JOB DESCRIPTION

Installation of a system of pipes and equipment to supply water and other systems of pipes and equipment to take care of waste and sewage.

Plumbers handle waste, sewage, and soil pipes; vents and leader pipes for hot and cold water for homes, commercial and industrial purposes. Work includes the assembly of and connecting of fixtures and appliances; the maintenance and repairing of plumbing, etc. Work in high places and enclosed spaces where the job requires: climbing, bending, stooping, crawling, kneeling, lifting, and working in extreme temperature ranges. Assembles, installs, and repairs pipes, fittings, fixtures, and systems of heating, water, drainage, Natural gas, and Medical gas according to specifications and plumbing codes. Studies building plans and working drawings to determine work aids required and sequence of installations. Inspects structure to ascertain obstructions to be avoided to prevent weakening of structure resulting from installation of pipe.

Locates and marks position of pipe and pipe connections and passage holes for pipes in walls and floors. Cuts openings in walls and floors to accommodate pipe and pipe fittings, using hand and power tools. Cuts and threads pipe using pipe cutters, cutting torch, and pipe threading machine. Bends pipe to required angle by use of pipe bending machine or by placing pipe over block and bending it by hand. Assembles and installs valves, pipe fittings, and pipes composed of metals such as iron, steel, brass, and lead, and nonmetals such as glass, vitrified clay, and plastic; using hand and power tools. Joins pipes by use of screws, bolts, fittings, solder, plastic solvent, brazing, welding and caulked joints.

Fills pipe systems with water, air or gas, and reads pressure gauges to determine whether system is leaking. Installs and repairs plumbing fixtures such as; sinks, commodes, bathtubs, water heaters, hot water tanks, garbage disposal units, dishwashers and water softeners. Repairs and maintains plumbing by replacing washers in leaking faucets, repairing broken pipes, and opening clogged drains. Must have working knowledge of building and mechanical codes. May weld supports to steel structural members.

APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

Program generally opens for a period during March of each year. Application can be made in Minneapolis or St. Cloud:

Mpls Plumbers JAC
818 Dunwoody Blvd.
Minneapolis, MN 55403

St. Cloud Technical College

Annex Building

1512 15th St. N

Contact Person
Jack Hettwer

Phone (612) 374-5262

Fax (612) 374-1100

Toll Free 1-800-223-0656

jhettwer@dunwoody.edu

Interviews are made by appointment upon completion of the application requirements.

Program involves 8,780 hours/5 years of on-the-job training, with 200 or more hours of related-instruction each year, offered 2 nights each week in Minneapolis or in the St. Cloud area.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be 18 years of age or older by time of placement.
• Must have a high school diploma or Certificate of Equivalency (GED). A transcript or certificate must be furnished at the time of application.
• Must be physically capable of performing the tasks of the trade.
• Applicant must pass an entrance test administered by Dunwoody College.
• Pre-employment drug test may be required.

HIRING AND SELECTION PROCEDURES

Applicants will be notified on when and where to report for an oral interview by the Joint Apprenticeship Committee.

They will then be ranked on an individual basis, receiving a score based on their interview. The interview will then determine their rank on a list of eligible apprentices. Entrance into the program is also based on the availability of jobs at the time.

Tools Needed

Tools are provided by the employers.

Transportation Requirements

Must have own transportation to and from job site. Job sites are scattered around and outside the metro area.

Hours

Eight (8) hours daily between 7:00 AM and 4:30 PM.

Wages

Starting wage is 45% of the base rate for a journeyworker, with a 10% increase each year.

Union Dues

After 6 months as an indentured apprentice (the probationary period), apprentice must pay a $140 Initiation fee and a $162 Building Corporation fee. Apprentice membership dues are based on a percentage of the wage they are receiving. Journeyworkers pay $102.50 each month.