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?
In this issue, we’ll get to know Tony Ramos, Day School Instructor at Plumbers Local 75 Training Center.
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 started teaching Blueprint Reading for apprentice night school in 2019 and took on a full-time apprentice day school instructor position in 2021.
WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND AS IT RELATES TO YOUR OCCUPATION?
I began my plumbing career in 1995 and started a restricted plumbing company in 2002. I joined the union in 2004 and became more involved in commercial and health care plumbing projects. In 2018 I moved into a plumbing project management role and focused more on health care projects and involvement in many organizations. Since moving into the instructor sector of the trade, my focus has shifted to helping the next generation of mechanical tradespeople understand the importance of the profession and become more knowledgeable and prepared.
HOW DID YOU BECOME INTERESTED IN ASSE CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS?
My interest in ASSE certification programs started back in 2008, when I started getting involved with cross-connection installations, testing and medical gas systems on health care projects that I was involved with. The economy wasn’t the greatest and my mindset was “What can I do to make myself stand out from the next plumber?” I started taking classes into getting certified in as many avenues as I could. This led to education, understanding, and knowledge on so many levels that advanced my career. From that point I was educating others and maintaining my certifications.
WHAT ASSE CERTIFICATIONS ARE YOU CURRENTLY OFFERING?
I am an approved instructor for the ASSE 12000 ICRA certification and instruct and proctor our ASSE 5110 Cross-Connection Control Tester certification and re-certification classes here at Local 75.
HOW DO YOU GET STUDENTS INTERESTED IN THE CLASSES YOU ARE OFFERING?
With teaching apprentices for their day school instruction, one of the fourth-year classes is Cross-Connection/Backflow. Having them understand that this is the most important subject in their trade is critical. It isn’t about memorizing a standard number with a device or assembly but knowing the “why” — getting apprentices intrigued early on in their schooling for opportunities that they will use as the beginning resumes of their careers.
WHAT WOULD YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT?
I feel that accomplishments are like your legacy — projects or buildings that I have completed in the field that your kids and family see in the community are just landmarks for the skyline — something that you are proud to be a part of. Seeing an apprentice start day one taking a chance on a career path and watching that unfold to passing their journeyman test, to me exceeds any building I have built. It is like watching your children graduate from college and know they are on a promising path — there is nothing more fulfilling to see as an accomplishment.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE CONSIDERING PLUMBING AS A CAREER?
My advice is that the plumbing trade has so many paths and is forever changing. The typical stereotype image of butt cracks and plunging toilets doesn’t sound so appealing, yet the money does. Understanding that the plumber “protects the health of the nation” is not just a fancy slogan but a reality. We hold an incredible responsibility in protecting lives with the work we do each day. A plumbing career is not just given to you — you have to invest in yourself and want it for yourself. Your path and what you can achieve depend on what you make it. The plumbers before us who have chosen this career have set the foundation for the plumbing trade. Choosing a plumbing career builds on that foundation for generations to come.
HOW HAS THE PLUMBING INDUSTRY CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED AND WHAT TRENDS DO YOU SEE EMERGING?
The industry is always changing. Between materials, products, methods and codes changing and improving, there is always something to learn and become educated on. Blueprints now have transitioned to the latest technology, with iPads and digital creations. The level of knowledge with job site safety standards to product and tool safety standards is never-ending. When people ask how long the schooling for the plumbing trade is, my response is that it is a career of education.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO SPEND A DAY OFF?
One of the most important lessons I have learned throughout my career is what to do on my day off. I need balance. I practice work-life balance. I give 110% to my job so I give 110% to my time off. Whether that is taking a vacation with the family, going for a motorcycle ride, watching a Netflix series in one sitting, or just sitting down as a family for dinner, on my day off I enjoy life.
WHAT’S YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION AND WHY?
I don’t know if I have any possessions that would be the most prized. I have had many cars and motorcycles that I probably said were my most prized, but I think that was more of an excuse to purchase them. I get bored quickly with those items, and the possession life usually ends after two years. My prized possessions are my proud moments in life — moments that are permanently engraved. As my oldest son, who is finishing up his plumbing apprenticeship, continues on a path that I began years ago, making the start of a second-generation plumbing family. That is one of many proud family moments, and to me it means more than any material possession.
