UA Local 333's HVAC Training
A Comprehensive Five-Year Program
Plumber and Pipefitter Apprenticeship
The UA Local 333 Plumbers and Pipefitters apprenticeship consists of 9000 hours of on the job training and 1000 hours of classroom instruction satisfied over a five year period.
Apprenticeship FAQs
What is an apprenticeship?
Our Apprenticeship is occupational training in the Plumbing, Pipefitting, and HVAC Service field that combines on-the-job experience with supplemental classroom instruction. When an apprentice applicant is accepted into our apprenticeship program, it is similar to receiving a full-ride, tuition-free scholarship. While learning the trade, they also work for a contractor and earn wages and benefits to support their families for the next 40 years. Apprentices earn while they learn.
What type of work do apprentices do?
- An apprentice plumber, pipefitter, and HVAC service tech are responsible for installing, maintaining, and upkeep of a system of pipes and equipment ANYWHERE. The pipe and equipment you will be installing convey steam, water, air and gas, oil, the plumbing of soil, waste, and vent piping under strict code requirements. You will find these systems in industrial buildings, such as refineries, powerhouses, colleges, schools, and commercial buildings such as stadiums and institutional buildings such as hospitals and residential buildings.
- This pipe and equipment installation is done by welding, soldering, brazing, rigging, and bolting to connect these systems. These systems can be made from many different materials that include carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, plastic, and many special alloys installed under strict codes of installation.
- Your job will also include reading blueprints, drafting, and CAD, which determines the layout of piping, valves, fixtures, and controls.
When do apprentices attend school?
Apprentices attend school 1 eight hour day every two weeks, which equates to 84 hours per period, or 168 hours per year, for five years. Your school instruction will cover the technical aspects of the plumbing, pipefitting, and HVAC service field. While employed with a contractor, you will receive your hourly wage from attending these classes. Students are provided with text material free of charge to use in their related instruction classes. An Apprentice’s on-the-job training will be under the supervision of a skilled journeyman. Your on-the-job hours will work towards getting a state plumbing license, backflow certification, medical gas certification, and rigging certifications. Many evening classes are available to apprentices and journeymen to receive multiple weld certifications and specialized skills.
How long does it take to become a journeyman?
After the successful completion of 10 periods (6 months) or semesters (8,000 training hours and 1,080 school hours total), and upon completion and passing of their final exam, along with a state plumbing license, or a weld cert and rigging certification, an apprentice will graduate to Journeyman status.
How much money and benefits do apprentices make?
- Apprentices have the possibility of earning approximately $250,000* during their 5-year apprenticeship
- Apprentices start out at 45% journeyman scale
- Raises are given every 6 months if program requirements are met
- You’ll receive medical and dental benefits for their spouse and children after 1 week of work
- Journeyman salary is approximately $100,000* per year
- After working 30 years as a Journeyman, you could accumulate one of the highest paid pensions in the construction industry
*Includes wage and fringe benefits
