The Black History Month celebration event took place in Earth City, MO., a St. Louis suburb.
About the event Friday, February 24, 2023: Andre Holman

After 57 years, the Pipefitters Local 562 honored Black History Month and recognized my dad, the late Raoul Holman, Sr., and the other 7 trainees for being the first blacks to enter the trainee program to become Pipefitters. My dad served 32 years and had to put up with a lot of mess, but he stayed the course and never gave up.

Which gave me and my brothers a better life. I’ve always had this empty feeling because he passed away without getting his recognition. He passed suddenly, so we didn’t get another chance to tell him thanks for his love and all he had achieved by taking advantage of the opportunity he was given.
Today, my soul is at peace because he will forever be a part of HISTORY. Thanks Dad! Special thanks to St. Louis County Councilwoman/Chair Shalonda Webb (and Shonte Harmon-Young) for the resolution and Local 562 President, John O’mara, for having the courage to do what should have been done long ago. One text message and GOD MADE IT RIGHT! Now, those of you who know me understand why I push so hard for our people to get an OPPORTUNITY.
Thank you to director/videographer, Videll TheDesigner, for making sure this moment was CAPTURED. Praise God.
Watch: https://player.lightcast.com/1IjM3QTN
About the history of the training program that certified these Black journeymen
After more than a year of planning, on February 14, 1966, eight of the ten black trainees started their quest to become journeymen for Steamfitters Local 562. Each trainee was assigned to an experienced pipefitter for on-the-job training and they also attended night classes two nights a week at what was viewed as the state-of-the-art training facility for steamfitters – located at 1242 Pierce.
TRAINING PROGRAMS
Training programs funded by Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 562 produce plumber and pipefitter foremen, journeymen and apprentices with consistently high skill levels and motivation. We believe cost-effective construction is achieved through productivity and education.
On-the-job and classroom training are thoroughly planned and integrated to provide the necessary groundwork for our plumber and pipefitter apprentices. Over the course of five years, apprentices learn their craft from journeymen in the field while also attending formal classroom training one day, every other week, which is funded by the contractor. On their own time, apprentices train for an additional four (4) hours per week in the classroom. A sampling of classes include:
- General pipefitting
- Rigging
- Plumber and pipefitter math
- Blueprint reading and drafting
- Pipe fabrication
- Fiber optics
- NCPWB-Certified Welding
- Pneumatic controls installation and maintenance
Contacts
Andre Holman Son, late Raoul Holman, Sr. (Local 562 Plumbers and Pipefitters member – 32 years)314.324.7574andreholman@att.net | John O’MaraPresident, Local 562 Plumbers and Pipefitters 314.355.1000 |
Event information:
WHO: | John O’Mara, President, UA Local 562 Plumbers and Pipefitters Family of the late Raoul Holman, Sr. (one of the first eight) Shalonda Webb, St. Louis County Council Chair (4th District) Members of Local 562 Plumbers and Pipefitters |
WHEN: | 1:30PM – Friday, February 24, 2023 |
WHERE: | UA Local 562 Plumbers and Pipefitters Training Center3755 Corporate Trail Dr. Earth City, MO 63045 |