ABOVE: UA Plumbers & Gasfitters Local 5 Assistant Business Manager Michael Canales holds his certificate of appointment to the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council shortly after being officially sworn in on July 6, 2026. Photo: Courtesy of Local 5.
The Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council (MATC) has a new member from the Mid-Atlantic building trades. UA Plumbers & Gasfitters Local 5 Assistant Business Manager Michael Canales was recently appointed to the council and officially sworn in on July 6, 2026.
“I’m honored to serve on the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council and look forward to working to strengthen apprenticeship opportunities across our state,” said Canales in a statement regarding his new role.
He also underscored his commitment to the training mission: “Apprenticeships are a proven pathway to developing a skilled workforce, expanding economic opportunity, and connecting Marylanders with meaningful careers.”
“Apprenticeships are a proven pathway to developing a skilled workforce, expanding economic opportunity, and connecting Marylanders with meaningful careers.”
– Michael Canales, Assistant Business Manager
UA Plumbers & Gasfitters Local 5
“Apprenticeships are a proven pathway to developing a skilled workforce, expanding economic opportunity, and connecting Marylanders with meaningful careers.”
– Michael Canales, Assistant Business Manager
UA Plumbers & Gasfitters Local 5
The MATC is a 12-member body established by Maryland’s Apprenticeship and Training Law and Regulation. The council is tasked with formulating apprenticeship policies, registering standards and agreements, and determining which skilled trades are eligible for apprenticeship. Importantly, the council also adopts standards of apprenticeship specifically designed to safeguard the welfare of all apprentices.
Canales also expressed his personal gratitude for the support that led to this appointment, stating: “I’m especially grateful to my Business Manager, T. Smalls, for his leadership, mentorship, and confidence in me. Without his support and encouragement, I would not have had this opportunity to serve. I look forward to representing our members and contributing to the council’s important work on behalf of Maryland’s workforce.”
Canales joins three other council members from the building trades who serve as “employee representatives.” These members include:
- Brian Cavey — Vice President, International Association of Heat & Frost Insulators and Allied Workers. Cavey also serves as the MATC chairman.
- Brian Courtien — Special Assistant to the General President, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades.
- Neil Wilford — Training Director, Baltimore Electrical JATC.
In addition, Beli Acharya, Executive Director of the Construction Trades Workforce Initiative (CTWI), serves as one of two “public representatives” on the council.