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Apprenticeships for Plumbers & Pipefitters
 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.
- There are three programs, each taking a different timeframe to complete: residential
plumber, three years; 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
around $15/hour and the journey level worker scale is in the $24-$35/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 August to May, two nights a week. Residential
plumbers attend a minimum of 180 hours, 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 any of the three programs; however book fees will be incurred.
- Basic
hand tools must be purchased by apprentices.
- Apprentices
must have a valid driver’s license
and 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: Residential plumber and 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 all three 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
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