Apprenticeship Page
United Association
Union Plumbers, Pipefitters
& Service Techs
STEAMFITTERS
Work Description
Construction steamfitters assemble, install and maintain piping systems and components that carry water, steam, chemicals, air and other fluids needed for processing, manufacturing, heating, cooling and refrigeration.
Service steamfitters troubleshoot, diagnose, repair, calibrate and maintain the components of heating, cooling and refrigeration systems as well as process systems used in manufacturing.
Working Conditions
Construction steamfitters work inside and outside, sometimes in adverse weather conditions. The work is active and strenuous requiring walking, standing, climbing, lifting and working in cramped or high areas.
Service Steamfitters work indoors in equipment rooms as well as some outdoor repair work. They use test instruments and tools in trouble-shooting and repairing of HVACR and DDC systems.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or HSED
- 18 years old or high school graduate at 17
- Possess a valid driver’s license
- Good physical condition
- Recommended high school courses: general math, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, general science, physics, mechanical drawing, welding, computer courses, English
Application Process
- Apply to Joint Apprenticeship Committee
- Submit high school transcript or HSED
- Pass as Accuplacer test
- Interview with Joint Apprenticeship Committee
Terms of Apprenticeship
- 5 year program
- 8,200 hours on-the-job training
- 540 hours related classroom instruction (paid)
- 300 hours night school on own time
- First 800 hours (6 months) are probationary period
- Journeyperson written and practical examination given at end of apprenticeship
- Wage scale systematically increases throughout the apprenticeship
For More Information
Mechanical Contractors Assoc.
Plumbers & Steamfitters Joint Apprenticeship Committee
Attn: Joyce Kabat
Phone 877-625-8304