Apprenticeship

For over 100 years, the UA has made it their priority to train the most highly-qualified workers in the United States. Each year, they spend over $100 million on training programs and work continually to improve and expand their educational opportunities.

Not only do apprentices learn how to handle any job in the Pipe Trades, they gain a much more important understanding of how to attack tough challenges and develop problem-solving strategies. Only the UA workforce completes rigorous training and maintains the highest safety standards in the industry.

Individuals who wish to become a UA apprentice must submit an application to Local 178. Each applicant must have a high school diploma or the equivalent. In addition, you must pass a math exam, take a drug test, and have a valid driver's license. The application must be fully completed to be eligible for acceptance into the program.

Upon acceptance into the apprenticeship program, you will be required to complete five years of training with each year consisting of a minimum of 1,700 hours of on the job training and a minimum of 224 hours of classroom instruction.

The United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada Local Union 178 will be accepting applications for the apprenticeship-training program from:

June 30, 2008 through July 11, 2008.

Applications will be accepted Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at the offices of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 178; 2501 W. Grand, Springfield, Missouri. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and provide one copy of each of the following documents: birth certificate or other proof of age, high school diploma and transcript or GED certificate and test results, and a military transfer or discharge form DD-214 if applicable. EEOC standards apply.