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Apprenticeship

Trade School Facts
The U.A. Mechanical Trade School is 60,000 square foot facility located on a 9 acre site. Currently there are over 250 Apprentices attending classes that range from Safety and Math to Computer Aided Drafting. These classes are staffed by 25 highly qualified Instructors who ensure that the program delivers the finest level of training.

Trade School Address & Phone Number
UA Mechanical Trades School
8509 Ardwick-Ardmore Road
Landover, Maryland 20785
Phone:  (301) 322-8810
Fax:  (301) 322-5363

Training
The training provided at the Plumber's Local #5 Apprenticeship School is recognized throughout the United States and Canada. The U.A. (United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters of the United States and Canada) provides training material and class outlines to all affiliated Apprentice Training Programs.

Once Apprentices graduate from the Program, they are able to work as Plumbers in other areas of the country when employment opportunities present themselves, or they can relocate entirely should the need arise.

Apprentices receive required certification classes and obtain Journeypersons Licenses.

  • Medical Gas Certification
  • Cross Connection and Backflow Prevention
  • CFC Certification
  • Welding Certification
  • OSHA/Safety Certifications
  • Journeyworker Plumbing License
  • Journeyworker Gasfitter License
  • Diversity Awareness
  • CPR/First Aid
  • 32 College Credits

Plumber Apprentices assist experienced Plumber Journeypersons in the installation and servicing of plumbing systems. The Apprentices are paid for this full- time employment. Their hands-on training, along with related class instruction provide apprentices with all the experience and training for a lifelong career in the plumbing industry.

Ladder of Success
Each year an Apprentice works and attends related training classes increases the value of the apprentice to the employer. The pay structure is based on the Journeypersons hourly wage with increases of 10% for most years completed.

  • 1st year - 47% rate - $15.90 an hour or $31,800 a year
  • 2nd year - 55% rate - $18.60 an hour or $37,200 a year
  • 3rd year - 65% rate- $21.98 an hour or $43,960 a year
  • 4th year - 75% rate - $25.37 an hour or $50,740 a year
  • 5th year - 80% rate - $27.06 an hour or $54,120 a year

The current rate for Journeypersons as of October 21st 2007 is $33.92 an hour or $67,840 a year. This does not include the fringe benefit package which raises the total wage of a licensed journeyperson plumber to $46.99 an hour or $93,980.  The annual wages are based on a 2,000 hour year. In addition to these wages the Apprentice receives benefits including Medical Coverage, Pension Plan and Retirement Savings. By providing a structured wage progression the apprentice is able to plan out their future and receive the benefits of hard work and determination.

Selection of the Best
There is no shortage of candidates for the Apprentice Program. Each year a limited number of applicants are accepted. This ensures those applicants have a good opportunity to remain employed throughout their Apprenticeship and that all Apprentices receive consistent quality of training. Qualified applicants are selected through an interview process. The Apprentice Committee is looking for applicants who will give a good return on the $35,000 investment in them.

The Plumbers and Pipefitters Apprenticeship Fund admits students of any race, sex, color, national and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. They do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national or ethnic origin to administration of the educational and admissions policies and programs and other apprenticeship school administered programs.

Application for Apprenticeship
The Washington, D.C. Joint Plumbing Apprenticeship Committee (JATC) accepts applications for the Apprentice Program the first Tuesday of each month beginning at 1:30pm. Applications will be limited to the first 40 persons or 3:30pm, which ever comes first.

Applications must be made in person at the U.A. Trade School located at:

8509 Ardwick-Ardmore Road
Landover, Maryland 20785
Phone:  (301) 322-8810
Fax:  (301) 322-5363

Requirements:

  • Minimum age of 18 at the time of application
  • High School Diploma or GED

The following documentation must be presented at time of application:

  • Copy of Birth Certificate or 2 forms of ID with Birth date
  • Valid Drivers License or Valid State issued identification card
  • High School Diploma or GED Certificate
  • Transcript of High School Grades (Certified by the School) or GED Test Scores
  • Applicants will be required to take a Math assessment. Applicants must receive a 50% or better on the Math assessment to qualify for an Interview.

Apprenticeship News


Watched our Apprenticeship Commercial? Now you want more? Watch our expanded Video! NEW
[4/17/2008] - Click on the headline above to watch a short video about our apprenticeship school.  You'll hear from an instructor and union representative, an apprenticeship graduate who now owns his own company, but most importantly, you'll hear from our apprentices. link

4th annual Student Council Toy's for Tot's party
[11/30/2007] - Help the apprentice school make the season bright for some less fortunate District children. more

Fifth year apprentices earn Journeymans card.
[10/3/2007]

How to be a successful plumber apprentice.
[10/3/2007]

2007 Jim McCann Award
[9/6/2007]

44th Local 5 Instructor to graduate
[8/17/2007]

Apprenticeship Events

 
   


 



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