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ACCE PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT





As part of our continued communication effort, we are highlighting specific accredited programs within the ACCE system. These are randomly selected schools, professional development programs, and workforce initiatives. Hopefully, this will help the ACCE community develop an even greater appreciation for the efforts made in accreditation, reaccreditation, and certification.

 

NEXT UP FOR WORKFORCE EDUCATION 

UA Local 290 COMSAT



UA Local 290 COMSAT: Advancing Construction Workforce Excellence Through ACCE-Accredited Programs


At the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE), we are proud to recognize institutions that exemplify excellence in construction and mechanical systems education. UA Local 290 College of Mechanical Systems & Technology (COMSAT) is one such institution, providing apprentices and students with the training, skills, and leadership education needed to succeed in the modern construction workforce.


In a world where college debt can leave graduates burdened for years, there’s a compelling alternative for those who value hands-on skills, stable income, and long-term career growth: the trade apprenticeship programs and Associate degree offered by UA Local 290 College of Mechanical Systems & Technology (COMSAT). Here, students “earn while they learn,” gaining real-world experience, wages, and industry-recognized credentials — all without accumulating massive student loans.


Based in Tualatin, Oregon, COMSAT serves Oregon, Southwest Washington, and parts of Northern California, preparing students for careers in plumbing, steamfitting, HVACR, marine mechanical systems, and construction leadership.




Programs at COMSAT: What You Can Study

COMSAT offers an Associate in Applied Science degree, along with several registered apprenticeship programs. The main tracks are:


Associate in Applied Sciences — Construction Leadership

This degree program prepares individuals to lead, manage, and coordinate in construction-related projects. With the recent ACCE accreditation, this degree affirms COMSAT’s commitment to combining trade skills with leadership and project-management capabilities — ideal for those aspiring to supervisory, foreman, or management roles in the industry. 


Apprenticeship Programs

  • Plumber Program — Learn to design, install, maintain, and repair piping systems that bring clean water and sanitation to residential, commercial, and industrial properties. Ideal for those interested in foundational building trades.

  • Steamfitter Program — Focused on high-pressure systems, boilers, and industrial piping. Steamfitters often work in heating/cooling systems, process piping, and industrial facilities (hospitals, manufacturing plants, data centers).

  • HVACR (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration) Program — Learn to install, service, and maintain HVACR systems. These skills are in demand across residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

  • Marinefitter Program — For those interested in maritime or industrial piping work related to marine/ship-based systems. The inclusion of this track reflects COMSAT’s breadth in preparing for diverse piping and mechanical-system environments.


Each apprenticeship combines classroom instruction (math, blueprint reading, safety, theory) with real-world, paid experience on job sites under the mentorship of experienced journeymen. 




To graduate (and become eligible for journeyman status), apprentices must complete 10 terms (about 8,000 hours on the job + 1,080 school hours), pass the relevant exams (both union and state/licensing), and meet performance requirements. 


The ACCE Perspective on Workforce Impact

COMSAT exemplifies ACCE’s vision of education that directly addresses workforce needs.

By providing structured, accredited programs:

  • Students gain credentials recognized by employers nationwide, opening pathways to stable, high-demand careers.

  • Employers benefit from graduates who are not only skilled tradespeople but also prepared for leadership roles.

  • The construction industry thrives, supported by professionals trained to high standards of safety, quality, and technical competence.

ACCE accreditation ensures that institutions like COMSAT remain accountable to both students and industry, continuously improving to meet the evolving demands of the construction and mechanical systems workforce.




Why COMSAT Matters

For students seeking a debt-free, hands-on career with long-term growth, COMSAT offers a proven, accredited pathway. For the construction industry, it provides a pipeline of qualified, skilled, and professionally trained workers— the backbone of safe and efficient construction projects.


Through programs like COMSAT’s, ACCE continues to advance its mission: to enhance the quality and professionalism of construction education across the nation.





That is all for now! More program highlights to come!!



Steve Nellis

President / CEO American Council for Construction Education Steve.Nellis@ACCE-HQ.org www.acce-hq.org











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