Those who decide to join the piping trades enter into a five-year apprenticeship program, where instructors challenge apprentices as they learn about the complexity of their trade. All applicants are treated equal, no matter the race, sex, national origin or religion of an individual.
As a United Association Local 100 apprentice, you will receive classroom instruction and on-the-job training. The apprenticeship’s earn while you learn model allows students to gain knowledge and experience while earning a paycheck that provides them with livable wages and health and retirement benefits.
Apprentices gain industry experience from on-the-job training as they work side-by-side with journeymen for a contractor affiliated with UA Local 100. This experience prepares apprentices to have a successful career as a UA journeyman.
Besides working for a UA contractor, apprentices receive general industry classroom instruction through core classes in science, mathematics and mechanical drafting.
The UA Local 100 JATC apprenticeship program has been assessed by the American Council on Education, as well as other organizations and colleges, so apprentices can receive free credits toward an associate of science or an associate of arts degree while becoming a journeyman.
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS
The Plumbers and Pipefitters of Dallas Apprenticeship Training Fund admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
New Applicant Minimum Requirements:
- At least 18 years of age
- Physically able to perform the work
- Have a high school diploma or GED Transcript
- Have a valid Texas driver’s license
- Have reliable transportation
- Live in the Local 100 jurisdiction
- Register as a plumber apprentice with the State of Texas at http://tsbpe.texas.gov
What is the first step to begin the application process?
To receive an application packet, you must attend an orientation meeting for new applicants. Orientation meetings are scheduled as needed between the months of August and May, prior to the selection process, which takes place each year in June.
SEE CALENDAR FOR ORIENTATION MEETING DATES
Application packets will only be handed out to individuals meeting the above minimum requirements and the packet must picked-up in person.
Apprentices are required to work for a union contractor, where they receive on-the-job training with a journeymen. To acquire a job, you must go through the JATC.
Classes for the apprenticeship program run from the end of August through the middle of May and take place two nights per week from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The exact nights a class will occur depend on the schedule and year of apprenticeship.
Tuition and book fees are covered through a $15.00 per week assessment from each apprentice who has been a resident of Texas for at least one year. This amount will be automatically deducted from your paycheck. Proof of residency is required. However, an apprentice must have lived in Texas for at least a year or the apprentice will be required to pay out-of-state tuition, which averages $375.00 per semester.
After 400 on-the-job hours worked and a duration of six months, an apprentice is eligible to be covered under the union health insurance plan.
The wage of an apprentice is determined by the amount of experience.
| YEAR | PERIOD | WAGES |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Year Apprentice | 1st Period | 50% of a Mechanic’s wages |
| 1st Year Apprentice | 2nd Period | 55% of a Mechanic’s wages |
| 2nd Year Apprentice | 3rd Period | 60% of a Mechanic’s wages |
| 2nd Year Apprentice | 4th Period | 65% of a Mechanic’s wages |
| 3rd Year Apprentice | 5th Period | 70% of a Mechanic’s wages |
| 3rd Year Apprentice | 6th Period | 75% of a Mechanic’s wages |
| 4th Year Apprentice | 7th Period | 80% of a Mechanic’s wages |
| 4th Year Apprentice | 8th Period | 80% of a Mechanic’s wages |
| 5th Year Apprentice | 8th Period | 85% of a Mechanic’s wages |
| 5th Year Apprentice | 8th Period | 90% of a Mechanic’s wages |