JOB DESCRIPTION

Pipefitters install, maintain, and repair high and low pressure steam systems, high and low pressure hot water systems, snow melting systems, refrigeration systems, heating, gas and oil piping, pneumatic, electronic controls, air conditioning and also provide instrumentation and valve repair.   These skills are used working in residential, commercial, and industrial installations.   These systems are installed in all types of weather conditions.

APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

Applicant should apply through Saint Paul College at the following address:

Saint Paul Pipefitters

235 Marshall Avenue

St. Paul, MN 55102 

(651) 846-1699

Contact Person

Kathy Zusan

kathleen.zusan@saintpaul.edu

Applicant will be required to take the pre-admissions diagnostic evaluation (Accuplacer test).   Contact Saint Paul College for an appointment.

*Note:     Pipefitters Local No. 455 requires that each apprentice first go through one year of a full-time or at least two years of a part-time pre-apprenticeship program.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must be a high school graduate or possess a GED Certificate, and must furnish official proof of such.
• Must be physically capable of performing the trade.   Must pass drug-screening test.
• Must achieve qualifying score on the Accuplacer test (70% Reading Comp, 70% Math, 70% Spatial)

HIRING AND SELECTION PROCEDURES

Interested persons may apply throughout the year.   Interviews will be scheduled as necessary.

The Pipefitters Joint Apprenticeship Committee will determine when they will interview applicants (usually takes place in May).   The college will then send out notifications to qualified applicants as to the time and place of their oral interview with the Joint Apprenticeship Committee.

Each member of the committee will rate applicants who are interviewed.   A composite score based on Accuplacer assessment sorces, interview, past work experience, etc. will determine each applicant's rank on an eligibility list.  Should jobs become available, eligible applicants may be employed by contractors as a "helper" while waiting for school to start.  The helper program assists in determining if one truly wants to enter the trade.

The pre-apprenticeship program includes one school year (approximately 9 months) of full-time day school at Saint Paul College.  Students will graduate with their apprentice status and become employed full time while on a six-month probationary period prior to being indentured as an apprentice.  Each fall and spring semester following, apprentices are required to attend classes two evenings a week for the next five years.  Apprenticeship training includes 8,750 hours of on-the-job training and 196 hours of related instruction each year.  The probationary period goes toward the 8,750 hours of training.  After successful completion of the five-year program, apprentices are eligible for journeyman status.

The school year runs from September until June.  After successful completion of the day school, pre-apprentices will undergo a six-month probationary period prior to being indentured as an apprentice.

The actual apprenticeship program is a five-year program that includes 8,750 hours of on-the-job training and 196 hours of related-instruction each year.   The 4-6 month probationary period goes towards the 8,750 hours of training.

Tools Needed

Apprentices should have a proper ruler.   Contractors will supply their workers with the necessary tools.

Transportation Requirements

All pre-apprenticeship or apprentices are responsible for their own transportation to work in Local 455 jurisdiction.

Hours

40 hours per week between 7:00 AM and 4:30 PM.

Wages

A first- year apprentice starts at 50% of journey rate and receives approximately 10% increases every 12 months.

Union Dues

Apprentices pay an initiation fee. All members pay union dues.  Contact Local 455 for current price.