Apprenticeship

Steamfitters Local 420 offers two types of apprenticeship.  The first is Steamfitter Apprenticeship and the second is for Mechanical Equipment Services.  The following details the guidelines for each program.

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Steamfitter Apprenticeship

The scope of work of the Steamfitter/Pipefitter encompasses installation and servicing of systems requiring piping. This includes steam and hot water heating systems, chemical and petrochemical plants, and complete environmental systems in hospitals, schools, churches, high rise office buildings, and apartment buildings. The trade includes joining pipe mechanically and metallurgically by soldering, brazing, or welding. It also includes erecting and working on scaffolding, interpreting blueprints, and writing technical reports. measuring, cutting, and fabricating piping or tubing using mechanical equipment is also the work of the steamfitter.

Terms of Apprenticeship
Apprentices serve a five year working apprenticeship. Each training year is divided into two - 6 month periods. Apprentices attend formal training classes one day (8 hours) every two weeks, for eleven class days each training period. Apprentices are assigned to work for signatory contractors by the Business Manager or Business Agents. Apprentices must meet training class attendance requirements and attain passing grades established by the Training Committee to be promoted to each successive training period.

Wages
Beginning apprentices receive 44% of the Steamfitter hourly rate of pay and receive incremental pay increases as they progress through ten six month training periods of apprenticeship.

Benefits
Apprentices receive full medical benefits (medical, dental, eye, and prescription) after five months and earn pension credits immediately upon employment.

Requirements for Application
Be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
Copy of high school diploma or GED equivalent
Copy of Birth Certificate
Official high school transcripts or GED scores
A $15.00 dollar non-refundable filing fee
Must have reliable transportation

Recommended Preparatory Courses
Reading, basic math, algebra, physics, science. Past experience also dictates that those who are most successful in entering and completing the program have had a academic background that includes: 2 years of algebra, 1 year of plane geometry, 1/2 year of solid geometry, 1 year of physics and 1 year of chemistry. An elective in mechanical drawing is also desirable. Prior experience in these courses is helpful, but not necessary for acceptance into the program.

Application Process
The Joint Pipefitting Apprenticeship Training Committee receives applications throughout the year and new classes begin every February and August of each year. Applicants must apply in person at the Steamfitters' Training School, 14420 Townsend Road, Suite C, Philadelphia, PA 19154, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 7:30 AM and 4:00 P.M. Applicants will be given a detailed set of instructions on how to complete the application process when they apply. For more information you may call 267-350-2610 during normal working hours any weekday.

Mechanical Equipment Apprenticeship Training Program

The scope of work for the Mechanical equipment serviceman (MES), also called Refrigeration Pipefitter, encompasses mechanical service and maintenance of commercial air conditioning, refrigeration, ventilation, and heating equipment. This includes electric, gas-fired and oil-fired hydronic and forced air heating equipment and associated combustion controls, temperature and humidification controls. The trade also includes repair, overhaul and replacement of refrigeration compressors, condensers, evaporators, metering devices and cooling towers. Building automation equipment service (a.k.a. energy management system service) is also the work of the MES. Typically, the MES is provided with a company vehicle, provided by the contractor, to carry tools and equipment and other related equipment necessary to perform the work of the trade.

Terms Of Apprenticeship
Apprentices serve a five year working apprenticeship. Each training year is divided into two periods. Apprentices attend formal training classes one day (8 hours) every two weeks, for eleven class days each training period. Apprentices must meet training class attendance requirements and attain passing grades established by the Training Committee to be promoted to each successive training period.

Wages
Beginning apprentices receive 50% of the MES hourly rate of pay and receive incremental pay increases as they progress through ten six month training periods of apprenticeship.

Benefits
Apprentices receive full medical benefits (medical, dental, eye, and prescription) after five months and earn pension credits immediately upon employment.

Requirements for Application
Be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
High school diploma or GED equivalent
Birth Certificate
Official high school transcripts or GED scores
Valid driver's license from the state of residency, and
be insurable at the normal rate (auto insurance)
Must have reliable transportation

Recommended Preparatory Courses
Reading, basic math, algebra, physics, science

Abilities
In addition to being a self starter, who is eager to learn and be a willing worker, applicants should possess a strong desire to perform the physical work of the trade and be prepared to learn to work alone and in remote areas. Some Mechanical Equipment Service work is located outdoors and requires that the MES work in alternately hot or cold and, occasionally, dirty environments. Successful applicants will be expected to maintain a personnel appearance which is consistent with the requirements of daily customer relations and have a high degree of interpersonal and communication skills. Computer literacy is also desirable.

Application Process
The application period extends throughout the year. Classes start in February and August. Applicants must apply in person at the Steamfitters' Training School, 14420 Townsend Road, Suite C, Philadelphia, PA 19154, Monday through Friday, during the application period, between the hours of 7:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Applicants will be given a detailed set of instructions on how to complete the application process when they apply. There is a $15.00 non-refundable filing fee.  For more information you may call 267-350-2610 during normal working hours any weekday.  Prior work experience and or technical schooling is helpful but not necessary for acceptance.

Current Apprenticeship News Items and Pertinent Info

UA Local 420 Would Like to Congratulate Our Apprenticeship Graduates [1/30/2008] - On February 1, 2008, 26 Steamfitters and 10 Mechanical Equipment Servicemen will graduate from the UA Local 420 Apprenticeship Training Program.  Click on the headline above to see the list of graduates. more

Current Apprenticeship Events

05/16/2008  thru  11/15/2008	Friday: February 2009 Apprenticeship Classes Applications are now being accepted for the February 2009 classes for both the steamfitters and mechanical equipment service apprenticeships. The application deadline is November 15, 2008.