UA 400 Pipe Trades and the Mechanical Contractors Association (MCA) held its Heat Up Your Future Skills Competition at the UA 400 training center on February 7, 2024. Tech Ed students from 13 local high schools competed to construct a pipe stove based on specific design requirements.
Projects were judged on correct dimensions, weld quality and overall design/creativity. The top winning teams received a plaque and tools from Milwaukee Tools.
- 1st Place – Reedsville High School
- 2nd Place – Kimberly High School
- 3rd Place – Green Bay Preble High School
Schools attending the event included Appleton A-Tech Academy, Appleton East, Bonduel, Denmark, Fond du Lac, Fox Valley Lutheran, Kiel, Kimberly, Little Chute, NEW Lutheran, Preble, Reedsville, and Wittenberg-Birnamwood. UA 400 signatory contractors who participated in the event included Ahern, August Winter and Sons, CR Meyer, Hurckman Mechanical, Team Industries Inc., and Tweet Garot Mechanical.
“Local 400 recognizes that college is not for everyone, and the Heat Up Your Future Competition allows high school students to explore other avenues of education,” said Doug Dokey, business manager of UA 400. “Apprenticeships offer learn-while-you-earn opportunities that when completed will earn upwards of $100,000 per year with benefits. We look forward to next year’s contest to help more young people find their future.”
In a random drawing, the Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School team won a Miller 211 MIG Welder donated by Miller Electric.
“This year’s Heat Up Your Future Event is extremely exciting,” said Jeff Gaecke, executive vice president of the Mechanical Contractors Association. “Not only do we see an increased interest in the event from the area High Schools, but I am impressed by the diversity of the attendees, not only the students but the parents as well. We are seeing young men and women from all walks of life showing an interest in what the MCA of North Central Wisconsin and Local 400 have to offer.”
For more information on UA 400 apprenticeships in plumbing, welding, steamfitting, fabrication and HVAC visit https://ua400.org/apprenticeship-programs/
About UA 400 Pipe Trades
The UA 400 Pipe Trades, headquartered in Kaukauna, Wisconsin with an office in Fond du Lac, is comprised of approximately 2,500 members serving eighteen counties in Northeast Wisconsin. The organization is affiliated with the United Association of Plumber and Pipefitters with an estimated 372,000 membership throughout the United States and Canada. The group’s mission is to be the preferred choice for industries, employers and workers specializing in plumbing, pipefitting, HVACR service and pipe fabrication as well as training for its members and qualified manpower to their 105 signatory contractors. The UA 400 takes pride in their partnerships and contributions to serve local communities with organizations such as Cerebral Palsy Telethon, Special Olympics, Rebuilding Together, Heat’s On Program, Harbor House and Salvation Army. To keep up with the latest news and learn more about UA 400, visit http://www.ua400.org follow us on Facebook and YouTube.
