While training has always been at the forefront of United Association of Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 598, the time was overdue to expand its facilities and bring the infrastructure into the modern age.
An expansion and remodel is underway of its existing Pasco building to increase training and education efforts, as well as offer a form of higher education.
The expansion of the UA Local 598 Journeymen and Apprentice Training Center adds 18,000 square feet of classroom space.
Improvements include two theater-style classrooms with smart board technologies, a full-scale hospital room including medical gas trainers to aid in gaining state certification (a certificate required by the state of Washington to work on medical gas piping), three multi-use rooms and an additional 4,000 square feet of hands-on training facilities.
These additions, in conjunction with existing facilities, will dramatically increase Local 598’s efforts to meet the growth of the plumbing, pipefitting and construction industries, and remain on the cutting-edge of technology while continuing to meet high industry standards.
The project, commissioned by the members of Local 598, is expected to be completed by the end of this month.
Total Site Services of Richland is the general contractor. The architect is Wave Design Group of Kennewick.