The United Association of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders and Service Technicians, Local 1, New York City, held its graduation on Nov. 9, 2017, at Terrace on the Park in Corona, Queens.

The graduates included 26 apprentices who completed their SUNY Empire State College associate degrees through UA Local 1’s partnership with the college’s Harry Van Arsdale Jr. Center for Labor Studies.

UA Local 1 apprentices, who complete four years of on-the-job training prior to becoming journeymen, receive a full college scholarship from their union.

Gary LaBarbera, president of the Building and Construction Trades Council, was the graduation speaker. Sharon Szymanski, interim associate dean of Van Arsdale, Barrie Cline, arts coordinator and site coordinator at the plumber's training facility in Queens, and Leetoya Young, assistant registrar, represented SUNY Empire at the event.

Several UA Local 1 retirees also were honored as part of the ceremonies. Dinner and dancing rounded out the graduation event.