Spotlighting Mechanical Skills Plumbing Apprenticeship School on World Plumbing Day

World Plumbing Day is celebrated each year on March 11th to spread awareness on the role plumbing plays in our everyday lives and the importance of the plumbing industry in environmental sustainability and the protection of public health.

This day serves as an opportunity to recognize and appreciate all members of the plumbing industry – from pipelayers and plumbers to educators and code developers.

Plumbing schools and apprenticeships are an especially important foundation for the trade. Educating the next generation of plumbers and helping them develop up-to-date technical skills and abilities is crucial for not only success in the field, but in creating a safe and reliable plumbing infrastructure.

Mechanical Skills Plumbing Apprenticeship School

In recognition of World Plumbing Day, the International Code Council is highlighting the work of Mechanical Skills Plumbing Apprenticeship School (Mechanical Skills, Inc.). Based in Indianapolis, the school is an important resource for the plumbing industry and is one of the many great apprenticeship training schools across the country.

Mark Fasel, Director of PMG Technical Resources for the Code Council and ICC Certified Residential and Commercial Plumbing Inspector, teaches fourth-year apprentice students at Mechanical Skills, Inc. about the International Plumbing Code® (IPC) and Indiana Plumbing Law as they prepare for their Journeyman and Contractor exams.

“Mechanical Skills, Inc. provides the opportunities necessary for success in the industry,” said Fasel. “It is truly amazing to see the instructors and staff interacting with and educating their apprentices. Each has a unique perspective that resonates with their students.”

Since its incorporation in 1973, Mechanical Skills Inc. has been providing well-rounded training to apprentice plumbers. In 1991, Frank McCurdy and Ralph Hannebaum reached out to plumbing and HVAC contractors, suppliers and local utilities in the area for support to purchase the school building located at 3535 East Michigan Street in Indianapolis.

Within six months of purchase, the building mortgage was paid in full via donations from industry professionals who graciously gave back.

Today, Mechanical Skills, Inc. has 850 students enrolled in its plumbing apprenticeship program with an impressive 144 students having graduated from the four-year program in 2022.

Recognizing the Work of Key Staff at Mechanical Skills, Inc.

The success of the apprenticeship training school could not be achieved without the dedication of the Mechanical Skills, Inc. Board of Directors, Apprentice Support Manager, Suzie McFarland, Curriculum Development and Facilities Manager, Bill Ciriello, and the many educators devoting their time to training the next generation of skilled trades.

“While speaking with the staff at Mechanical Skills, Inc., I learned a lot about the history of the facility and their mission to make a trade school available in the Indianapolis area,” said Fasel. “Bill Ciriello has invested countless hours ensuring both in-the-classroom and virtual training options are available to the plumbing apprentices.”

Mechanical Skills, Inc. Senior Instructor Paul Hallam was named National Apprentice Instructor of the Year by Contractor Magazine in 2009. A fitting award for Hallam who has taught so many over the years. Hallam’s father, Bob, was instrumental in getting the school program developed when Indiana passed the statewide plumbing licensing law in 1972.

Along with the great staff at Mechanical Skills, Inc., another key individual that must be recognized is the Indiana PHCC Executive Director, Brenda Dant. Dant’s passion, support and advocacy for all Indiana Plumbing and HVAC trade schools have played a significant role in the success of Mechanical Skills, Inc. Programs.

International Code Council Honors Plumbers Worldwide

For World Plumbing Day 2023, the Code Council would like to recognize and honor all those serving in the plumbing industry. Their skills and knowledge are invaluable to ensuring clean, safe and efficient water and wastewater management that many people take for granted.

For more coverage on World Plumbing Day, follow the Code Council on LinkedIn and Facebook and use the hashtag #WorldPlumbingDay when sharing your activities on social media.

If you would like to learn more about resources and support for plumbing code adoption, visit the Code Council’s PMG webpage.