Apprentice Information

QUALIFICATIONS:

Age: 18 years minimum.

Education: High school graduate, G.E.D Certificate or equivalent.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM:

Objective: The Plumber or Pipefitter Apprenticeship Program is a five- year (5)  training program. Apprentices earn while they learn, working on the job with journeymen. In addition, they attend classes of related technical instruction. The objective of the instruction, along with on the job experience, is to turn out trained, skilled journeymen.

Wages: Apprentices earn a percentage of an established journeyman wage rate, by classification. All wage rates are competitive with the prevailing rates for the area.  All wage rates and conditions are subject to change without notice as per the collective bargaining agreement. Wage advances are possible twice a year in the apprenticeship term. The advancements are set by the local Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (J.A.T.C.) that is established in order to supervise the apprentices training, providing however, that the advancement requirements are met.

Hours of work: 7:00 am. To 3:30 p.m. with a 1/2 hour for lunch, or as otherwise modified by either the Collective Bargaining Agreement or Project Labor Agreement. The work week is forty (40) hours, 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 Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. with a ten (10) minute break.

Transportation: Apprentices are required to furnish their own transportation.

Availability of work: The volume of new construction varies according to economic conditions in the area and the weather.

Continuity of work: Steady employment is the exception, not the rule in construction.

Working conditions: The work can be uncomfortable during hot, cold or wet weather.

Fringe benefits: Health and dental benefits, a prescription drug card, as well as a pension and annuity are provided once 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. 

Completion certificates: When the apprenticeship is completed, apprentices obtain journeyman status in the union and are awarded completion certificates from the State of Florida Dept of Labor as well as from the United Association.

Special circumstances: (a) All employees will be required to fill out an I -9 immigration form; (b) Employees on most construction projects may be subject to random drug screening.

Pool of Applicants: Applications are active for one year from date of application.

TRAINING STANDARDS:

The apprenticeship training standards are drawn up by the Plumbers and Pipefitters Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee and are approved by and registered with the State of Florida Dept of Labor. 

REQUIREMENTS: 

1. All applications must be made in person. 

2. All applicants must have a valid driver's license at the time of acceptance into the apprenticeship program with dependable transportation.

3. All applicants must be physically able to perform the duties of the trade. 

4. All applicants must provide a high school diploma or G.E.D. (General Education Development), as well as high school transcripts. 

5. All applicants must be able to read, write and converse in English. 

6. All applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.

7. Applicants may be required to take a drug test. 

8. Each applicant has the responsibility to keep the J.A.T.C. informed of address or telephone change.

9. Applicants are required to provide two (2) character reference letters from persons not related to them.

All applications will be processed regardless of sex, race, color, creed, national origin. No applications will be considered complete unless all requirements have been satisfied. 

WOMEN AND MINORITIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY. 

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