One of the most prevalent Trenchless Technologies is sewer and water pipe rehabilitation. This work can typically require several steps, including: inspecting, cleaning and relining existing pipe; cutting new laterals to restore service; and manhole repairs and sealing.

In order to determine the conditions of underground piping, many municipalities are now conducting remote operated camera inspections. These inspections allow engineers and planners to determine the rehabilitation method needed to preserve the integrity of the entire pipe system, whether it is a trenchless or traditional open-cut method.

There is an enormous demand for a skilled workforce in the Trenchless industry and the Laborers International Union of North America (LIUNA) is taking steps to meet that demand.

Construction Craft Laborers are responsible for laying new sewer and water pipe. In fact, laborers and their signatory employers laid much of the pipe currently under America’s streets. Construction Craft Laborers are now being trained in Trenchless Technology applications so that they can repair those same pipes years and, even decades, later.

The Laborers-AGC Education and Training Fund and the Construction Laborers Education and Training Fund of Minnesota and North Dakota have teamed up to provide unique, hands-on training in techniques of trenchless pipe rehabilitation.

The one week, 40 hour course, Trenchless Pipe Rehabilitation and Remote Camera Operation, provides hands-on training with pipe rehabilitation and camera equipment at the Construction Laborers Training Center in Lino Lakes, Minnesota.

Trainees learn the basics of trenchless pipe rehabilitation as well as the operation and maintenance of remotely operated cameras used for inspection and service.

Course topics include methods of rehabilitation for existing utility piping systems without excavation, methods of pipe relining, manhole rehabilitation, remote camera operation and maintenance and remote service cutter operation.

The training combines the latest remote-operated equipment technology with the most knowledgeable instructors in North America. The course includes classroom lecture, discussion, demonstration and hands-on modules.

Trenchless Technology Training is available to any member of LIUNA in good standing and employed by a signatory contractor. The Laborers-AGC covers the cost of training, room and board and up to $300 per trainee for transportation.