No other organization serves the training needs of the piping industry like the United Association. For over a century, the United Association has been training the most highly-qualified workers in the United States and Canada.
Over the past several decades, the United Association's training programs have produced a stable, skilled workforce responsible for building and maintaining piping systems in the various industrial and residential facilities that make up the North American landscape.
No one can match our commitment or investment. The UA spends over $130 million annually on training program efforts involving approximately 100,000 journeymen and apprentices in over 400 local training facilities at any given time.
In addition to five-year apprenticeship programs, the United Association offers continuing education opportunities that include journeyman training and certifications in valve repair, welding, backflow prevention, medical gas installation, hoisting and rigging, and many more.
The following are the training courses that our members benefit from.
The following are the training courses available – let training know what you are interested in.
When we have sufficient interest a course will be scheduled.
TECHNICAL TRAINING ADVANCED TRAINING HEALTH AND SAFETY FOCUS NAUSC & SPECIALTY COURSES
Part of Local 527 Southwestern Ontario mandatory apprenticeship training. This course is also open to all members. Apprentices are asked to use the current plumbing code and apply the code to advance theoretical and hands-on activities. The class focuses on reviewing the current plumbing code book and making sure the apprentices are comfortable using it at an advanced level. The apprentices will be asked to use the code to lay out different advanced plumbing systems. This course is designed for plumbing apprentices, the prerequisite is Plumbing 101 Introduction to the Code.
Part of Local 527 Southwestern Ontario mandatory apprenticeship training. This course is also open to all members. Apprentices are introduced to the current plumbing code and apply the code to theoretical and hands-on activities. The class focuses on reviewing the current plumbing code book and making sure the apprentices are familiar with its structure. The apprentices will be asked to use the code to lay out different plumbing systems. This course is designed for plumbing apprentices and there are no prerequisites.
Part of Local 527 Southwestern Ontario mandatory apprenticeship training. This course is also open to all members. Once new piping systems and fixtures are installed, they must be maintained and serviced. Maintenance and service represent a high percentage of the total amount of work performed in the plumbing industry. This class is designed for more advanced plumbing apprentices and will allow apprentices to demonstrate their knowledge by completing practical and written assignments. The class focuses on plumbing service tools, safety, sewer, drainage & venting systems, water distribution, fixtures, fittings, and appliances. There are no prerequisites for this course however it is recommended that you have completed Level 1 (Basic) plumbing trade school.
Part of Local 527 Southwestern Ontario mandatory apprenticeship training. This course is also open to all members. This course is a safety awareness course that covers the fundamentals in safe rigging and hoisting. This rigging and hoisting training will include but limited to the following topics: ropes, knots, hitches, tools, cranes, chain falls, come alongs, slings, hardware, load calculations, inspections, maintenance, lifting procedures, hazards, and safety requirements. The students will be required to demonstrate their knowledge by performing written and practical assignments. There are no prerequisites for this course.
Part of Local 527 Southwestern Ontario mandatory apprenticeship training. This course is also open to all members. Students will learn advanced skills in pipe fabrication. This class will cover different advanced pipe fabrication and measuring techniques. Students will be asked to demonstrate their knowledge by measuring, calculating, creating accurate drawings, and safely building piping projects. The prerequisite for this course is the Basic Pipe Fabrication course.
Part of Local 527 Southwestern Ontario mandatory apprenticeship training. This course is also open to all members. Students will learn the basics in in pipe fabrication. This class will cover different pipe fabrication and measuring techniques. Students will be asked to demonstrate their knowledge by measuring, calculating, creating accurate drawings, and safely building piping projects. There are no prerequisites for this course.
Part of Local 527 Southwestern Ontario mandatory apprenticeship training. This course is also open to all members. In the pipe trades we must apply scientific and technical principles in our work. In this course we focus on understanding these principles that are used on a regular basis in the piping industry. We will cover chemical elements, heat, fluids & pressure, compressibility & thermal expansion of fluids, metallic & non-metallic piping material, corrosion of piping materials, fluid flow in piping, and mechanics. There are no prerequisites for this course however it is recommended that you have completed Level 1 (Basic) trade school for plumbing, steamfitting, or welding.
CWB weld testing for new qualifications and renewal of existing qualifications.
The valve repair certification expires every 5 years and a member must recertify within 90 days of their expiration date.
This is a 40-hour certification course through EPRI and the UA. Many existing valves must be repaired or replaced. This course will offer hands-on experience in the inspection, disassembly, repair and re-assembly of valves. The course curriculum will be presented through class instruction, textbooks and reference materials, calibration tools, and reconditioning equipment.
