JOB DESCRIPTION

The installation of sprinkler fire protection systems in all types of construction, mostly commercial, using valves hangars, steel and plastic pipe. Most of the work is at the ceiling level using ladders and lift platform at heights generally ranging from 8' to 20', in some cases, up to 100.

The work is performed in existing buildings and new construction in a variety of elements, ranging from hot boiler rooms to unheated open buildings at winter temperatures.

APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

Please call (612) 781-5834 for application information.

The Sprinkler Fitters Apprenticeship is five (5) years/8,000 hours of on-the-job training with rotation yearly amongst the participating contractors. There is a 90-day probationary period. This includes a minimum of 144 hours each year of formal related-instruction in all phases of fire protection. Classes are held one evening per week.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must be a high school graduate or possess a GED Certificate (must show copy of transcript or certificate when applying).
• Must be a citizen of the United States or present documents indicating applicant is in the process of naturalization.
• Veteran applicants must submit a Form DD-214 indicating they have received an Honorable Discharge from the military (veterans who did not will be ruled ineligible for program application).
• If selected, each apprentice candidate will be required, prior to job placement, to pass a physical examination indicating that they can perform the full duties of the trade.

HIRING AND SELECTION PROCEDURES

Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications shall be required to take an industry-related test as administered by Dunwoody Institute, 818 Dunwoody Blvd., Minneapolis. Qualifying applicants shall be notified of the date and time that the test will be given.

When test results have been made available to the committee by the testing unit, the top one hundred (100) highest-grade achievers shall be invited to participate in the committee’s oral interview process. Date, time and location of interviews shall be made available with reasonable advanced notice by certified mail to eligible applicants.

Applicants failing to appear for the interview, as designated, shall be ruled ineligible and receive no further consideration.

Applicants failing to make the top one hundred highest scores on the written test shall be notified by mail of non-qualification.

Eligible applicants shall be placed on a list in descending of total combined scores and accepted into the apprenticeship program accordingly. The list of eligible applicants shall be retained for a period of three (3) years. Eligible applicants are required to notify the committee of any changes in their current address and telephone number.

The Local 417 Joint Apprenticeship Committee shall make selections, in descending order, from the list of eligible applicants based on the level of activity within the industry. Failure of the selected applicants to report within the ten (10) working days after notification may result in removal from the list and no further consideration given.

Semi-annual on-the-job evaluations for ability, appearance, productivity, safety, quality, attitude, reliability and punctuality by job foreperson and contractor are reviewed by the Joint Apprenticeship Committee. These evaluations, plus school grades, determine advancement to the next apprenticeship class (10 in all).

Tools Needed

The contractor supplies tools and safety equipment.

Ordinary work clothes, shoes and gloves are required for most jobs and are the responsibility of the worker.

Transportation Requirements

Transportation is required to and from work and occasionally from job to job during the working day.

Hours

Work hours are normally 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM.

Wages

The starting wage is 47% of the journeyperson's rate. A 5% wage rate increase is given every January 1st and July 1st upon passing to the next apprenticeship class. Completion of the apprenticeship program, after five years, will bring an apprentice to the journeyperson's wage rate. Health, Welfare and Pension benefits begin after 600 hours of work

Union Dues

$520 initiation fee ($120 paid up front; $50 every 6 months thereafter). Membership dues are 4% of the worker's gross income.