Apprenticeship Information

UA Local 23
Plumbers, Pipefitters & Refrigerationfitters

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Must be 18 years of age at the time of application
• Proof of birth, photo I.D. and Social Security number Verification
• Must possess a High School Diploma or G.E.D. Certificate.
• 1 year of High School Standard Algebra
• Must have a valid drivers license and dependable transportation.
• Be of good moral character and be physically able to perform the work of the trade.

 A brief example of some of the courses our training covers:
 
Plumbing installation, plumbing service, water supply, backflow prevention, gas piping installation, hydronic heating, steam systems, welding, soldering, brazing, oxy-acetylene cutting and welding, basic electricity, electric components, basic and advanced refrigeration, compressors, air conditioning, safety, rigging, pipe and tube bending, drawing interpretation and plan reading, isometric drawing, related math, related science, use and care of tools and service related classes.

Classes are nine months a year, two nights per week, three hours a night for five years.

Our work covers a large area of the construction industry from housing to nuclear power plants.
 
For example: housing, apartments, schools, water treatment plants, sewage treatment plants, chemical plants, oil refineries, paper mills, the computer chip industry and nuclear power plants. Anywhere a building goes up, our trades are involved, not only in the installation of the systems, but also in the service of all the associated equipment and piping.

ADVANCED TRAINING COURSES:

Blueprint reading and drawing
Welding – preferably pipe welding (explain)
Refrigeration & HVAC- there are many schools that offer two year associate degree classes
CAD – that would involve pipe drafting

Clothing: Uniforms are not required, but most of the service companies do furnish them. It is important to dress in a presentable manner, because you represent the people you work for and yourself. Your appearance and attitude are very important when dealing with customers.

Tools: Residential plumbers and HVAC technicians furnish some of the tools that they use, except for large power tools.

Brief Job Description

Assemble, install and maintain pipes that carry water, steam, compressed air, gases, sewage and fluids that are needed for manufacturing, heating and cooling.

Work is done on plumbing systems, sewage systems, high and low pressures systems, power stations, oil refineries, chemical plants, refrigeration systems and environmental controls. Almost every building that is built has some type of piping system in it.

Work is performed in all types of weather and all types of working conditions, high in the air and underground.

Related jobs that are available:
Field Engineer, Quality Control Inspector, job Supervisor, HVAC service technician, plumbing service and there are many more opportunities for those that wish to put the commitment forth that is necessary.

CHARACTERISTICS:

Mechanically inclined, willing to learn, organized, good work ethic and be responsible for how you look and act.

BENEFITS:

Health and welfare insurance, pension plan plus a 401K plan
30 college credits earned through the apprenticeship

Territorial Jurisdiction of Local 23:

The territory covered by the Agreement in Rockford, Illinois is as follows: Winnebago County, Boone County, Ogle County, Carroll County to Route 78, including Mt. Carroll, Illinois, Stephenson County, Jo Davies County, except for the area in southwestern Jo Davies County that is known as the Savanna Ordinance depot.