We’re proud to spotlight the success of the United Association’s Instructor Training Program (UA ITP), where industry and education unite to empower the mechanical trades. Thanks to an enduring partnership between the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) and the UA, we’re delivering next‑level training, leadership development, and mental health resources that strengthen our workforce from the ground up. We’re honored to extend this critical collaboration to U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez‑DeRemer, who brings firsthand experience as a small business leader, union advocate, and dedicated public servant. Together, we’re committed to building a skilled, resilient, and future-ready workforce for tomorrow.
MCAA President Brian Hughes Delivers Inspiring Remarks at the UA Instructor Training Program
Brian Hughes, President of MCAA and President of Hughes Environmental Engineering, delivered two keynote addresses at the United Association’s (UA) Instructor Training Program (ITP), held Wednesday, August 13 and Thursday, August 14, 2025.
Prologue to Industry Evolution: “Industry Day” Kickoff
On August 13, Hughes spoke at Industry Day at the UA ITP, opening with heartfelt thanks to UA General President Mark McManus for his warm introduction.
Hughes, whose family‑owned company has provided commercial and industrial HVAC and refrigeration services in the greater New York City region since 1935, reflected on the enduring partnership between MCAA and the UA and the strength it brings to the mechanical contracting industry.
“The next five years will bring more change than the last fifty,” Hughes emphasized, highlighting the rapid pace at which the industry is evolving. With a growing focus on sustainability, resilience, new technologies, and expanding client demands, he stressed that continuous workforce training isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Hughes outlined how strategic joint initiatives—such as the Field Leaders Conference, the Foundations of Field Leadership course, and the work of the Joint Strategic Planning Committee—are preparing the workforce not just for today’s challenges, but for future opportunities. He encouraged ongoing investment in training across all career stages, including apprentices, journeyworkers, foremen, and service technicians.
“As a service contractor… we can deliver on that promise every day,” he said, applauding the UA’s training programs for providing clients with smart, energy-efficient, and sustainable solutions delivered by trusted professionals.
Celebrating Excellence: UA ITP Graduation Ceremony
On August 14, Hughes returned to address graduates at the UA ITP Completion Ceremony. He began by recognizing the leadership of the UA’s top officials—General President McManus, General Secretary-Treasurer Derrick Kualapai, and Assistant General President Michael Pleasant—as well as Ray Boyd and the UA Education & Training team for orchestrating a week of impactful instruction.
Hughes extended congratulations on behalf of MCAA’s 3,000 member firms to the program graduates, commending them for completing a rigorous five-year journey that demanded technical expertise, perseverance, and passion. He underscored the essential role instructors play in shaping the next generation of journeyworkers, foremen, and technicians.
He challenged the graduates to continue serving beyond the classroom, framing their responsibility as not just teaching, but leading, mentoring, and elevating the industry’s quality standards.
Hughes also addressed a critical—and often overlooked—issue:
“Construction continues to face some of the highest suicide rates of any profession. The stigma around seeking help has lingered too long.”
He praised the UA’s Pipe PALS (Peer Allies for Life Success) initiative and affirmed MCAA’s participation in the advisory committee. He thanked General President McManus, Mike Hazard, Jen Massey, and Anthony Gallagher for championing mental health and pushing forward momentum on this front.
Hughes closed by encouraging graduates to return to their locals with purpose and commitment, knowing MCAA stands ready as their partner.
About the UA Instructor Training Program (ITP)
The UA’s ITP is specially designed to elevate instructional quality across the trades by developing effective teaching techniques, expanding instructor knowledge in mechanical trades, and integrating scientific and technical instruction. Only UA members may participate, with certain courses requiring approval by the UA Director of Education & Training.
The ITP offers:
- A 200‑Hour Instructor Certificate Program, split between 100 hours of professional teaching methods and 100 hours of trade‑specific electives;
- A 120‑Hour Coordinator Certificate Program, tailored for JATC coordinators and directors managing UA training programs at the local level.
These programs reflect UA’s commitment to fostering instructional excellence and technical proficiency among its trainers.
Why It Matters
Brian Hughes’s remarks at UA ITP spotlight a pivotal moment of convergence between industry and education. His speeches underscore how evolving client needs, sustainability imperatives, and technological innovation demand a well-trained, resilient workforce.
Through collaborative training programs, mental health initiatives, and leadership development, the MCAA and UA are proactively ensuring the mechanical contracting workforce remains capable, competitive, and well-supported.
