Apprentice Applicant Information on
STEAMFITTING AND INDUSTRIAL PIPEFITTING

I. QUALIFICAT1ONS

II. ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Steamfitter and Industrial Pipefitter Apprenticeship Program is a five (5) year training program. Apprentices earn while they learn, working on the job with Journeymen. In addition, they attend classes or related technical instruction. The objective of the instruction, in addition to on the job experience, is to train all-around journeymen.

Wages: Apprentices earn a percentage of an established Journeyman wage rate, by classification. Currently, Journeyman wage is $33.29 / hr. and the beginning apprentice wage $16.65 / hr. All wage rates and conditions are subject to change without notice as per the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The JA&TC is established to supervise the apprentices training. Providing that the program requirements are met apprentices advance in the program and receive a pay raise once a year during their term.

Hours of Work: Usually, 6:30a.m. to 3:30p.m. with ½ hour for lunch, forty (40) hrs./wk., or as otherwise modified by union agreement.

Classes: All apprentices are required to attend classes of related technical instruction and manipulative instruction. Apprentices will attend classes two (2) nights a week for five (5) years. Classes are conducted during the workweek from 5:45p.m. to 9:00p.m. with breaks.

Tools and Transportation: Apprentices are required to furnish their own transportation. There is an established list of required tools the apprentice must acquire for work.

Availability, Continuity of Work and Working Conditions: The volume of new construction varies according to economic conditions, locality and weather. Steady employment is the exception, not the rule in construction. Much of the work is away from public transportation and apprentices are required to furnish their own vehicles. The work can be uncomfortable during hot or cold weather.

Fringe Benefits: Health, dental care, prescription drug reimbursement, 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 their apprenticeship.

Completion Certificates: When the apprenticeship is completed, apprentices attain journeyman status in the Union and are each awarded completion certificates.

III ADMINISTRATION AND SUPERVISION

The program is set up under a collective bargaining agreement between signatory contractors and the Union. Costs are paid from contractual hourly contributions to the apprenticeship fund. A Board of Trustees, with Contractor and Union reps., administer this fund and determine policy. A director and staff of coordinators operate the program. The apprentice's training is supervised by the J.A.&T.C. comprised of equal reps. of the Union and signatory Contractors.

IV. TRAINING STANDARDS

The apprenticeship training standards are drawn up by the Steamfitter and Industrial Pipefitter J.A.&T.C and are approved by, and registered with, the State of California, Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DIR/DAS). The Training Standards provide for training of apprentices on the job in work processes of the trade and in related technical subjects and manipulative instruction. The objective of the five- (5) year program is to train the apprentice to be an all-around journeyman Steamfitter. Safety is stressed throughout the training.

V. APPRENTICESHIP AGREEMENT

Each apprentice will sign an apprenticeship agreement with the J.A.&T.C. Each apprentice must agree to abide by the Rules and Regulations of the J.A.&T.C. and the registered Training Standards. This agreement is registered with the State of California, DIR/DAS.

VI. HOW WHERE AND WHEN TO APPLY FOR APPRENTICESHIP

Applications for the Steamfitter and Industrial Pipefitter Apprenticeship Program are accepted as follows:

First Tuesday and Thursday of each month (see below for dates)
Between the hours of 1:00p.m. and 3:00 p.m. at the:

STEAMFITTER and INDUSTRIAL PIPEFITTER
Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee Office
18355 South Figueroa Street
Gardena, California 90248
(310)323-4475

Email: UA250JATC@ua250.org

Each applicant must appear in person at the J.A.&T.C. office with their:

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. test scores;
• sealed H.S. transcripts (official copy);
• Proof of Age such as birth certificate, baptismal paper, or passport;
• current Driver's License (or I.D.);
• and Social Security Card.
  
  

  
  A. Minimum Qualifications:
  

1. Applicants must be eighteen (18) years or older at the time of application. Proof of age must be presented at the time of application in the form of an original or certified copy of birth certificate, baptismal paper, or passport. In addition, Driver's License or I.D. and Social Security Card.
   
   
2. An original or certified copy of applicant's high school diploma or passage of G.E.D. test must be submitted at time of application, G.E.D. test scores will only be accepted as proof of passage of G.E.D. In addition, the applicant must provide transcripts.
   
   
3. No disabling physical defects for work in the trade.
   
   
4. Passing score on the Qualification Basic Math Test.
   

B. Application Procedures:

1. After completing an application, the applicant is notified when to take the test.
   
   
2. Upon passage of the test, he/she is notified when to appear for an oral interview.
   
   
3. After completing the oral interview, he/she is then placed on an eligible applicants list ranked from highest score to lowest score achieved.
   
   
4. Names are then drawn from the eligible applicants list from highest score to
   lowest score achieved to form apprentice classes each Spring and Fall. Those who do not make it into the semesters due to quantity of available space will need to reapply for the next round of process of applications.
   

VII. NON-DISCRIMINATION

The Los Angeles and Vicinity Steamfitter and Industrial Pipefitter Apprenticeship Committee does not discriminate in the selection, employment and training of Apprentices because of race, color, religion, national origin or sex.

