Training & Education: A Priority to the Master Plumbers Council

News & Press: The Voice Newsletter

Friday, September 3, 2021

In our industry, ongoing training and education are essential to success. “As regulations and compliance requirements change, special certifications become mandatory,” said Rick Bonelli, President of MPC. “Our leadership responds to the changing Codes and regulations by providing training programs that help our members obtain certifications to perform their work in full compliance.”

Anticipating the Need for Training

The MPC likes to solve issues before they become major problems. Over ten years ago we began offering boiler control training, which at that time, was not an official training course just a means to build skills for the task. We used conference rooms and a variety of small locations to host this training.

Over the years, as federal regulations and compliance requirements have changed, plumbers are mandated to obtain various special certifications. As a result, the MPC saw the need and had the vision and insight to create an environment where plumbers and their employees could be formally trained. In order to achieve this, the MPC acquired a space next door to its office and began developing a training center over a three-year period. Over this time, MPC Board Members and Committee Members, worked diligently to ensure that the training center was fully equipped with the proper resources, including various displays for hands on learning.

The Robert John Daly Memorial Training Center Opens

On January 31, 2019, the MPC unveiled the Robert John Daly Memorial Training Center in Bellerose, Queens, honoring Robert John Daly and his lifetime commitment to the safety and well-being of the people of NYC through his leadership and guidance of the city’s licensed plumbers. The opening ceremony was attended by many representatives from the NYC DOB, Mr. Daly’s wife and family, and MPC Affiliate Members who contributed appliances and equipment to the Training Center, including Wales Darby, Wallace Eannace Associates, Blackman, Rathe Associates and Gil Meyerowitz.

At the ribbon cutting ceremony, the MPC donated $2,500 to the Rett Syndrome Research Trust, a cause near and dear to Robert Daly and his family. For more information about this great cause and how you can help, please visit www.reverserett.org.

Since opening in 2019, the Training Center has hosted numerous educational classes, including Gas burner and appliance classes, a Gas Code Review Program, 16-hour limited gas work qualification courses, Gas Operator Qualification Task training and an in-person refresher course, and backflow courses. With more being added each day! The MPC has also hosted several committee meetings and Next Generation events at the training center.
Training Held to the Highest Standard

As the training center and its offerings continued to grow rapidly, Timothy Donohue, Education Committee Chairman, became a vital resource in managing the training center and all that goes along with it! Tim has contributed (and continues to do so) countless hours working to ensure that the training center is performing to the highest standard. He even teaches the New York City Fuel Gas Code and Gas Work Qualification program that MPC hosts.

The MPC has partnered with several industry education and training leaders, such as the Northeast Gas Association (NGA) and Kruger’s Training Academy. Instructors from NGA and Kruger’s come to the training center to provide exceptional training to students.

“I believe it’s important to give people a convenient place to go for training, where they can trust that the training is held to the highest standard. That’s what you can find at the Robert John Daly Memorial Training Center. We work hard each day to provide specialized training for changes in codes and regulations, so that our members and the industry can properly fulfill mandated requirements. I am truly pleased to see how much of a resource the training center has become for members, their employees and our industry as a whole.” – Timothy Donohue, Education Committee Chair

The MPC is heavily involved in various code committees, many of which are in the process of revisions. As changes are enacted and new regulations are implemented, the MPC is providing education and clarification. This is not only a benefit to our members, but also to property owners who are concerned about legal and safe plumbing installations.

MPC Training Continues to Grow

The MPC’s dedication to training and education continues to grow. Over the past several years, MPC has trained many members on a wide variety of specialties. Since the training center opened in 2019, well over 1,500 students have attended at least one class at the training center.

“We encourage all of you to tell us what types of courses you would like to see included in our training agenda,” reported Tim. “If you are an MPC member, and a new requirement comes up, you and your employees don’t have to go elsewhere for training. We can offer it at our location -- at your convenience. A reputable and reliable source that you know and trust. Weekends, nights -- the schedule can be adjusted to meet your needs!”

“The MPC Training Center is busy… but we’d like to be even busier!” concluded Tim. “There is a lot more room for growth – we could be operating the Robert John Daly Memorial Training Center 7 days a week!”

For more information about the training center and training schedules, please visit www.nycmpc.org.

Featured in the Voice of the Licensed Master Plumber, Summer 2021.