Nearly 6,000 skilled trades union members from across the United States and around the world will travel to Ann Arbor this summer for advanced training programs hosted in partnership with Washtenaw Community College.
Union trainers from the U.S., Canada, Ireland and Australia will participate in hands-on instruction focused on cutting-edge technologies, industry best practices and workplace safety. Participants return to their organizations equipped to train fellow trades workers nationwide.
The summer training programs are also expected to generate a major economic impact for Washtenaw County.
A 2025 Destination Ann Arbor report found that three major union training programs alone generated approximately $23 million in regional economic impact. Union members and their families booked nearly 21,000 hotel room nights and spent nearly $18 million at local businesses, restaurants and attractions.
“We are proud to welcome thousands of skilled trades professionals to our campus and community each year,” said WCC President Dr. Rose B. Bellanca. “These partnerships strengthen industries across the country while also providing a tremendous economic boost to local businesses throughout Washtenaw County.”
Training programs will run from June through August. The summer schedule, along with an estimated participant total, includes:
Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ International Association — June 8-12 (120 participants)
United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers & Allied Workers — June 22-26 (200 participants)
International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers — July 13-17 (800 participants)
IBEW-NECA Electrical Training Alliance — July 22-31 (1,300 participants at WCC, 300 at EMU)
United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada (UA) — Aug. 5-10 (3,200 participants)
The United Association instructor training program has a long history at WCC — growing from approximately 1,200 union instructors in its first year on the WCC campus in 1990. The UA established a permanent footprint on campus when the Great Lakes Regional Training Center opened in 2003.
Many union members return throughout the year for additional specialized instruction.
Several unions conclude their Instructor Training Program and Leadership Training Program hosted at WCC with graduation ceremonies. In addition to earning their union training credentials, members may also enroll at WCC to pursue associate degrees and college certificates through articulation agreements that include credit for prior knowledge or existing skills.
Tags: Economic Development, Electrical Workers, IBEW, Ironworkers, OPCMIA, Roofers Union, UA Instructor Training Program, Unions, United Association