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 Vince Kacaba (shown on the left in the adjacent photo), training director at United Association Local 46 Training Department in Toronto, Canada.
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 associated with the Training Department since November 1984, when I began my plumbing apprenticeship. Over the years I have completed thousands of hours of training at the facility, which has allowed me to hone my skills and ensure that our contractors were getting value for the wages I was being paid. In 1993 I began teaching night school at the hall, and in 2000 I was hired as the assistant director of training. In May 2005, I took over the position of director of Training, and have spent the last 19 years working to improve the scope and quality of the training that we provide to the membership
What is your background as it relates to your occupation?
I am a second-generation plumber, following in the footsteps of my father, who was also a UA plumber for over 40 years. I now have both my son and daughter in the local as plumbing apprentices.
How did you become interested in the ASSE certification programs?
I originally was trained to the ASSE Series 5000 as a plumber to do cross-connection testing in the field.
What ASSE certifications are you currently offering?
We currently offer 5110 and 5120 cross-connection training to the membership. We are in the process of working on approval to deliver the 12000 series of certifications to include 12010 ICRA and 12060, 12061 12062 Water Quality training. We are in the final stages of becoming approved to deliver the 13010 Service Plumber certification and 22000 Water Treatment certification. The ASSE family of certifications provides a known standard that is recognized and portable for our membership. We can count on the standards to reference industry best practices, which will ensure that the health of the citizens of our jurisdiction will be protected.
Why are the backflow certifications important to your school?
In the Greater Toronto Area, mandatory premise isolation is in place, along with the yearly testing. In addition, several of the regions now mandate a cross-connection survey of a premise each year to ensure that the potable water system is protected. At Local 46, we put through a couple hundred new tester/surveyor certifications a year, in addition to numerous recertifications.
How do you get students interested in the classes you are offering?
Our apprentices and journey person realize that to remain employable they must ensure that they have the skills that our contractors are looking for. In the case of cross connection, every employer requires a certified tester for both their new installations as well as the yearly testing and servicing.
What is your biggest accomplishment?
Developing a team within the Local 46 training department that delivers best in class training to our 11,000+ members, including our 3,300 apprentices.
What is your favorite thing about where you live?
My favorite thing about where I live is I can go to the cottage in the summer and ski in the winter. We don’t have to worry about earthquakes, hurricanes, or major flooding. We get just a couple tornadoes and a great lake worth of fresh water. Really can’t ask for more than that.
What’s something you’re planning on doing in the next year that you’ve never done?
Retire, but that is a couple years away.
Tell us two truths and a lie.
1) Everything my family has is because of my membership in the United Association.
2) The ASSE certification staff are the best babysitters a training director could ask for.
3) My paperwork will improve.
