Local Union 155 begins work on training center

By Janice McIntyre

City Editor

EL DORADO — Officials with the the United Association of Plumbers, Pipefitters and Service Tech Local Union 155 and local and county leaders gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony for Local Union 155’s new training center, located on the northeast corner of Industrial Road and East Main at 128 Old Reed Place Road.

Union 155 officials said Wednesday that the expected completion date for the new training center is September – early fall – and the facility will be a state-of-the-art Journeyman and Apprentice Training School. JMD Construction of Little Rock, has already begun work at the new facility, where workers will be trained to fill a number of job positions now open in the El Dorado area.

The Local 155’s program involves a five-year apprenticeship totaling 8,500 to 10,000 hours of on-the-job training. During night school, participants will work during the day and attend classes two nights a week, according to a news release from Local Union 155.

Attending the golden-shovel groundbreaking event were David Nale, Local 155 retired; Bruce Graves, business representative for the 155; Don Havens, training director for the Plumbers and Pipefitters Apprenticeship Training of Arkansas; Kenneth Carter with the Local 155; Ricky Jeu, business manager of the Local 155; Mike Fair, president of 155; Union County Judge Mike Loftin; Rodney Pardue, plant manager at Chicago Bridge and Iron; Jim Ryan, business agent for the 155; John Lowery, chairman of the El Dorado Development Corporation and Jonathan Graham, field representative for the 155.

The Local Union 155 has been at 418 W. Main in El Dorado, for 40 years, Graves said.

Upcoming Events