduates for a lifelong career in the construction industry.

Local 562s 4,500 members serve the plumbing and mechanical industry in 67 counties in Eastern Missouri. In 1999 Plumbers Local 35 was merged by the International Union with Pipefitters Local 562 to create the new Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 562.

Again, I must say I was quite impressed with this newest development by the members of Plumbers’ and Pipefitters’ Local Union No. 562, which will create 300 to 400 part-time and full-time jobs in our region.

Sincerely,

Len Pagano
Mayor