Building Careers, Brotherhood and the Future Workforce

In this special on-location episode, recorded at the Kentucky Derby Festival Bed Races in Louisville, Kentucky, we sit down with Mike Burke, Training Coordinator for UA Local 502, and apprentice Alex to explore the power of union apprenticeship programs, workforce development and the lasting impact of mentorship in the skilled trades.We explore:• How UA Local 502 is attracting and training the next generation of skilled trades professionals• The benefits of earning while learning through a debt-free apprenticeship model• The role mentorship, brotherhood and community play in apprentice success• Why benefits, retirement security and long-term career opportunities matter for today’s workforce• How training programs are evolving to meet growing industry demand and contractor needs• The importance of outreach, education and workforce development in strengthening the tradesMike and Alex share firsthand perspectives on what makes the UA apprenticeship experience unique — from technical training and career advancement to the relationships and support systems that extend far beyond the jobsite. Whether you're a student exploring career options, an industry professional, or an employer focused on workforce development, this conversation highlights why the skilled trades continue to offer life-changing opportunities.#UA #UnitedAssociation #Apprenticeship #SkilledTrades #WorkforceDevelopment #HVACR #Pipefitting #Plumbing #ESCOInstitute #UALocal502-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------🎥 This Week’s Video is Brought to You By Our Amazing Sponsors!A huge THANK YOU to this week’s sponsors for supporting education and excellence in the HVACR industry! 👇💨 Daikin Comfort – https://daikincomfort.com/ @DaikinComfort Delivering comfort, efficiency, and innovation through advanced HVAC technology.🧰 Service Logic – https://www.servicelogic.com/ @ServiceLogic-CommercialHVAC The nation’s largest privately held HVAC service company — keeping facilities efficient and reliable.🌎 Hudson Technologies – https://www.hudsontech.com/ @HudsonTechnologies Leading the charge in sustainable refrigerant management and recovery solutions.📚 iConnect Training – https://iconnecttraining.com/ @iconnecttraining Providing world-class hands-on HVACR education and training resources for future technicians.🔧 The United Association (UA) – https://ua.org/ @UAPipeTrades Building America’s skilled workforce through premier training for plumbers, fitters, welders, and HVACR professionals. 👏We’re grateful for their continued support in helping advance the HVACR industry through training, innovation, and opportunity! #HVACR #HVACTechnician #HVACTraining #DaikinComfort #ServiceLogic #HudsonTechnologies #iConnectTraining #UnitedAssociation #HVACCommunity #TradeEducation #Refrigeration #Technology #FutureOfHVACR #EcoFriendly #ContinuousEducation #StayCurrent