In each issue of Working Pressure, we ask 10 questions to a training coordinator or instructor of an ASSE-approved training provider. Some questions are work related, some are personal, and others are just for fun. We learn our trade through local colleagues, mentors, and instructors, but what can we learn from others across the country?
In this issue, we’ll get to know Gregory Beck, inspector for Steamfitters Local 420 Training Center in Philadelphia.
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 started teaching Steamfitters Local 420’s evening journeyperson classes, which included OSHA, Journeyperson upgrade, and medical gas, in 2001. Since then, I have transitioned to a full-time day instructor for our apprentice program while continuing my evening teaching responsibilities. The opportunity to educate the journeypersons and apprentices is an honor and responsibility I don’t take for granted.
What is your background as it relates to your occupation?
I came from a very different occupation prior to becoming a steamfitter. I worked in the funeral business as a licensed funeral director. How does this relate to my occupation? One similarity is when we talk about the ASSE 12000 Infection Control program, the funeral occupation entails very similar infection concerns.
How did you become interested in the ASSE certification programs?
While I was attending the United Association Instructor Training Program in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Marianne Waickman, then ASSE’s director of Business Operations and Professional Qualifications director, came into the classroom and did a presentation on ASSE International. She said we were “subject matter experts” and ASSE could use our expertise in developing standards and giving back to the industry in which we work. I was hooked at that point.
What ASSE certifications are you currently offering?
Our training curriculum is offering training and certification to ASSE 6010 for Medical Gas Systems Installers and ASSE 12010 for Environment of Care, Infection Control and Construction Risk Assessment. In Philadelphia, we are a straight-line steamfitter school, so our sister locals do the plumbing and sprinklerfitter certifications.
Why are the Asse 15010 certification important to your school?
We have combined the ASSE 6010 certification course with the ASSE 12010 course. Since they both relate to working in a healthcare setting, they are complimentary and prepare the student for working in those types of environments.
How do you get students interested in the classes you are offering?
The ASSE 6010 and ASSE 12010 are elective courses. The journeypersons understand that in order to work on a medical gas system they need to have the training. We normally have a waiting list with journeypersons wanting to take the class.
What is your biggest accomplishment?
My biggest accomplishment is having the opportunity to give back to our industry by volunteering on different working groups and committees relating to the piping industry. I get to learn about our industry and the latest technologies, and then bring that information back to our training center.
What’s something you love learning about?
From the time I was an apprentice, medical gas has been an interesting part of our trade. I always have a copy of the latest edition of ASSE 6000 and NFPA 99 on my desk. Healthcare industry standards and codes are always changing, so it is a labor of love.
What’s your favorite way to spend a day off?
Driving to the New Jersey shore on summer weekends, sitting on the beach alongside family and friends with a cold refreshment while watching the waves is the best way to spend a relaxing day off.
What’s your most prized possession and why?
My most prized possession is an older model Corvette convertible. As a child, I always thought Corvettes were cool (along with the guys who drove them lol). Also, both of my brothers have Corvettes, so I had to join the family Corvette club.