Part of Local 527 Southwestern Ontario mandatory apprenticeship training. This course is also open to all members. The course covers safety, the use of equipment on the job and in the shop, oxy-acetylene flame cutting and pipe preparation. Practical training will be included for soldering and brazing of copper fittings as well as building copper projects.
This course has ten sessions beginning with a general math review including formulas, tables and graphs. The course will provide the fundamentals in pipe trade math related to the job site and trade school.
The course provides training in pipe drafting, blueprint reading and isometric drawing. Topics include: use of labour units; building plans; flow diagrams; layout of piping and design; take-off and estimation.
Drawing interpretation covers standards, lines and lettering orthographic and isometric projections. The course teaches the types of drawing and building plans used on the job and training in the fundamentals of making typical technical isometric sketches.
This course provides a background and the basic theories of hydronic systems. Hydronic systems use a water-based heat transfer fluid (HTF) to move heat between a heating or cooling source and condition spaces. Boilers and chillers are used to heat or chill the HTF, and terminal units are used to emit or absorb the heat. Many different piping layouts are used to distribute the HTF and this course goes over the basic principles used when designing a piping system.
This course will be available to members who need to update their 5 year certification.
This course will be available to members who need to update their 5 year certification.
This course covers back flow prevention and cross connection control devices. Topics include: health aspects, legal aspects of cross connection control, causes of back flow, types and application of devices, inspection programs, maintenance and testing, and Province of Ontario regulations 647/84. Participants who successfully pass the voluntary certification exam will be certified as a Cross-Connection Control Inspection Specialist.
Part of Local 527 Southwestern Ontario mandatory apprenticeship training. This course is also open to all members. Apprentices and Journeypersons taking this course will gain a sound understanding of welding terms, welder qualifications, welding procedures and the development of welding procedures. This course begins with welding terms, basic up to advanced, and uses an illustrated glossary of terms to assist with the understanding. The course then moves to welder qualifications, addressing all 97 items on a typical TSSA Welder/Welding Operator Certificate along with a deep dive into the ASME Section IX code book. Students will gain the knowledge required to fill out a blank welder qualification and can expect a full understanding of How, Why and What welders are qualified for. The course then moves to Welding Procedure Qualification and Welding Procedure Specification development with continued use of the ASME Section IX code book. Students will gain the knowledge required to fill out a blank Procedure Qualification Record and a blank Welding Procedure Specification. This course should be considered advanced learning but there are no prerequisites for this course.
This is a hands on, practical training session that will train individuals to the proper use of benders as well as making accurate bends using various offsets. Soft and hard copper as well as stainless tubing will be utilized in this course.
A G1 gas fitter's license is required to service, install and commission natural gas or propane appliances of any size in the province of Ontario. Topics will include: Regulations for the use of gas equipment, Properties of natural gas, Installation of piping and equipment, and Code requirements. There will be extensive electrical and combustion analysis training in the course. Upon completion of course the participants will write the G1 exam from the Technical Standards and Safety Authority, Fuel Safety Branch.
A G2 gas fitter's license is required to service, install and commission natural gas or propane appliances in the province of Ontario that do not exceed 400,000 BTU.
Topics will include: Regulations for the use of gas equipment, Properties of natural gas, Installation of piping and equipment, and Code requirements. There will be extensive electrical and combustion analysis training in the course. Upon completion of this course the participants will write the G2 exam from the Technical Standards and Safety Authority, Fuel Safety Branch.
This is a 12-week program that is typically broken up into 2 sessions, for example 6-weeks in the fall and 6-weeks in the spring.
This is a 6 week program and topics will include: Regulations for the use of gas equipment, Properties of natural gas, Installation of piping and equipment, and Code requirements. Upon completion of this course the participants will write the G3 & the Gas Piping Fitter's License exam from the Technical Standards and Safety Authority, Fuel Safety Branch.
Training in the use of automated TIG process for thin-wall including basic principles and set-up, programming, variables, and hands-on application.
The course provides training in SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, and FCAW welding for all positions using plate and various schedules of pipe.
Part of Local 527 Southwestern Ontario mandatory apprenticeship training. This course is also open to all members. This course is a mix of in class and practical hands-on training. This course will give the apprentice current qualifications for Working at Heights, Elevated Work Platform, WHMIS, Noise, Asbestos, Confined Space Awareness, Lockout & Tagout Awareness, and Forklift both on-slab and rough terrain. There are no prerequisites for this course.
Participants are introduced to the many sources of energy in a workplace and how each can be hazardous and sometimes fatal to exposed workers. They will discuss the basic concepts of lockout as a method of producing a "zero energy state". Relevant legislation will be outlined along with components of an effective lockout program including the tools used to recognize and assess potential hazards. Strategies for developing and implementing an effective workplace specific lockout program, including training, will also be discussed.
