Plumbers and Pipefitters Apprenticeship Training Program
The Apprentice Training Program is a joint project of both the Broome County Association of Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors, The Mohawk Valley Mechanical Contractors Association and Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 112. This joint sponsorship affords us many advantages, including the ability to maintain up-to-date training on the latest available equipment.
Apprentice Training
The apprenticeship consists of a five-year program registered with the New York State Department of
Labor. The apprenticeship includes a minimum of 216 hours annually of related classroom instruction, in addition to the minimum of 8,500 hours of on the job training provided by the employing contractor over the five year apprenticeship. Apprentices normally work a full day and attend related training two nights per week at the training centers. The related training subjects include science, math, drawing interpretation and plan reading, building codes, and applicable shop labs. The apprentices earn 32 credits, for the five-year program, that can be applied toward an Associates Degree in Construction Supervision. In their third year the apprentices may elect to specialize in one of the following career paths:
- Pipefitting
- Plumbing
- Mechanical Equipment Service (HVAC)
- Pipe Welding
In addition to the technical instruction apprentices receive training in several areas including:
- OSHA Safety Courses
- Customer Relations
- First Aid including CPR certification
- Sexual Harassment Awareness
Instructors
Our Instructors are selected on the basis of professional, on-the-job experience and demonstrated teaching skills. Their on-the-job experience averages twenty years; none of our instructors have worked professionally for less than ten years. Their teaching backgrounds are also formidable: classroom training experience averages seven years. And each instructor is required every year to attend one week of instruction at United Association Training Centers to update his teaching skills relative to technological advances in the industry. These individuals are highly skilled in motivating their students. In addition, Instructors may take additional training at regional training centers during the year to meet specific needs.
Job Placement and Related Training
Apprentices are assigned to work full time for a signatory contractor. In addition to the on the job training they receive, apprentices must attend 216 hours of related classroom training each year.
By the time an individual has successfully completed the five year training program, he or she is qualified to meet any challenge in the field.
At Local Union 112 we know that these individuals are not only skilled workers but valuable ambassadors as well. Our commitment to training and excellence supports our claim that we are the best.