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Who sponsors the program?
Plumbers and Steamfitters LU 486 Membership and the Mechanical Contractors' Association of Maryland, Inc..
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Is there a cost to apply?
There is a non-refundable processing fee of $75.00 due at the time of application. The fee is payable by money order or major credit card only. NO cash or personal checks will be accepted.
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What does it cost to participate in the program?
There is NO cost to participate, if selected for training, other than the purchase of instructional manuals used during your 5 years of training. These materials are approximately $390 for the first year and about $275 on average for the next four years.
You are required to pay union dues once you have been placed on the job site for one of our participating contractors.
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How long does it take to complete the program?
Five years.
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How many evenings per week and what time are classes held?
Two, which are held on Mondays and Wednesdays, or Tuesdays and Thursdays, between the hours of 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. You may be required to attend a few Saturday classes between the hours of 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. depending upon your year/group class schedule.
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When do classes begin?
Classes begin in September of each year and usually end in June of the following year like the public school system.
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Where will I be working and for whom?
You will be employed by one of the participating contractors signatory to an Agreement with Plumbers/Steamfitters LU 486 as jobs become available. LU 486's work jurisdiction is Baltimore City and surrounding counties and also includes the Hagerstown and Frederick area. You are required to work 8 hours per day, 5 days a week usually between the hours of 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. You will need your own transportation to get to and from the job site.
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Where will I attend classes?
At the Plumbers/Steamfitters' Training Facility, 1201 66th Street, Baltimore Co., Rosedale, Maryland, 21237, OR at the James Rumsey Technical Institute, 3274 Hedgesville Road, Martinsburg, West Virginia, 25401.
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Who will place me on the job site?
The training director, Allen B. Clinedinst III.
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What type of work will I be performing?
Plumber and Steamfitter Apprentices and Journeyman install piping in buildings, industry, schools, hospitals, etc. Additionally, they install and service heating and cooling systems and do their own control work. They also do their own welding. A Plumber/Steamfitter also installs and repairs pipe, fittings and fixtures of hot and cold water, vacuum, oxygen, gas and drainage systems. They also do layout of pipe and pipe connections and provide openings for pipes in walls and floors. They cut and thread pipe using pipe cutters, cutting torches, and pipe threading machines.
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How do I apply for your apprenticeship program?
Application must be made in person, Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. If you would like an information packet contact the school's office. A sample math test is included in the packet for your review and study. A 76% or higher score must be obtained on the math test to have your application processed by the Joint Apprenticeship Committee. It is important that you study the "sample
math test" prior to your appointment to sit for the actual test. For help with the math test go to www.math.com or you can obtain a personal tutor.
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What are the requirements for entrance to LU 486's Apprenticeship Program?
• Appear in person at the training school, 1201 66th Street,
to fill out an application. Monday - Friday, 10:30 - 3:00
• Take the basic math test when scheduled by the school's
office. Achieve a 76% score, or higher, on the math test to have
your application processed.
After you pass the math test you will be notified by mail to provide the following:
• Provide a copy of your high school transcript or a copy
of your GED Certificate with scores attached.
• Submit to our office the three personal reference forms
that you receive from the school's office after they have been
filled out by either a former employer or an acquaintance. The
Apprenticeship Committee prefers that you do not use relatives
as personal references.
• After you provide all documentation listed above you will appear in person for a "personal interview" by
the Joint Apprenticeship Committee on the date that has been scheduled
for you.
How does the Joint Apprenticeship Committee determine who will be permitted to participate in the program?
When you appear before the Joint Apprenticeship Committee for your personal interview, your application, math score and high school transcript or GED scores will be reviewed. Interview questions asked will be personal history, your goals, and what, why, when and how you became interested in our apprenticeship program. If you have taken math and science subjects in high school, you will receive extra bonus points. The committee compiles an overall score for each applicant that qualifies for an interview. They are then placed on an eligibility list. After all qualified applicants have been interviewed, a selection is made by the Apprenticeship Committee from the eligibility list from the highest score, downward. Job opportunities dictate the number of applicants selected for training.
What is an apprentice's starting hourly wage?
An apprentice's starting hourly wage rate is 50% of LU 486 Journeyman
Scale which is $36.22 through March 31, 2010.
1st Year - 50% - $18.11
2nd Year - 55% - $19.92
3rd Year - 65% - $23.54
4th Year - 75% - $27.16
5th Year - 80% - $28.97
What are the benefits for an apprentice?
1st Year - Medical plan for you and your family after qualifying.
To qualify, you must work 250 hours during a work quarter before
medical insurance is purchased for you during the next insurance
quarter. You will also receive a pension benefit.
2nd - 5th Year - Medical for you and your family, pension
and annuity.
What licensing and certifications may I obtain during the 5 years of apprenticeship training?
LICENSES:
a. State of Maryland Plumbing License.
b. State of Maryland HVACR License.
c. Gasfitters' License.
d. Stationary Engineers' License.
CERTIFICATIONS/QUALIFICATIONS:
a. Medical Gas Certification.
b. Backflow Certification.
c. CFC Qualification.
d. Welding Qualification.
e. Ten hour OSHA Certification including " Right to Know Law."
f. Confined Space Certification.
g. CPR Certification.
h. Standard First Aid Certification.
i. Valve Repair Certification.
Do I need experience?
No, but if you have experience, it will be acknowledged.
How many people apply and how many are selected?
Last year over 1,700 people applied.
About 100 people per year are selected which is about 33% of the people who meet the basic eligibility requirements.
If I don't pass the math test, when can I take it again?
Next year.
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