Rowan University, Steamfitters Local Union 420 expand educational opportunities for members

Steamfitters Local Union 420, through its state-of-the-art training center, and Rowan University today announced an expanded partnership designed to enhance educational opportunities for the union’s 3,000-plus active members.

The agreement creates an “earn as you learn” program that allows LU420 members to work full time while earning university credit through their five-year apprenticeship training. Apprentices and members may apply for Rowan University’s construction management programs, including stackable certificates and a Bachelor of Arts degree offered through Rowan Online and Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering. 

Offered fully online, Rowan’s stackable certificates in construction management, project management and construction leadership cover more in-depth industry knowledge, including cost accounting and estimating, project management, planning and scheduling, building codes and leadership skills. Credits earned through the apprenticeship and certificate programs may be “stacked” or applied toward Rowan’s bachelor’s degree in construction management.

“Whether it is through apprenticeship classes, continuing education workshops, or specialized certifications, we’re committed to equipping our members with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their careers. Our training center is the very heart of that effort,” said Jim Snell, business manager for Steamfitters Local Union 420, which covers the city of Philadelphia and its collar counties, including the Allentown and Reading areas. “Our training programs continue to evolve to meet the demands of the industry, and this partnership with Rowan University takes us to a whole new level to empower and develop our workers through enhanced education.”

Rowan’s construction management programs are endorsed by North America’s Building Trades Unions, a labor organization representing more than 3 million skilled craft professionals in the United States and Canada.

“We work closely with our partners to streamline the application process, expanding access to higher education and creating pathways toward stackable certificates and degrees," said Rowan University Provost Tony Lowman. “Apprentices don’t need to choose between a trade or a college degree—through our programs, they can pursue both."

“Our certificates and degree in construction management add even more value to our partners’ already rigorous apprenticeship training programs,” said Lorraine Ricchezza, associate provost for academic strategic initiatives at Rowan University. “Graduates will find this to be advantageous throughout their careers.”

“This agreement ensures members like me receive the highest quality training available, and an enhanced education that will help me thrive in an ever-changing landscape,” Steamfitter Local Union 420 member Ed Keenan, who is among the first LU420 member to take advantage of the program and is currently enrolled in classes. “This culture of education and training is what makes me so proud to call myself a steamfitter, and why so many companies call on steamfitters to get the job done.”