#21 Representing America at WorldSkills – With Charlie Goede

#21 Representing America at WorldSkills – With Charlie Goede

In a special Independence Day episode, Pipe Up! highlights a young UA member preparing to represent both the United States and the United Association on the world stage. General President Mark McManus sits down with 19-year-old UA Local 777 apprentice Charlie Goede, who will travel to Shanghai this September as Team USA’s competitor in plumbing and heating at the 2026 WorldSkills Competition — often called the Olympics of the skilled trades. Charlie discusses his journey from a Connecticut technical high school and SkillsUSA to becoming the first UA member selected to compete at WorldSkills, the intensive training underway ahead of the competition, and what it means to carry the hopes of his local, his family, and more than 400,000 UA members into an international arena. From apprenticeship and mentorship to fishing, moose hunting, and plans to someday teach the next generation of UA members, this episode is a reminder that the future of the skilled trades is already hard at work.

#20 400,000 Members Strong – With Brian Fisher

The United Association has reached a historic milestone: more than 400,000 members strong. In this special episode, General President Mark McManus is joined by UA Director of Organizing and Recruitment Brian Fisher to reflect on the growth that made it possible and the opportunities it creates for members across North America.   They discuss the organizing strategies, training investments, contractor partnerships, and local union leadership that helped the UA grow by more than 60,000 members in just five years. The conversation also explores why growth matters—not just for membership numbers, but for market share, job opportunities, retirement security, and the long-term strength of the United Association.   This is a celebration of what the UA has accomplished together—and a look ahead at the work still to come as the fight for 500,000 members begins.

#19 Data Centers – With Chris Madello

As AI and digital infrastructure continue to expand across North America, data centers have become one of the fastest-growing sectors of UA work—and one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, General President Mark McManus sits down with UA International Representative Chris Madello to discuss the rise of data centers, the myths and misinformation surrounding them, and why these projects are critical to the future of modern infrastructure and skilled trades jobs.   The conversation also highlights the massive opportunities data centers are creating for UA members through apprenticeship growth, training, service work, and long-term market share.

#18 Politics, Permitting & UA Jobs – With Russ Breckenridge

From Washington to job sites across the country, the policies being debated right now have a direct impact on UA members and the work ahead. In this episode, General President Mark McManus sits down with UA Director of Legislative and Political Affairs Russ Breckenridge to break down the current political landscape, the importance of bipartisan engagement, and why issues like permitting reform and infrastructure investment are critical to keeping UA members on the job.   They also discuss the UA’s role in politics, how members can stay engaged, and what it takes to turn policy into real job opportunities across North America.

#17 UA Pipeline Conference 2026

Recorded during the 2026 UA Pipeline Conference, General President Mark McManus sits down with UA Director of Pipeline and Gas Distribution Chad Gilbert and UA Local 798 Business Manager Justin Wallace to discuss the state of the pipeline industry and the work ahead. They break down the growing demand for pipeline infrastructure, the massive projects on the horizon, and how the UA is preparing its workforce through training, organizing, and new apprenticeship programs. The conversation also highlights the importance of market share, strong contractor partnerships, and ensuring the next generation of skilled pipeline workers is ready to meet the moment. It’s a look at an industry on the rise—and the opportunities it creates for UA members across North America.