“This is certainly a satisfying, secure, and stable career – but if you’re looking for easy, this
isn’t it.” That’s one of the first statements visitors to the UA Local 501 hall in Aurora heard on the morning
of Saturday, November 1, 2007, as PAMCANI (Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors Authority of Northern Illinois) and Local 501
jointly presented the first “Apprentice Preview” event. Nearly 100 prospective applicants, parents, spouses and
families filled the auditorium to hear about what it takes to be accepted into the program, and what requirements and
expectations are essential to successfully finish before embarking on an in-demand, well-compensated yet mentally and
physically challenging lifelong career in the union pipes trades.
After greetings and introductions from PAMCANI Executive Director S.J. Peters, the audience heard a frank and detailed
explanation from Local 501 Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC) Training Coordinator Don Stunkel of the five-year
learning process to achieve journeyman status as a plumber or pipe fitter. “This industry developed over centuries, and
those who are up to the challenge have an opportunity to learn from qualified journeymen who pass along an abundant yet still
growing body of knowledge,” Stunkel emphasized. “It involves math and science abilities, business and interpersonal
smarts, physical coordination and problem-solving skills. This job can happen under the most extreme cold or heat conditions, and
practicing good safety procedures is critical. And this is important work, because our society relies on clean water and proper
sanitation, so we are serious when we say that throughout history the plumber has saved more lives than the physician.
That’s one reason we insist on consistent class attendance, performing at your best on the job and always, and showing up
to meet your obligation to the contractors. Anything less and you won’t make it.”
PAMCANI-affiliated contractors were on-hand to share their insights and the realities of running a viable plumbing or mechanical
shop. Among the speakers were Craig Campeglia (of Frank’s Mechanical and the 501 JATC Chair); and JATC trustees Jeff
Cerren (All American Plumbing); Dick Kuhn (RJ Kuhn); and Barry Thomas (Barry Thomas Plumbing); and Bob Abbott (Abbott
Industries). All of the contractors confirmed that proper training, a good work ethic, and ongoing education make union
journeymen plumbers and fitters the best value the contractors, their customers, and the industry. According to the contractors,
new technology, increasingly complicated piping systems, larger building, and more intricate designs mandate that those entering
our industry be technologically savvy, computer literate and able to deliver what customers want. “There is so much to
learn, and we learn every day,” said Bob Abbott. “It’s a great career if you’re not afraid of hard work,
it’s family-friendly, and we welcome the best and the brightest— but it’s not for everyone,” Craig
Campeglia added.
The presentation included an introduction of the JAC instructors and Assistant Training Coordinator Frank Quatrocchi, and an
extended question and answer session. Attendees were divided into smaller groups for tours of the training facility, and provided
an explanation of the newly opened 501 JATC Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning (HVAC) training facility nearby.
Representatives from the union, the contractors association, and the JATC staff and instructors then engaged in individual
discussions and answered visitors’ questions. All who attended received informational materials (including the “Careers for the 21st Century” video, the new “Learn and Earn
Your Way to a Secure Future” brochure, the apprenticeship application fact sheets, and more. |
