This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Steamfitters Technology Center in Harmony, Pennsylvania. Over the past decade, the center has grown into a national training hub, welcoming people from across the country to learn the latest industry technologies.
“When you look around the parking lot, there are vans from all over coming here to hone their skills,” said Brad Tisdale, director of HVAC-R. “We have the ability to share our resources with the entire United Association (UA).”
Completed in 2016 by Mascaro Construction Company, LP, the 74,000-square-foot facility includes administrative offices and classrooms. It also features specialized labs for welding, pipefitting, rigging, and HVAC-R.
The center features state-of-the-art equipment that supports two primary training paths: building trades and HVAC-R.
“When I went through the HVAC-R apprenticeship, I had to attend a community college,” said Local 449 Business Manager Ken Broadbent. “Now, the Steamfitters Technology Center has more than 150 live-fire HVAC-R stations.”
Training is offered for all skill levels, from high school students to instructors from other locals. The center also hosts regional competitions that allow students to showcase their skills and build professional connections.
In addition, the center has hosted high-profile events such as the Natural Refrigerant Training Summit and welcomed governors and former presidents in support of the trades.
A Decade of Innovation at the Steamfitters Technology Center
Over the past decade, the Steamfitters Technology Center in Harmony PA has continued to expand its reach across Pennsylvania, strengthening apprenticeship programs in welding, pipefitting, and HVAC-R. Its impact extends beyond training, helping shape the next generation of skilled trades professionals.
“This is probably the best training facility I’ve ever seen,” said Rusty Walker, NASRC training director. “It allows you to teach not just the big picture, but the fine details and intricacies of HVAC-R.”
Question: What is the Steamfitters Technology Center and why is it notable? Short answer: The Steamfitters Technology Center in Harmony, Pennsylvania is a 74,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art training hub for the skilled trades—especially building trades and HVAC-R. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, it draws learners from across the country and the United Association (UA). Completed in 2016 by Mascaro Construction Company, LP, it’s recognized for cutting-edge labs and hands-on training capacity that make it a national destination.
Question: What training programs and facilities are available? Short answer: The center supports two primary training paths—building trades and HVAC-R—through specialized labs for welding, pipefitting, rigging, and HVAC-R, plus administrative offices and classrooms. It includes more than 150 live-fire HVAC-R stations, enabling instruction that covers both high-level concepts and the fine details of HVAC-R systems.
Question: Who can train at the center? Short answer: Training is available for all skill levels, from high school students to experienced instructors (including those from other UA locals). Learners travel from across the country to hone their skills, and the center regularly hosts regional competitions that help participants showcase abilities and build professional networks.
Question: How is the center impacting apprenticeship and the broader industry? Short answer: Over the past decade, it has strengthened apprenticeship programs in welding, pipefitting, and HVAC-R across Pennsylvania and helped shape the next generation of skilled trades professionals. Industry leaders praise its ability to teach both the “big picture” and the intricacies of HVAC-R. The center also hosts high-profile events—such as the Natural Refrigerant Training Summit—and has welcomed governors and former presidents, highlighting its leadership in the trades.
Question: Where is it located and how can I learn more or follow updates? Short answer: Location: 232 Wise Road Suite 200, Harmony, Pennsylvania. For more information and updates, visit ua449.com/steamfitters-technology-center-harmony-pa and follow on Facebook at facebook.com/steamfitters449. The center also invites followers on Instagram.
Join us in continuing to celebrate these 10 years by following us on Instagram and Facebook.