Revised 5/5/09
Plumbers plan, ready, install and maintain water supply, sewer, drain, waste and vent piping, fixtures and other apparatus in order to bring water supply in and remove waste from commercial, industrial and residential buildings. Using building plans and specifications, Pipefitters plan, ready, install and maintain heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) systems in residential, commercial and industrial settings.
Note: Plumber apprentices and journeyman must be licensed by the State of Illinois.
Length of Apprenticeship:
Five (5) years—Minimum of 1,080 hours of classroom instruction and a minimum of 1,800 on-the-job hours per year.
- Apprentices work on-the-job five days a week.
- Apprentices attend school at night and on Saturdays during all five years of the program.
Wage Information:
First year apprentices are on probationary status.
Apprentices earn a percentage of the Journeyman’s wage rate. Wages increase as the level of expertise increases. Specific wage information will be given to accepted applicants.
Benefits:
Health and Welfare Insurance and Pension
Basic Requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years old or 17 and a senior in high school.
- Must have a high school diploma or equivalent (G.E.D. Certificate and official test results.)
- Must show proof of age.
- Must have a valid driver’s license at time of selection.
- Must take an aptitude test.
- Must take an oral interview.
- Must have photo I.D.
- Will be subject to drug and alcohol testing before entering the program.
- Will be subject to physical examination.
Working Conditions:
Plumbers and Pipefitters work in all types of weather and environments (cold, hot, wet, muddy, etc.).
Recommended Preparatory Classes:
Mathematics, drafting/mechanical drawing and industrial/vocational arts classes.
Abilities:
- Must be able to lift heavy objects and be physically able to perform the work of the trade.
- Must be able to work in confined spaces.
- Must be dependable, transporting him or herself to the job on time and ready to work everyday.
- Must have a good attitude and must be willing to learn.
- Must work in and sometimes dig ditches.
- Must have excellent work ethics.
- Must be able to get along well with others.
- Must be able to work at high levels from scaffolds and ladders,
climbing at times to excess of hundreds of feet.
Work Experience:
(Helpful, but not necessary for acceptance.) Previous experience working with construction, welding or with a plumbing contractor or supply house is beneficial.
Entry Process:
- Complete application at the office and submit all required materials within the time specified. (Check local newspapers for dates or call the office at the number below.)
- Take an aptitude test.
- Successful applicants will then be interviewed by the committee.
- Applicants are ranked by total score from selection process.
- Applicants are drawn beginning with the highest rank.
Contact:
Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union #422 Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee
Phone: (815) 725-0681
2114 S. I-80 Frontage Road
Joliet, Illinois 60436
Coordinator:
Anthony DeKlerk
