Training
Employment Opportunities
In most New England states the construction industry is thriving, and
the demand for plumbers, pipefitters, sprinklerfitters, refrigeration
fitters and technicians is high. Skilled welders are especially
needed!
Training and Licensing
What UA Members Do
UA members (plumbers, pipefitters, sprinklerfitters,
refrigeration fitters, and service technicians) are involved in just
about every aspect of construction involving piping from the space
program to nuclear power houses to refineries to shipbuilding.
UA craftsmen work in commercial, industrial and residential arenas. They
may be found on job sites involving single family homes, garden and
high-rise apartment buildings, large and small office buildings, power
plants, chemical installations and factories.
On any given day, there are UA members on huge industrial job sites
constructing everything from a state-of-the-art steel mill, a high-tech
computer chip facility, a biotechnology center, to a gas-fired power
plant. But, that's not all...
At this very moment, there may also be UA members at work installing
complicated medical gas piping in your local hospital or putting
sprinkler systems in the hotel where you will take your family on
vacation.
Other UA members are laying pipelines that stretch across the landscape
to serve your community's energy needs. Still others are servicing
plumbing, heating and cooling equipment in your home or workplace.
And, from a big industrial project to a routine service call, UA members
bring precision and craftsmanship to every job they take on.
How to become a Plumber, Pipefitter, Sprinklerfitter, Refrigeration,
Fitter, or Techician
If you are interested in, and think you qualify for training as a
plumber, pipefitter, sprinklerfitter, refrigeration fitter or
technician, you should apply directly to the United Association
Apprenticeship Program in your area.
Most are 5-year programs of paid on-job training and classroom
instruction related to work requirements. Apprentices are paid a
percentage (usually starting at 50%) of the journeyman wage with
increases usually at 6 month-1 year intervals.
Most programs require a high school diploma or GED and good physical
condition.
And training does not end with completion of apprenticeship. UA members
receive ongoing training in the latest technologies and processes
throughout their careers.
Certification and Licensing
All New England United Association member locals
promote ongoing training, upgrading, certification and licensing classes
for their members. Certification opportunities are available in several
welding processes, medical gas installation, refrigerant recovery, fire
protection installation and other processes. Licensing varies by state.
To contact a local union in your area please refer to the Union
Directory above.