Participants will discuss potential hazards and legal requirements relevant to confined space entry outlined in the Confined Spaces Regulation. They will review and discuss the key elements of a confined space entry program, including testing and monitoring of the atmosphere and the various types of equipment and tools that help to protect workers. The need to develop workplace specific confined space entry procedures with input from joint committees and workers is discussed along with the provision of effective worker training.
The Regulation for Industrial Establishments made under the Occupational Health and Safety Act requires employers to protect workers from hazardous sound levels. This WHSC training program is designed to give participants a full understanding of noise hazards in the workplace. The program provides detailed discussion on the properties of sound and noise, resulting health effects from noise hazards and legislation and standards concerning noise in the workplace. Participants will gain knowledge and skills to help them identify and assess noise hazards and implement noise hazard control programs. They will come away with real-world solutions such as buy-quiet purchasing policies, strategies to isolate noisy machinery and uses of sound absorption material. Proper use, as well as limitations of personal protective equipment like earplugs and ear muffs is also covered.
Participants learn about the nature of asbestos and the different types found in the workplace as well as the circumstances where worker exposure may occur. Participants review the Regulation Respecting Asbestos and other relevant legislation. Various methods of identifying and assessing asbestos exposure risks in the workplace are explored including workplace inspections and air sampling. Mandatory asbestos management programs are discussed along with practical methods for controlling worker exposure.
Prerequisite: Hoist and Rigging Safety Certificate
This course is being developed. This will cover any crane up to 8 Ton including: Broderson, Spydercrane, and Pitmans
The Mini Excavator Operator program is done over two days (8 hours of training per participant). The first day is the in-class theory portion and on the second day the participants will demonstrate their knowledge of the standard hand signals and specific safety procedures followed by a practical operating demonstration. The practicum could be approximately two hours per participant. This program was designed for veteran or novice operators. A comprehensive PowerPoint presentation, three worksheets along with participants engaging in active lecture is the delivery format.
Module 1 is an introduction to the mini excavator. It discusses the components of the excavator, how they work and the various part names. The legislation session introduces the duties of the parties and sections of the construction regulations that are relevant to mini excavator operations.
Module 2 addresses safety hazards and will inform the participant of actual and potential hazards associated with mini excavator operation along with hazard controls.
Module 3 is on mini excavator operation and discusses the safest work practices and procedures such as how to travel on an incline or decline with or without a load. Soil classification, shoring and sloping requirements will be discussed. The practical evaluation will give an opportunity for operators to experience the mini excavator’s manoeuvrability and versatility. The Instructor will record the practicum evaluation on three forms. On successful completion of the tasks and exercises the operator will receive a record of training (ROT).
Upon completion of this program the participant will be able to demonstrate the knowledge required for safe operation of both on-slab and all-terrain forklifts and be able to successfully complete the required performance demonstration. Topics include: Types, Legislation, Basic Hydraulics, Pre-Operational Checks, Stability, Capacity and Load Charts, Hazards, Inspection, Maintenance, Records, and Propane Exchange. This certificate expires every 3 years.
This one-day program introduces participants to powered elevating work platform operators to different types of lifts, hazards and related legal obligations. Participants will learn how to safely operate a lift and demonstrate their skill and knowledge through a practical session. In-class, learners will participate in active lectures and use worksheets to review specific content. In a separate hands-on demonstration, each participant will demonstrate proper daily inspection, propane cylinder exchange, and will operate lift(s) to complete a series of tasks.
Prerequisite: Valid Working At Heights
This comprehensive program meets and exceeds the required standard. Participants will learn about the hazards of Working at Heights (WAH), basic rights and duties along with relevant regulations governing fall arrest hazards, fall protection equipment and WAH projects. They will also be introduced to the use, inspection, limitations, storage and procedures for travel restraint, fall restricting and fall arrest systems. Importantly, the program includes hands-on training on fall protection equipment and systems and key components of a fall rescue plan and emergency procedures too. Expires every 3-years
This comprehensive refresher program meets and exceeds the required standard. Participants will learn about the hazards of Working at Heights (WAH), basic rights and duties along with relevant regulations governing fall arrest hazards, fall protection equipment and WAH projects. They will also be introduced to the use, inspection, limitations, storage and procedures for travel restraint, fall restricting and fall arrest systems. Importantly, the program includes hands-on training on fall protection equipment and systems and key components of a fall rescue plan and emergency procedures too. Expires every 3-years.
WHMIS is a legislated system designed to protect the health and safety of workers through the provision of information about the hazardous materials they work with on the job.
To access this review training go to: https://ua.vubizlearning.com
There are numerous classes offered through the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association, many of which will lead to certifications, such as Joint Health & Safety Representative or Construction Supervisors Training Program. Contact the JTC for more information or visit the IHSA website at www.ihsa.org.
