Joint Apprenticeship Training Centers (JATCs) in Dorchester host Massachusetts Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer for a Tour
Chief Hoffer saw firsthand how union craftspeople are at the forefront of green job training and learning their trade through state-of-the art union apprenticeship programs with a focus on building decarbonization/improving energy efficiency through HVAC upgrades and heat pumps.
Massachusetts Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer toured the following three Joint Apprenticeship Training Centers (JATCs) in Dorchester on Tuesday April 29:
- UA Local 12 Plumbers Training Center
- UA Local 537 Pipefitters Training Center
- SMART Local 17 Training Center
Chief Hoffer was joined on the tour by:
- MA AFL-CIO President Chrissy Lynch
- MA Building Trades Unions President Francis X. Callahan
- Social Finance President and COO Kirstin Hill
- Climate Jobs MA Executive Director Ryan Murphy
- Representatives from all three JATCs.
“Unions are the gold standard for job training and have been on the forefront of green union jobs for decades,” said MA AFL-CIO President Chrissy Lynch. “From SMART members who design and install energy efficient systems to UA members focused on water conservation and beyond, our unions are dedicated to training the workforce of the future. We are glad Chief Hoffer visited our training centers and had the chance to see the important work being done.
"It was wonderful to tour our Joint Apprenticeship Training Centers to see first-hand how our state's union apprenticeship programs are training our future workforce. We need skilled and trained workers to ensure our clean energy future, and learning how our unions are prioritizing decarbonization and energy efficiency will help us get there," said Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer. "As we heard, these programs really are the Harvard University of the trades—the quality of the curriculum, the facilities, and the dedication and genuine care of the faculty is incredibly impressive. These apprentices and their teachers are true climate heroes, and look forward to continuing to work with our unions to secure our climate future!"
“We were proud to host Chief Hoffer at our Joint Apprenticeship Training Centers,” said Rick Carter, Training Director for UA Local 12. “With a growing focus on green technologies, union plumbers and contractors are the leaders and experts in green building and energy whether it be decarbonization and energy efficiency improvements through the installation of heat pumps or water conservation through greywater recycling. As our economy develops, our training programs will always lead the way in preparing craftspeople to get the job done.”
“Chief Hoffer understands that a highly-skilled workforce is essential for a sustainable clean energy future— to ensure both the success of the industry and the well-being of our communities,” said Climate Jobs MA Executive Director Ryan Murphy. “We thank the Chief for spending the day with us in local training centers, to see first-hand how union apprentices are preparing for family-sustaining careers in clean energy.”
The union construction industry is dedicated to having the best trained and most highly qualified craftspeople in the industry. Training is a full-time commitment by our unions and contractors, funded to the tune of more than $55 million annually.
This investment in training helps raise standards throughout the construction industry, increases job site safety, and ensures that our work product continues to be the best in the world. Union contractors benefit because they are able to recruit high quality craftspeople. Project owners benefit because highly trained workers get the job done right the first time.
Union craftspeople learn their trade through state-of-the-art apprenticeship programs. In fact, there are no self-taught craftspeople in our ranks. The Building Trades unions and their contractor partners operate more than 40 joint apprenticeship training centers joint apprenticeship training centers (JATCs) across Massachusetts, producing the most qualified craftspeople in the industry. Union apprentices spend two to five years in the classroom and on-the-job training. Challenging apprenticeship programs instill integrity, work ethic and pride in each and every union craftsperson.