Brian Murphy is the 393 Pipe Trades Training Center curriculum coordinator. He has developed a hybrid learning model of online classes and Covid-safe in-person labs.
“The pandemic has forced the Training Center to modernize in ways we only dreamed of before,” said Brian. “It was a steep learning curve for both the apprentices and the instructors to move courses online. Now we wonder, ‘How did we ever do this before without an online component?’
“Hybrid in-person and online learning is here to stay, but there are some things you have to do in person. We’ve opened up our labs, and we now have 100 students on any given night.
“We have 102,000 square feet of space, with 30 doors. Each lab is a pod with its own doors, its own hallways, and its own bathroom. So if someone had Covid, it would be contained to their pod.
“Our online learning component is something we can use for decades to come. Everyone coming through the Training Center is now 100% computer literate. In 15 years, our entire workforce will be computer literate, which will revolutionize our field.
“The pandemic has taught us all resilience. As a result of the challenges our apprentices have had to overcome during this time, they have an increased sense of confidence. This will serve them well in the field.”
Adrian Amezquita grooving pipe 
Jorge Ontiveros in the brazing lab 
Instructor Sabrina Sharp-Fox working with Kyan Angela 
5th-year apprentices in the backflow certification class