Area union members earn nationally recognized teaching certification

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Chris Baker, of Gifford, and Nate Shubert, of Monticello, graduated from the United Association’s Instructor Training Program, completing a rigorous five-year program.

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Photo provided

Local 149 Business Manager Charlie Deakin, Nathan Shubert, Christopher Baker, Local 149 Business Agent Kevin Sage, Local 149 Training Director Derek Reedy pose for a photo after the awards ceremony.

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URBANA - Two longtime members of UA Local 149 have earned certification to train future generations of skilled workers after completing a rigorous five-year program.

Chris Baker, of Gifford, and Nate Shubert, of Monticello, recently graduated from the United Association’s Instructor Training Program, a nationally recognized course held in Ann Arbor, Mich.

UA Local 149 represents hundreds of plumbers, pipefitters and HVAC professionals across the region. Baker completed his certification to instruct in medical gas systems, plumbing fixtures and plumbing underground installation. Shubert earned credentials to teach rigging and industrial rigging.

The two men now join the ranks of certified instructors who are qualified to pass on specialized trade skills to apprentices entering the industry. Their recognition highlights the union’s ongoing role in workforce development and training across Illinois.

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Congresswoman, education leaders to tour local trades training center

During last November's Open House, Local 149 instructor Andy Currie provided a high school student with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in pipefitting. At the beginning of the week, officials from Parkland College and the University of Illinois, along with Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski, will tour the training facility.

PhotoNews Media file photo

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SAVOY - One year after opening its state-of-the-art training center, United Association Local 149 will host U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski and officials from Parkland College, the University of Illinois, and the chemical industry for a tour on Tuesday at 3 p.m. The event, held at the 24,000 square-foot facility on North Dunlap Avenue, will focus on economic growth and local job opportunities created by the training center.

Rep. Budzinski is known for advocating higher wages, better benefits, and workplace safety protections for firefighters, grocery workers, and meatpackers. She led efforts to raise Illinois' minimum wage to $15 an hour and chaired the Broadband Advisory Board to expand internet access in rural communities. During her time at the White House’s Office of Management and Budget, she helped implement the American Rescue Plan and establish the Made in America Office to bring jobs back to the U.S. and strengthen the economy. Budzinski was elected to Congress in 2023, representing Illinois’ 13th District.

Local 149 provides world-class training, such as specialized instruction in medical gas piping services, helping members meet industry needs.

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Trustee Dave Smithenry demonstrates troubleshooting air conditioning systems at last year's Open House.

PhotoNews Media file photo

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The tour will feature hands-on demonstrations from union members and interviews with apprentices, union officials, and representatives from the Chemical Industry Council of Illinois and the American Chemistry Council. The event highlights Local 149’s role in preparing its 600 members, including plumbers, pipefitters, and HVAC technicians, for the growing job market in the chemical manufacturing sector.

In addition to meeting the needs of its customers by mastering various piping systems and prioritizing the safety of its members and customers, the members of Local 149 are committed to delivering exceptional service on every project. Members also support the communities in which they live by donating resources and countless hours to charitable organizations, including the United Way, the Salvation Army, the March of Dimes, and many local causes.

The union is currently accepting applications for its 2025 apprentice class. For more information call (217) 359-5201.

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Area Boy Scouts to learn welding with local iron workers

Saturday’s Merit Badge Day to include hands-on training as Scouts gain skills.

Photo: Bryce Carithers/PEXELS

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URBANA - Dozens of area Boy Scouts from across Central Illinois will earn merit badges on Saturday as they learn welding techniques from expert tradesmen who’ve helped build some of the largest and most iconic buildings in the area.

Scouts from the Champaign Holy Cross Boy Scout Troop 9 will learn to weld from 8am to 12pm on Saturday. Another group will do the same from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Iron Workers Local 380, located 1602 Butzow Drive in Urbana.

Scouts will spend about an hour learning welding safety measures, before they put on gloves and goggles and prepare to fuse objects with a welding machine.

Certified welders from Iron Workers Local 380, the area labor union representing nearly 250 local residents, will instruct the scouts on proper techniques and safety.

Local 380, founded in 1923, serves 17 counties in East Central Illinois and West Central Indiana, providing services that include erecting and connecting the skeletons of bridges, stadiums and large structures.

Local 380 is currently accepting applications for their 2024 apprentice class. Those who turn 18 before September are welcome to apply for positions with starting wages of at least $23.45 an hour, guaranteed to climb to $36.08 an hour after four years of on-the-job training.

Applications and more information can be found at www.ironworkers380.org.

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