Becoming a Plumber OR PIPEFITTER

Plumbers plan, ready, install and maintain water supply, sewer, drain, waste and vent piping, fixtures, and other apparatus in order to bring water supply in and remove waste from commercial, industrial, and residential buildings.

Using building plans and specifications, Pipefitters plan, ready, install and maintain process piping systems, supports, equipment and controls as well as install and maintain heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

Plumbers and Pipefitters work in all types of weather and environments (cold, hot, wet, muddy, etc.)

To learn the skills of the trade and become licensed, all plumbers and pipefitters must participate in a five (5) year Apprenticeship Program, which includes a minimum of 1,080 hours of classroom instruction and a minimum of 1800 on-the-job hours per year. Apprentices:

• Work on-the-job five days a week.
• Attend school at night and on Saturdays during all five years of the program.

Plumbing apprentices and journeymen must be licensed by the State of Illinois.

Basic Requirements

To be considered for the Apprenticeship Program, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age or 17 and a senior in high school (proof of age is required);
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent (i.e., high school equivalency (GED) certificate and official report of test results); and
• Have a valid photo I.D.

Capabilities

To be successful in the Apprenticeship Program, you must:

• Be able to lift heavy objects and be physically able to perform the work of the trade.
• Be able to work in confined spaces.
• Be dependable, transporting yourself to the job on time ready to work every day.
• Be willing to learn.
• Have a good attitude.
• Be willing and able to work in and sometimes dig ditches.
• Have excellent work ethics.
• Be able to get along well with others.
• Be able to work at high levels from scaffolds and ladders, climbing at times in excess of hundreds of feet.

Work Experience

Previous experience working with construction, welding, or with a plumbing contractor or supply house is helpful, but not necessary for acceptance.

Recommended Preparation Classes

Mathematics, reading, drafting/mechanical drawing, and industrial/vocational arts classes.

Yes. First year apprentices are on probationary status. All Apprentices earn a percentage of the Journeyman’s wage rate. Wages increase as the level of expertise increases. Specific wage information will be given to accepted applicants. Apprentices may also be eligible to receive health and welfare insurance and pension benefits. Check the Health and Welfare and Pension sections of this website for more details.

Before you can join the Apprenticeship Program, you must:

• Complete an application at the Fund Office and submit all required materials within the time specified. Check local newspapers for dates or call the office.
• Take and pass an aptitude test.
• Be interviewed by a selection committee.

Applicants are ranked by total score from the selection process. Applicants are selected for the program based on their rank.

You must have a valid driver’s license when you are selected to enter the Apprenticeship Program. You will be subject to drug and alcohol testing and a physical examination before entering the program.

Local 422 attending Junior High Schools career days to expose the coming generations to what becoming a  plumber, pipe fitter or welder entails.