Robert “Chap” Thornton, Business Manager/Financial Secretary-Treasurer of the United Association Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 286, returned to the AWF Union Podcast and explained how the region’s technology boom has created jobs for members of the pipe trades.
Local 286 represents about 1,300 active members in a 13-county region in Greater Austin, Texas.
He is also the President of the Southwest Pipe Trades Association.
Thornton credited growth in Austin’s technology sector over the last six years with creating jobs for the building trades. During that span, members of the Local 286 have remained steadily employed. Additionally, with upcoming work at the Tesla and Samsung plants, the apprenticeship program is seeing unheralded growth. The Local 286 JATC increased its weekly schedule from classes two days per week to give days per week class to accommodate the increased number of apprentices, he said.
Besides work, it is iimportant for members to stay informed and be involved with local politics. This is due to local legislation that allowed many of the growth opportunities in Austin that benefit union members, Thornton added.
Thornton also spoke about the multiple career options he considered after high school including game warden and working in the criminal justice system, and the reason why he joined Local 286.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more about these topics.