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? Let’s learn about the people we learn from. In this issue, we’ll get to know Paul Hanus, Assistant Training Director at the Plumbers Local 75 Training Center in Milwaukee, Wisc.
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 teaching at the Plumbers Local 75 Training Center for about seven years and have held the position of Assistant Training Director for the past four.
What is your background as it relates to your job?
I began working in the plumbing industry about 20 years ago. Shortly after serving a four-year apprenticeship and passing the Wisconsin Journeyman Plumber exam, I was promoted to Foreman for one of our signatory contractors. As a Foreman, I was running plumbing crews on larger residential and small commercial jobs. A couple of years later I accepted a position as Project Manager. As Project Manager I was responsible for multiple large jobs with more than 50 plumbers working on our projects. During my time as a Project Manager, I began teaching plumbing related classes at the local technical college and at the Plumbers Local 75 Training Center. I really enjoyed teaching the new apprentices and was fortunate to have the opportunity to apply for the Assistant Training Director position at PL75. Today, as Assistant Training Director, I coordinate certification courses and other continuing education for our journey workers. We have over 25 active instructors and work together on course development, delivery, and ongoing assessments of course content.
How did you become interested in ASSE certification programs?
I took the ASSE Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Certification course prior to my position at the training center and was very impressed with the course content, delivery, and overall depth of the subject.
When I started working in the training center we were already offering medical gas systems certification, and ASSE Backflow Prevention Assembly and Cross-Connection Control Surveyor Certifications. These programs have been very successful with hundreds of our members earning their ASSE Certifications. The experience, skills, techniques, and knowledge gained through these certification courses are priceless.
What ASSE certifications are you currently offering?
We have expanded our offerings and are now training our members to ASSE 5000 for backflow prevention testing and surveying (we plan to offer repairer training soon), ASSE 6000 for medical gas systems, ASSE 12000 for infection control, and ASSE 13000 for service plumbing.
Are any ASSE certifications required in your city or state?
No. Our state issues their own backflow tester license and only requires a 40-hour class and six hours of continuing education every four years. We like to promote the ASSE certification as meeting and exceeding our state’s requirements. We find that the extensive training, evaluating, and continuing education requirements of the ASSE backflow certification(s) allow our members to receive a higher level of training than other plumbers in the state.
How do you get students interested in the classes you’re offering?
That is a very good question – we are continually trying new things. Let’s face it, everyone is busy and if members are working, they are less concerned about additional certifications. I explain the value of certifications and the value of knowledge gained through the process. I have been sending out emails, flyers, and articles in our newsletter, talking about the value of the certification, and promoting whatever course is currently on the schedule.
If you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what age would it be and why?
Everyone seems to want to stay young – well who wouldn’t with less aches and pains, and more energy and flexibility? But with age comes the wisdom and knowledge gained from experience and maturity. And, I am currently experiencing grandchildren and that is an absolute blessing. So, I would not want to pick an age to stay forever. I would rather experience aging and all the life that happens with it.
What’s the best or worst gift you’ve ever given or received?
The best gift I have received is my family and my health. The worst gift? I believe that any gift is a good gift and we should always appreciate the thoughtfulness of others.
Who would win in a fight: Spiderman or Batman?
I would have to say Batman. He holds nothing back and is always prepared KAPOW! BAM!
Where’s Waldo?
I have been looking for and thinking about Waldo for a long time now. I have concluded that there is no Waldo.
