Johnson Controls Helps Train and Educate Technicians of Tomorrow with Donation to United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices
Company Supports International Apprentice Contest with Equipment Donation
MILWAUKEE – Jan. 28, 2013 – Johnson Controls has made an equipment donation to the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada. The donation of six fan coil cooling units will support the association’s premier education and training program for the industry’s next generation of technicians.
“As a global leader in delivering solutions that increase energy efficiency in buildings, Johnson Controls is always looking for talented and skilled professionals to join its staff,” said James Mylett, vice president, field and business operations service, North America , Johnson Controls, Building Efficiency. “Educating the next generation of technicians is essential to provide the level of knowledge and services that customers expect in the building systems industry.”
The donated units will be used in the association’s annual International Apprentice Contest held each summer in Ann Arbor, Mich. It recognizes exemplary trainees in the areas of HVAC, pipe fitting, plumbing, sprinkler fitting and welding. Contestants must work their way to the international competition by first winning events at the local and regional level. The competition includes a written examine as well as a hands-on contest testing general and trade-specific knowledge. HVAC apprentices will ultimately be asked to correctly pipe the cooling units donated by Johnson Controls.
“We are one of the largest employers of trained technicians,” said Mylett. “It is in our best interest to make sure that we encourage and help train the skilled technicians of the future.”
The HVAC apprentice competition in 2012 was won by Neil Mani, an employee of Johnson Controls. In a field of 3,300 other union HVAC apprentices, Mani ranked the best. He has since graduated to journeyman working in the Madison, Wis. area.
“We want to encourage other apprentices out there who are learning a trade to strive to be the best they can be,” said Mylett. “Whatever we can do to motivate people like Neil is very important for our business and the future of the industry.”
About the United Association
The United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada, or “UA” as it is commonly known, is a multi-craft union whose members are engaged in the fabrication, installation and servicing of piping systems. There are approximately 340,000 highly-skilled United Association members who belong to over 300 individual local unions across North America.
About Johnson Controls
Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. Our 170,000 employees create quality products, services and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings; lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles; and interior systems for automobiles. Our commitment to sustainability dates back to our roots in 1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat. Through our growth strategies and by increasing market share we are committed to delivering value to shareholders and making our customers successful. In 2012, Corporate Responsibility Magazine recognized Johnson Controls as the #5 company in its annual “100 Best Corporate Citizens” list. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com.