UA Local 250 Industrial Pipefitter
Background Information
ABOUT THE PROGRAM:
The Steamfitter and Industrial Pipefitter Apprenticeship Training Program is for five (5) years. Apprentices earn while they learn, working on the job and attending classes of related technical instruction.
Nature of Work: Fabricates, assembles, installs, tests, maintains, and rehabilitates industrial, manufacturing, heating, cooling, instrumentation and control piping. A variety of welding processes are used in performing welding operations. Work may include rigging operations and Computer Aided Design CAD functions.
Area: Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.
Helpful High School, Trade School Or College Courses: Mathematics, including Algebra and Geometry, Machine or Forge Shop, Drafting, Mechanical Drawing or Blueprint Reading, Physical Science.
Wages: Apprentices earn a percentage of the Journeyman wage rate, by classification. Current Journeyman wage is $50.58 / hr. and the 1st Year apprentice wage is 45% of journeyman wages. All wage rates and conditions are subject to change without notice as per the Collective Bargaining Agreement. After meeting all annual requirements apprentices advance in the program and receive a pay raise once a year.
Hours of Work: 6:30a.m. - 3:30p.m., ½ hour lunch, forty (40) hrs./wk., or as modified by union agreement.
Classes: Apprentices attend 240 hours a year in classes of related technical and manipulative instruction. Block training is the regular training schedule. Typically running Tuesday thru Friday 6:30am - 4:00pm approximated 3-5 weeks apart.
Tools and Transportation: Apprentices must have required tools and their own transportation. The tools are tape measure, level, channel locks, hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, tube cutters, tin snips, reamers, and saws. While in the trade, apprentices will learn to work with drills, grinders, braces & bits, chisels, power machines, hydraulic pipe benders, gas & arc welding, soldering /brazing equipment while on the job.
Where Employed: Commercial, industrial, manufacturing, food processing plants & petrochemical industry.
Skills required for this job: Steamfitters and Industrial Pipefitters work with their hands, use hand, power tools and use welding processes on piping systems. Must know mechanical principles and understand how things work. Steamfitters and Industrial Pipefitters need a working knowledge of mathematics and science.
Working Conditions: Steamfitter and Industrial Pipefitter work is strenuous, most is done outdoors. It involves a lot of standing, stooping, and heavy lifting, pulling and pushing. The work involves joining pipes together by following layouts, diagrams and blue prints. It may require standing for long periods or being in cramped and uncomfortable positions. The work can be uncomfortable during hot or cold weather. Risks include falls from ladders, cuts from sharp tools, burns from hot pipes or steam.
Availability and Continuity of Work: Employment prospects vary with industry needs, economic cycles and capital expenditures by public agencies, locality and weather.
Fringe Benefits: Health, Dental, and Prescription Drug coverage, Pension, Vacation and Holiday, and Life Insurance are provided as eligibility is established.
Union Affiliation: Apprentices are obligated to make application to the Union at the start of their apprenticeship and must maintain their availability for employment referral. Apprentices serve a probationary period for the first year of 1500 OJT working hours and 240 RSI classes in their apprenticeship.
Completion Certificates: Apprentices attain journeyman status and are awarded completion certificates.
Below are a couple of links that will help you better understand what the UA does:
WELDERS: https://youtu.be/DQuqnh1SAds
FITTERS: https://youtu.be/qbXBpf7Z8Qk
You can also find below Plumbing & Sprinkler Fitter if those interest you. I suggest checking them all out and see what interests you the most.
PLUMBING: https://youtu.be/fgAnrLxMTsc
SPRINKLER FITTER: https://youtu.be/zKLEg79FhHQ
Additional Information
- United Association - Union of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders and Service Techs
