UCC Instructors Bolstered by National Training Program

Thirteen instructors from the Utah Career Center are starting off the semester with a little more learning under their own belts. These instructors spent a week in Ann Arbor, Michigan, at the United Association’s Instructor Training program, considered one of the most successful skills training program in North America.

The UCC’s 13 instructor joined almost 2,000 other career instructors from around the country at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor. The program is comprised of intensive weeklong classes in the latest teaching methods and emerging technologies in the plumbing, pipefitting, welding and HVAC trades, and features events and activities throughout the week.

The goal for many of the participants of the program is to complete the “Instructor Certification Program” or the “Coordinator Certification Program”, which takes approximately five years to accomplish. This year, 107 individuals graduated from the program, and were honored at a graduation ceremony held at Eastern Michigan University.

“We know that having 13 key employees gone for a week can be challenging; so we at the UCC appreciate the willingness to let them attend the training.,” said Will Nickell, Director of Training at the UCC.

But now they’re coming back with new energy and ideas, having attended professional teaching courses, as well as trade-specific courses. “Their courses ranged from Foreman Training to VRF training and everything imaginable in between,” he added.

Training doesn’t end once they leave Ann Arbor, however. The UCC continues to improve their instructor’s efficacy through an evaluation program. This semester, about 20 contractors will sit in on an instructor’s class to give feedback on teaching practices and content.

To see a video on the Instructor Training Program, click here.