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 Victor Stateman, Medical Gas Systems Instructor for Pipefitters’ Local Union 597 in Chicago, IL.
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?
In 2015, as a member of Chicago Pipefitters’ Local Union 597, I was hired to assist the medical gas training department at the training center. Currently, I’m involved as an ASSE 6050 Medical Gas Systems Instructor for ASSE 6010 Medical Gas Systems Installer Certification (and re-certification) and ASSE 12000 Infection Control Certification courses..
What is your background as it relates to your job?
I started as an apprentice in 2011 and was employed by Mechanical, Inc., a large commercial contractor that works in various healthcare facilities throughout the Chicagoland area. As an apprentice, most of my work was at healthcare facilities. As soon as I met all of the prerequisites, I enrolled in the ASSE 6010 Medical Gas Systems Installer course at Local Union 597 Training Center and received my installer certification. Since then, I’ve primarily worked on medical gas installations.
How did you become interested in ASSE certification programs?
I became interested in the ASSE certification programs initially because I wanted to become a certified ASSE 6010 Medical Gas Systems Installer. After gaining some experience as an installer, I was asked to assist at the training center and then pursued the ASSE 6050 Medical Gas Systems Instructor Certification.
What ASSE certifications are you currently offering?
Pipefitters’ Local 597 offers two ASSE Certifications:
- ASSE 12000 Infection Control Certification
- Third-party certification from NITC to ASSE Standard #6010, Medical Gas Systems Installer
Are any ASSE certifications required in your city or state?
There may be some ASSE certifications that are required in Illinois, but since Pipefitters’ Local Union 597 is a straight-line pipefitter union (no plumbing or fire protection), ASSE 6010 and ASSE 12000 are the only certifications relevant to our jurisdiction.
How do you get students interested in the classes you’re offering?
The most important thing is to make sure our membership knows that these classes are available. Within our jurisdiction, there are many healthcare facilities and opportunities that would require this type of training. This makes the ASSE 6010 Medical Gas Systems Installer Certification desirable. Some healthcare facilities are also requiring the ASSE 12000 Infection Control. With that said, the medical gas courses offered at our training center includes the ASSE 6010 and ASSE 12000 training together in one course.
What’s your favorite sports team?
My favorite team is the Chicago Blackhawks.
If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do?
I would take my family on a road trip across the country. There is so much we haven’t seen yet. I would also invest in some properties along the way so we could always have those places to visit.
Would you rather never have internet access again or never be able to take an airplane again?
I would rather never be able to fly again. I prefer to drive most places anyways and I can’t go disconnected from the world for more than a day.
What would be the worst “buy one get one free” sale of all time?
A divorce lawyer.
