MIAMI BEACH, FL — The United Association (UA) held its 36th General Convention here August 6-10. At the convention, Smitty Belcher, president of the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA), addressed close to 3,300 delegates and applauded the UA’s and MCAA’s continuing emphasis on training and education.

Belcher is a former UA steamfitter who went through apprentice training in Toledo, OH. He used his own career to illustrate how young people, similarly equipped, can have a successful career in the industry.

Belcher said at the convention that training will always be the hallmark of the relationship between the UA and the MCAA.

“The UA and the MCAA have used the collective bargaining system to build the strongest jointly administered apprenticeship training and education and industry-financed project and management education system in the industry,” said Belcher.

Publication date: 08/20/2001