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Apprenticeships for Plumbers & Pipefitters
What do Plumbers and Pipefitters do?
Plumbers
and pipefitters install, service and repair a variety of residential and commercial
projects, from houses to casinos. Plumbers do installation, removal,
maintenance, extension and alteration of plumbing systems, including
all sanitary drainage, storm drainage facilities, special wastes, vent systems,
water systems, gas piping and heating and cooling systems. Pipefitters
and steamfitters install piping to convey substances such as air, gas or liquids
on new or existing projects in all types of industrial plants, commercial buildings,
hospitals, etc. Plumbers and pipefitters use a variety of materials,
including carbon steel, copper, cast iron, plastics, fiberglass, stainless
steel and other special alloys and types. Pipefitters are often certified
in welding.
Program Specifics
There are two programs, each taking a different time frame to complete: HVAC
(heating, ventilation & air conditioning), four years; and building trades
plumber/pipefitter, five years. There are different pay ranges for each field. The
base apprentice wage begins in the $13-15/hour range and the journey level
worker scale is in the $24-$30/hour range. Additional benefits like medical,
dental and vision insurance, a retirement plan and pension annuity increase
the total wage value. Applications are taken year ‘round at the Plumbers & Pipefitters
Joint Apprenticeship Training office at 1150 Greg St. in Sparks.
- All applicants must be at least 17 years of age.
- Applicants
will need to show either a birth certificate or valid passport and their
Social Security card when they submit their application.
- Applicants
must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent.
- Applicants
must be physically capable of performing the essential functions of the apprenticeship
program and subsequent work.
- Apprentices
must successfully pass a drug test once they are accepted into and enter
the program.
- The apprenticeship program offers equal opportunity
to all people regardless of race, age, color, gender, religion, nationality
or sexual orientation.
- A written basic math test and interview are part of the
application process.
- Once the application is completed, applicants will be notified
of the interview time and date. Interviews are usually held once a year,
in the spring, or as needed. The interview committee is comprised of
members from labor and contractor management.
- If accepted into the pool, an applicant remains on the
list for two years. Work begins as soon as an apprentice is indentured.
- Classroom
instruction runs from July thru May, two nights a week. Building trade
plumbers/pipefitters have 246 hours of instruction a year, while HVAC apprentices
have 144 hours a year.
- There is no cost for school for the programs; however book
fees will be incurred.
- Basic hand tools must be purchased by apprentices.
- Apprentices
must have reliable transportation.
- Once an applicant is indentured as an apprentice, they
are expected to become a member of the Plumbers & Pipefitters Union, the
fees of which are:
- Initiation fees are: HVAC, $250; building trades plumber/pipefitter, $1,000. (These
fees may be paid in full or set up as a payroll deduction). The initiation
fee may be slightly reduced by attendance at union meetings.
- Starting apprenticeship monthly dues for both programs are approximately $32. Additionally,
supplemental dues of one to one and a half percent per hour worked, depending
on the program, are assessed for every apprentice or journey level worker.
For more information contact:
1150 Greg St., Sparks, NV 89431
Phone: 775-359-2229
Fax: 775-359-3485
Email: rc350jatc@live.com
Web: www.ua.org & http://www.ualocal350.org
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