Staff
Kelly Sinclair
Originally a journeyperson for 20 years, Kelly Sinclair has worked in various sectors in the trades industry as the Director of Training at the United Food and Commercial Workers local 247 for 18 years, the Director of the Construction Industry Training Institute for 2 years, and the Coordinator of Special Projects of UA PIC BC for 4 years. During his time at the UA PIC BC, Kelly has developed and implemented affirmative action programs within the piping industry, the Foundation Program for new students entering the trades, Essential Skills and assessment programs directed at people in trades training, and has had ongoing involvement in the Aboriginal and marginalized communities throughout British Columbia. Moreover, Kelly has sat on various committees including the Food Sector Council of Canada for 9 years, the Literacy BC board for 5 years, and the BC Federation of Labour Apprenticeship for 21 years. He was also the recipient of the Fight for Freedom Award for Canada and the Humanitarian Award for BC. Throughout his 25 years in Martial Arts, Kelly competed on the Canadian National Team for 5 years and has developed a keen interest in athletic excellence. Through his personal and professional devotion, Kelly has come to believe that Essential Skills, especially the Learn to Learn skills, can bring freedom to all Canadians willing to dedicate themselves to learning.
Gord Rogers
Gord Rogers is the principal of Rogers Consulting Inc. and has consulted, trained, and facilitated with a number of organizations over the past several years. He works with a variety of associates in both the private and public sector of British Columbia as a trainer, facilitator, and mediator who specializes in Conflict Resolution Training. Through his unique blend of experience in Engineering, Project Management, International Technical Support, and International Sports Administration, Gord has learned the value of resolving conflict so that we can turn lost energy into a benefit for all.
“My associates and I look to change the world in which we live towards more productive lives through the transformation of negative energy to productivity and positive results for all concerned parties.”
A.D. Al Phillips
Al is currently the Executive Director of Apprenticeship and Training for the UA Piping Industry College of BC and United Association Local 170 training centres in British Columbia. After serving as a Steamfitter Apprentice and becoming a Journeyperson, Al acted as Steward and Foreman on many jobs. In addition, he was elected by the membership to serve them in numerous capacities, such as Executive Board Member, Conference Board Member, Vice President, and currently President of the Local. Al also serves on countless committees and boards related to the piping industry and apprenticeship.
Erica Collyer
After completing a Bachelors Degree in Arts with a major in Psychology, Erica went on to pursue a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology. Nearing completion in her Masters, Erica began work at UA PIC as a researcher for the Essential Skills for Piping project. Through this position, Erica has gained considerable knowledge about the essential skills needed in the piping industry, piping programs, and the trades field in general. She has studied ways of learning within the piping industry in order to help Apprentices learn, Instructors teach, and Employers benefit from building a foundation in the Learn to Learn skills. Erica is an integral person in this website and other ESP program development.
Andrew Wong
Since 1986, Andrew has been working with Alpha Mechanical in Port Coquitlam. He is the Vice President and Construction Manager of this second generation family run business, specializing in institutional and commercial work in BC.
In 1992, Andrew received his BC Plumbing TQ and Class B gas-fitter license and became CCA Gold Seal Certified as Project Manager in 2006. He has been involved with the Mechanical Contractors Association of BC (MCABC) over the last 10 years as president from 2007 to 2010 and as Secretary Treasurer of 2011. Moreover, Andrew was the Management Trustee for Local 170’s pension plan from 2000 to 2004 and is currently the representative of BC at the National Board of Directors for the Mechanical Contractors of Canada (MCAC).
Kenneth Roy Arne Hallgren
Since 1969, Ken has been a Local 170 member along with his father and son. He has tickets in Steam and Gas. From 1972 to 1975, Ken worked overseas and then locally from 1975 to 1994 as an Apprentice, Journeyman, Foreman, General Foreman, Superintendent, Project Manager, Estimator, and Chief Estimator. In 1994, he started his own company, Hallgren Construction Ltd. Co., where he employs trade workers and continues to pursue his passion in construction.
Paul Taylor
Paul began his plumbing apprenticeship in 1968 and completed it in 1973. During this time, he earned his Red Seal and TQ in plumbing, went on to obtain his Gas “B” ticket, upgraded courses such as Cross Connection Control, Medical Gas, and Braising Hazard Recognition WHMIS and Asbestos Awareness. Today he is a director for the Piping Apprenticeship Board.
Steve Fedele
Steve has been in the Fire Protection industry for 18 years. From 1993 to 1998, he started and completed his Sprinklerfitting apprenticeship and now holds a BC TQ for Sprinklerfitting. Involved in the Canadian Automatic Sprinkler Association, BC Sprinkler Industry Joint Training and Apprenticeship Committee, Steve has been an integral person in many construction projects throughout the Lower Mainland. Over time, he began working in Service Vancouver and was promoted to a Service Superintendent. He now is employed with SimplexGrinnell as the Sprinkler Construction Manger, where he oversees all construction projects for the BC office.
