UA 400 Pipe Trades and the Mechanical Contractors Association held its Heat Up Your Future Skills Competition at the UA 400 training center Feb. 7. 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/accuracy/creativity. The winning teams received a plaque and tools from Milwaukee Tools. Winning teams are:
- First place – Reedsville High School
- Second place – Kimberly High School
- Third 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/
