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Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship is both an ancient tradition and a highly effective modern training method, proving to still be the best system for trades training. This is a highly rewarding career path for an individual who is motivated to learn the piping trade and become an active member of a proud trade union. The rewards of Union Apprenticeship Training are the good wages and benefits you receive as a skilled craftsperson. You will be working under the protection of a union contract with insurance, pension, and health and welfare benefits. In the long run, if you are looking for not just a job, but a career then the UA Apprenticeship is the perfect place to start.
To join the UA without any prior experience, individuals enter a United Association five-year apprenticeship program and are part of a select group of men and women motivated to learn a complex and challenging trade, while upholding the ideals of trade unionism.
Applicants are evaluated on the same fair basis, without regard to race, sex, national origin, religious affiliation or sexual orientation. UA apprentices learn through both classroom and on-the-job training in what is considered by many to be the best construction industry apprentice program in the world. The five-year apprenticeship period is divided into one-year segments, each of which includes 1,700 to 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and a minimum of 246 hours of related classroom instruction. All UA apprentices receive a strong general education in the trade, with core courses in basics such as mathematics, science, drafting, welding and other pipe trades related courses. At a certain point, apprentices can choose a specific path to follow, to be trained as a journeyman plumber, pipefitter, sprinkler fitter, and HVACR Technician.
To become a UA apprentice, you will need to find the nearest UA Local Union to inquire about their application process. Each local union has their own application process, but generally the requirements include:
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High school diploma or GED
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18 years or older
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Physically capable of performing duties
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Available for an interview and basic math test
If you are active duty military and are interested in joining the UA, please go to the UA Veterans in Piping website to learn more about the opportunities available for you.
Earn While You Learn
Apprentices get paid while they train on-the-job and attend day and/or night classes. This can be a highly rewarding career path for an individual who is motivated to learn the piping trade and become an active member of a proud trade union.