In each issue of Working Pressure, we ask 10 questions to a training coordinator or instructor of an ASSE-approved training provider. Some questions will be work related, some will be personal, and others will be just for fun. We learn our trade through local colleagues, mentors, and instructors, but what can we learn from others across the country? Let’s learn about the people we learn from. In this issue, we’ll get to know Christopher Simmons, Training Coordinator at the Local 8 Training Center in Kansas City, Mo.
If you’d like us to ask 10 questions to your ASSE-approved training coordinator or instructor, send us a note telling us why at editor@workingpressuremag.com.
How long have you been affiliated with your training center/school?
I have been affiliated with the training center since 1999. I graduated from the UA ITP in 2005. I began as a night time instructor and taught the residential plumbing program. Through the years, I have taught piping math, related science, drainage, water supply, gas installations, plan reading, backflow tester and repair, and UPC code class. I am a third generation Local 8 plumber, and my son is fourth generation.
What is your background as it relates to your job?
I entered Local 8’s apprentice program in 1985 and turned out in 1990. I worked at Century Plumbing from 1985 until July of 2008 – I did plumbing and gasfitting on residential and light commercial buildings, and was in charge of training all new apprentices. In 2008, I was hired as a full-time instructor at our training center when we transitioned to day school. In 2013, we transitioned back to night school and I became assistant training coordinator. In 2017, I was appointed as training coordinator.
How did you become interested in ASSE certification programs?
I became interested in ASSE programs when I was asked to teach the ASSE backflow class. I took the certification course at ITP in 2008 and soon after became an ASSE Certified instructor and proctor.
What ASSE certifications are you currently offering?
Our training center is currently offering ASSE 5110 Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester and ASSE 5130 Backflow Prevention Assembly Repairer Certifications, and ASSE 6010 Medical Gas Systems Installers Certification in conjunction with NITC. We have recently been accredited to also offer the ASSE 12000 Infection Control and ASSE 13000 Service Plumber Certifications.
Are any ASSE certifications required in your city or state?
Missouri requires testers to pass the ASSE 5110 Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester class in order to receive a MODNR card – they do not require the ASSE repairer certification. Our state also requires anyone working on medical gas systems to be certified to ASSE 6010 with NITC.
How do you get students interested in the classes you’re offering?
Our students are required to receive the ASSE 5110 Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester, ASSE 5130 Backflow Prevention Assembly Repairer, and ASSE 6010 Medical Gas Systems Installers Certifications.
If you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what age would it be and why?
I would choose to stay 55 – I am in good health, my children are grown and successful, I can enjoy retirement and my grandchildren, and don’t have the pressures of work.
What’s the best or worst gift you’ve ever given or received?
The best gift I ever gave was to my Dad shortly before he passed away. I bought him a complete set of specialized stir sticks from Haab’s restaurant, which were made for the UA during ITP. It was something I knew he would never get if I didn’t give them to him.
Who would win in a fight: Spiderman or Batman?
Spiderman would definitely win – he has superpowers and doesn’t have to rely on weapons. Batman is a mere mortal man with cool toys, but no special powers.
Where’s Waldo?
The question is not “Where’s Waldo?”, but “Why is Waldo hiding from everyone? And what does he not want us to know?” Since he is so hard to find, he must’ve done something really bad and he doesn’t want to suffer his punishment. I think he must be a coward – always running from his problems instead of facing them. Step up and face the music, Waldo! He’s not a good role model for children … he is just teaching them that running and hiding will solve their problems.
