About Apprenticeship
The United Association has the first nationally registered Joint Apprenticeship Program dating back to 1936 in the United States. Individuals who enter a United Association apprenticeship program are part of a select group of men and women motivated to learn a complex and challenging trade while upholding the ideals of trade unionism. Applicants are evaluated on the same fair basis, without regard to race, sex, national origin or religious affiliation.
Apprenticeship
A Union Apprenticeship is a training agreement between you, the union and the government. You will be required to attend 3 Levels of Trade School over the course of your apprenticeship. Upon the completion of the specified hours within your contract, and the successful completion of all the required Trade School, you will be invited to write a Certificate of Qualification exam, which, if successful, you will be provided a Journeyman's Certificate of Qualification in your chosen trade.
Plumber/Steamfitter Apprenticeship: The agreement is for 5 years of 1800 hours per year, totaling 9000 hours.
Welder Apprenticeship: The agreement is for 3 years of 1800 hours per year, totaling 5400 hours.
Wages
The wages scale as prescribed by provincial regulation, are based on a Journeyperson's wage:
Plumber/Steamfitter Apprentice:
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Apprentice Level
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Base Rate
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1st year
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40% of Journeyperson Base Rate
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2nd year
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50% of Journeyperson Base Rate
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3rd year
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60% of Journeyperson Base Rate
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4th year
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70% of Journeyperson Base Rate
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5th year
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85% of Journeyperson Base Rate
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Welder Apprentice:
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Apprentice Level
|
Base Rate
|
|
1st year
|
50% of Journeyperson Base Rate
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|
2nd year
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60% of Journeyperson Base Rate
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3rd year
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70% of Journeyperson Base Rate
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Minimum Prerequisite Requirements for Apprenticeship
Applicants must provide the following documents with their online application:
- all applications are kept on file for a 12-month period (after the 12 month period, a new application is required)
- grade 12 high school transcript or grade 12 equivalency and resume
- applicants for Plumbing, Steamfitting and Welding must have a minimum of Grade 12 English, Math
- Plumbers and Steamfitters must have the addition of a Grade 12 physics and/or chemistry credit
- the only substitute for grade 12 physics and/or chemistry is a Technical High Skills Major or successful completion of a Post-Secondary course(s) approved by the JATC
- if an apprenticeship is granted without one of the following (grade 12 math, physics and/or chemistry); the JATC will request the apprentice complete the course outside of the JATC, within one year from the date of initiation or the JATC will cease to sponsor the contract/training agreement of the apprentice
- the applicant must successfully complete/pass a mechanical aptitude test