Apprenticeship News

Apprenticeship Events

03/29/2008  thru  05/18/2008	Saturday: Carrier Classes @ Saturdays and Sundays 8am - 4:30pm The Technology Center will be offering several Carrier Training Sessions.  Please go to the home page where there is a Carrier link for more information.  The classes are open to all current UA members.

Apprenticeship

The Apprenticeship application period for 2008 has been completed.  Please contact the Technology Center in December of 2008 for 2009 Application Dates and Times.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Must be a United States Citizen. Must live within the jurisdictional area covered by Steamfitters Local 449, Allegheny County, Armstrong County, Part of Greene County, Part of  Washington County and the cities of Arnold and New Kensington in  Westmoreland.
• Must be 18 years of age at time of application.
• Must possess a high school diploma with transcripts
  or G.E.D. certificate.
• The applicant must be of good moral character and be physically able to perform the work of the trade.
• Applicants must have a valid PA driver's license and dependable transportation. (Bring license with you at
  time of application).
• Successfully complete a scheduled aptitude examination.
• Appear for an interview when notified.
• Submit and pass a test for substance abuse.
• Abide by all the rules and regulations set by the Joint Apprentice Training Committee.

• Apprenticeship is 5 years long, with the first year considered probationary.
• Classes are held 2 nights a week through the school year, which runs September through May.
• Work will be done under the supervision of a journeyman for your on the job training.
• Pay is set at a percentage of the going Journeyman rate, with a 5% raise every 6 months.

Full fringe benefits are provided from the first day of work, which is May 1st of the application year.

The Steamfitters offer two Apprenticeship Programs:

• Mechanical Equipment Service Program:
  Instruction covers the servicing of residential, commercial and industrial air conditioning and refrigeration systems, control system troubleshooting, Steam and Hydronic boiler system maintenance and servicing.
• Building Trades Apprentice Program:
  Instruction covers the installation of commercial and industrial process piping systems. Welding certification plays a big part in the education process in this program.

• Assemble, install and maintain pipes that carry water, steam, compressed air, gases and fluids which are needed for manufacturing, heating and cooling.
• Work is done on high and low pressure pipes, power stations, refrigeration systems and environmental controls.
• Reading of blueprints to determine the layout of piping, valves, fixtures and controls.
• Welding of pipes from 1/16" to 10" made of materials that include cast iron, wrought iron, steel, aluminum, brass, plastic, glass and other special alloys.
• Tools used include reamers, drills, gas torches, welding equipment, pipe cutters, benders and threaders.
• Working conditions are both inside and outside in all types of weather. Workers can be exposed to heat, cold, fumes, chemical and toxic odors. The working activities are both active and strenuous which may include much walking, prolonged standing, reaching and lifting, and having to be in cramped or otherwise uncomfortable positions.
• Follow detailed instructions of a vast range of skills and be able to solve mathematical problems accurately.

Application Information
There is a $25.00 application fee which is payable at time of application. Please make your payment by CASH OR MONEY ORDER, (NO PERSONAL CHECKS). The money order is to be payable to STEAMFITTERS J.A.T.C.

When you appear at the Technology Center to obtain an application, the staff will direct you to specific rooms where you will fill out your application. All applications must be completed at the Technology Center. Upon completion of your application form, providing education transcripts, proof of valid PA drivers license and paying your application fee, you will be given a notice as to where to appear for your written examination.

In Summary: Items needed to submit at time of application:

• Official transcript for high school or post high school or G.E.D. Certificate. Your transcripts can be mailed to The Steamfitters Technology Center, 1459 Woodruff Street, Pgh. PA. 15220. G.E.D.'s must show marks of their testing.

• The $25 application fee. Please make your payments by CASH or MONEY ORDER, (NO PERSONAL CHECKS). The money order is payable to Steamfitters J.A.T.C.

• Present the applicant's valid PA drivers license at time
  of application and have dependable transportation.