This 4-hour refresher program is for experienced operators. The program goes over different types of lifts, hazards and related legal obligations.
Prerequisite: Valid Working At Heights and PEWP
Standard First Aid & CPR/AED is a comprehensive course for those who need training due to work requirements or who want more knowledge to respond to emergencies at home. Includes the latest first aid and CPR guidelines. Meets federal and a variety of provincial/territorial regulations for Standard First Aid and includes injury prevention content, CPR and AED. This course is available to spouses.
This course can be done at the following link. You will require your UA card number to sign in.
https://nausc.link/foundations
This course will discuss why diversity and inclusion are so important in the construction industry, how all people have biases that affect the way they behave, and why it’s so important to actively ensure our jobsites are free from discrimination, harassment, and bullying. NAUSC Diversity & Inclusion: Today’s Workforce dives into the legislation surrounding discrimination, harassment, and bullying, the spectrum of diversity, what a respectful workplace looks like, and what you can do to help create and sustain an environment where everyone is respected.
This course can be done online at the following link. You will require your UA card number to sign in.
This is a 40-hour certification course. NAUSC has formed a partnership with McElroy Manufacturing Incorporated & McElroy University, leaders in the fusion industry. This certification program provides top-tier fusion training to Participants who will complete fusion connections using thermoplastic piping and fittings according to standards, procedures and best industry practices. Participants will be required to demonstrate their proficiency on a wide range of McElroy Manufacturing Inc. equipment and will benefit from both theory and hands-on elements that will enhance their efficiency, productivity and safety.
The 21-hour NAUSC Cold Cutting Certificate will benefit every journeyperson who is interested in working on site performing cold cutting operations on large diameter and heavy wall specialty piping systems. The program is designed to give participants a better understanding of the complexities of working safely as cold cutting specialists as defined by the piping industry. Work site safety, provincial O.H.S. along with the latest equipment and techniques found in the field will be discussed. Participants will develop skills in the operation and maintenance of equipment, as well as the application of required calculations that are used to ensure precise cuts and bevelling for welding operations.
The 40-hour NAUSC Controlled Bolting program is designed to ensure that participants are prepared to operate and maintain equipment used for flange and vessel bolting operations for high pressure and process systems in plants and refineries in the construction and maintenance industries. Participants will use calculations to determine the necessary parameters for the proper assembly and disassembly of pressure bolted joints using specialty hydraulic equipment. This is key to ensuring that operations for high pressure applications can guarantee leak free start-up of systems.
This 40-hour training program builds on the essential skills and concepts learned in Level 1. Topics include communication core values, planning, documentation, and legal responsibilities; a major component will be in class projects that encapsulate all topics presented. Sessions will include in depth examination of workflow scheduling, budget management, human resources, and planning a safe worksite. The program will also recognize the importance of lifelong learning as it applies to supervisory roles. Professional development will be presented as a method to promote professionalism in the role of a UA supervisor. The course uses individual and group activities, and quizzes to reinforce learning.
This is a 40-hour certification course. Formerly named the NAUSC Foreman Certification Program, this training program offers essential skills and concepts needed to supervise a crew in the many sectors that Piping Professionals work within. Topics include communication core values, planning, documentation, and legal responsibilities. Included in the program are sessions designed to build personal and supervisory skills, plan and supervise a multi-discipline work crew, manage safety requirements, provide essential training in due diligence and discipline, and workflow scheduling. The course uses individual and group activities and quizzes to reinforce learning. The NAUSC Supervision Level 1 program is a prerequisite course for the NAUSC Supervision Level 2 program and the Industrial Construction Crew Supervisor (ICCS) designation (Alberta). It may qualify for other provincial designations.
The 36-hour Medical Gas Piping and Systems Installation occupational certification program has been developed by CSA Group in conjunction with industry stakeholders to provide assurance that an individual possesses the competencies deemed necessary to perform the job function of a Medical Gas Piping and Systems Installer. This certification expires every 5 years and you must hold a certificate of qualication for plumber or steamfitter to attend this training.
This is a 40-hour CSA certification course that will ensure that individuals are trained in the proper rigging of loads, proper applications of slings and rigging hardware, determination and calculating of rigging loads & equipment. This is an intense rigging course that will require a written and practical examination upon course completion.
This 16-hour certification program is designed to provide consistent training for all Stewards across Canada and to emphasize the UA Standard for Excellence and the Steward’s critical role in its success. Stewards will gain a strong understanding of their role in working with the supervision in the workplace environment. Methods for working with management and union members toward a more productive jobsite, while ensuring that workplace issues do not escalate and interfere with operations and productivity on the job will be explained. Other topics that are covered include workplace law and the historical background on unions with discussion on how they relate to the role of a working union steward.