APPRENTICESHIP INFORMATION GUIDE

State of California Department of Industrial Relations/Division of Apprenticeship Standards

STEAMFITTER AND INDUSTRIAL PIPEFITTER / AIG - 42 / DOT 862.281.02B

NATURE OF WORK: Fabricates, assembles, installs, tests, maintains, and rehabilitates industrial, manufacturing, heating, cooling, instrumentation and control piping. May use a variety of welding processes in performing welding operations. Work may include rigging operations.

TOOLS USED: Wrenches, reamers, drills, grinders, braces & bits, hammers, chisels, saws, & other hand tools, power machines, hydraulic pipe benders, gas & arc welding, soldering /brazing equip.

WHERE EMPLOYED: Commercial, industrial, manufacturing, food processing plants, and throughout the petrochemical industry.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is strenuous and may involve heavy lifting, pulling and pushing. It may require standing for long periods or being in cramped and uncomfortable positions. Risks include falls from ladders, cuts from sharp tools, burns from hot pipes or steam.

HELPFUL HIGH SCHOOL COURSES: Mathematics, including algebra and geometry, Machine or Forge Shop, Drafting, Mechanical Drawing or Blueprint Reading, Physical Science.

AREA: Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.

EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS: Employment prospects vary with economic cycles and capital expenditures by public agencies. A new class is admitted each school semester, February and September.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Age: 18 years of age
Education: High School Diploma or GED Test Scores and Transcripts
Proof of Age: Birth Certificate or Baptismal Certificate and Driver's License and SS Card.
Tests: Qualification Basic Math Test - we strongly suggest to take a refresher course.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS: No disabling physical defects for work in the trade.

CONDITIONS OF TRAINING PROGRAM:
Length: Five (5) years
Wage: Starting: $16.65/hr w/annual increases
Related Instruction: A minimum of 216 hours per year, 2 nights per week.

WHERE AND WHEN TO APPLY: Applications for the Steamfitter and Industrial Pipefitter Apprenticeship Program are accepted the FIRST TUESDAY AND THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH* (See back page for dates) BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 1:00 P.M. AND 3:00 P.M. at the: Steamfitter and Industrial Pipefitter Apprenticeship Program Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee Office, 18355 S. Figueroa St., Gardena, CA 90248, (310) 323-4475.

NON-DISCRIMINATION: The Los Angeles and Vicinity Steamfitter and Industrial Pipefitter and Training Committee does not discriminate in the selection, employment and training of Apprentices because of race, color, religion, national origin or sex.

INFORMATION SHEET ON A STEAMFITTING CAREER

1. Name of Career (Job Title): Steamfitter and Industrial Pipefitter Apprentice
   
   
2. Kind of training needed (On the job, apprentice, special school, college, etc.): Apprenticeship combines actual work experience with classroom instruction which lasts 5 years. Taught in the Adult Education & Community College area.
   
   
3. What skills are required for this job? Steamfitter and Industrial Pipefitters work with their hands, using hand tools, power tools and various welding processes. Must know mechanical principles and understand how things work. Steamfitter and Industrial Pipefitters need a working knowledge of mathematics and science.
   
   
4. Describe the work performed on this job. Steamfitter and Industrial Pipefitters work is strenuous. It involves a lot of standing, stooping, lifting, and squatting. Much of it is done outdoors. The work involves joining pipes together by following layouts, diagrams and blue prints.
   
   
5. What is the most outstanding feature about this job? Each Steamfitting and Industrial Pipefitting job is a little different from the rest, so variety and change are an outstanding feature.
   
   
6. What are some negative features about this job? Construction work is seasonal and the construction sites are sometimes great distances from the home.
   
   
7. What is the beginning salary? Starting pay for an apprentice $16.65/hr plus fringe benefits.
   
   
8. How long will it take to reach top salary? It will take 5 years to reach Journeyman status.
   
   
9. What is the top Salary? The current Journeyman rate is $33.29 /hr plus fringe benefits.
   
   
10. How do I apply for the Steamfitter and Industrial Pipefitter Apprenticeship Program? Contact the Steamfitter and Industrial Pipefitter Apprenticeship Program in your area for information or call the Apprenticeship Information Center at the Employment Development Department.

APPLICATION DATES

The applicants taken annually from the May of one year through May of the following year will be processed through the intake procedure for both the Fall & Spring Semesters.

These are the application dates from May 6, 2008 through April 7, 2009:
(2008) - May 6,  June 3, June 5,  July 1, July 2*, August 5,  August 7,  September 2,  September 4,  October 2,  October 7,  November 4,  November 6,  December 2,  December 4, 2008;
(2009) - January 8*,  February 3,  February 5,  March 3,  March 5,  April 2,  April 7,  2009. (*Adjusted due to meeting conflict of holiday. These applications will be processed in during the months of April and May 2009, for the Fall 2009 and Spring 2010 classes.)

WHEN APPLYING: Be sure to indicate that you saw this information online at UNIONJOBS.COM. Do not just say the Internet.