Apprenticeship – Pipefitter I | Washington Career Paths

PIPEFITTER

Union

Plumbers, steamfitters, pipefitters, and refrigeration fitters are all crafts people who install piping systems that carry water, steam, air, and other liquids or gases necessary for sanitation, industrial production, heating and air conditioning, and many other uses. They also alter, remodel, and repair existing piping systems and install plumbing fixtures, radiators, and other heating units, some appliances, as well as refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. Workers measure, cut and bend pipe, weld, braze, caulk, solder, glue or thread joints at residential and commercial job sites.

SELECT AN APPRENTICESHIP LOCATION

United Association

Local 26

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

Required Qualifications

18 years of age
Physically able
High school diploma/GED
Pass math and English assessment test
Current, valid Washington State driver’s license
Pass drug screen test (completed at applicants expense)

Step 2: Apply

Apply

Apply at local union office during designated openings
Provide copy of DD-214, proof of education, assessment test results, and driver’s license
Complete interview with Apprenticeship Committee
* Veterans can apply through Helmets to Hardhats for fast-track to apprenticeship.
* Active Duty Service Members may be able to participate in Veterans in Piping (VIP) program prior to separation.

Applicant Pool

Placed in pool of eligible applicants
Ranked based on interview including work experience, education, and training

Step 3: Start with local 26

Apprenticeship

10,000 hours / 5 years on-the-job training
Minimum of 216 hours of education each year through local Training Facility

Wages

Start at 50% of current journeyperson’s rate.
Gain 5% pay increase after every 1,000 hours of on-the-job training (approx. 6 months) plus required schooling.
Full 100% journeyperson’s pay after completing the program.

Starting Hourly Base Rate:
$25.86 + Benefits + Optional Housing Allowance
Housing allowance can be found using the GI Bill® Comparison Tool

SEARCH SCHOOL NAME: SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON PIPE TRADES JATC

United Association

Local 26

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

Required Qualifications

18 years of age
Physically able
High school diploma/GED
Pass math and English assessment test
Current, valid Washington State driver’s license
Pass drug screen test (completed at applicants expense)

Step 2: Apply

Apply

Apply at local union office weekdays 08:00-12:00 and 13:00-17:00
Provide copy of DD-214, proof of education, assessment test results, and driver’s license
Complete interview with Apprenticeship Committee
* Veterans can apply through Helmets to Hardhats for fast-track to apprenticeship.
* Active Duty Service Members may be able to participate in Veterans in Piping (VIP) program prior to separation.

Applicant Pool

Placed in pool of eligible applicants
Ranked based on interview including work experience, education, and training

Step 3: Start with local 26

Apprenticeship

10,000 hours / 5 years on-the-job training
Minimum of 216 hours of education each year through local Training Facility

Wages

Start at 50% of current journeyperson’s rate.
Gain 5% pay increase after every 1,000 hours of on-the-job training (approx. 6 months) plus required schooling.
Full 100% journeyperson’s pay after completing the program.

Starting Hourly Base Rate:
$25.86 + Benefits + Optional Housing Allowance
Housing allowance can be found using the GI Bill® Comparison Tool

SEARCH SCHOOL NAME: WEST SOUND PIPE TRADES APPRENTICESHIP COMMITTEE

United Association

Local 26

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

Required Qualifications

18 years of age
Physically able
High school diploma/GED
Pass math and English assessment test
Current, valid Washington State driver’s license
Pass drug screen test (completed at applicants expense)

Step 2: Apply

Apply

Apply at local union office weekdays 08:00-12:00 and 13:00-17:00
Provide copy of DD-214, proof of education, assessment test results, and driver’s license
Complete interview with Apprenticeship Committee
* Veterans can apply through Helmets to Hardhats for fast-track to apprenticeship.
* Active Duty Service Members may be able to participate in Veterans in Piping (VIP) program prior to separation.

Applicant Pool

Placed in pool of eligible applicants
Ranked based on interview including work experience, education, and training

Step 3: Start with local 26

Apprenticeship

10,000 hours / 5 years on-the-job training
Minimum of 216 hours of education each year through local Training Facility

Wages

Start at 50% of current journeyperson’s rate.
Gain 5% pay increase after every 1,000 hours of on-the-job training (approx. 6 months) plus required schooling.
Full 100% journeyperson’s pay after completing the program.

Starting Hourly Base Rate:
$25.86 + Benefits + Optional Housing Allowance
Housing allowance can be found using the GI Bill® Comparison Tool

SEARCH SCHOOL NAME: NORTHWEST WASHINGTON PIPE TRADES APPREN COMMITTEE

Calculate Starting Pay With GI Bill ®

Estimated Wage Calculator

All calculations based on a 120 hours/month work schedule.[CP_CALCULATED_FIELDS id="6"]

*Contact union local for updated wage information.

GI Bill Usage Breakdown:
100% - 1-6 months
80% - 6-12 months
60% - 12-18 months
40% - 18-24 months
20% - 24-30 months
*Usage Optional

Eligible veterans in an approved Apprenticeship Program can use their GI Bill® benefit and receive a tax-free stipend on a monthly basis. The Post 9/11 GI Bill® stipend is the equivalent of the Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) of an E-5 with dependents (based on the zip code of the training facility) which is paid addition to normal wages. Refer to the chart below to understand how Post 9/11 GI Bill® benefits are paid, or consult the VA website www.benefits.va.gov/gibill (Link) to see how other VA chapters are paid for Apprenticeship Training.