Plumber / Pipefitter Apprentice West Michigan 174

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I Don’t Have Field Experience In The Piping Industry – UA 174 

Plumber – Responsible for the installation of water line systems to kitchens, bathrooms, lavatories, etc., in
residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Also installs natural gas and air lines. Assembles, installs, and
repairs pipes, fittings and fixtures according to specifications and plumbing codes. Measures, cuts, threads, bends,
install and tests pipes and pipefittings. Works according to blueprints, specifications, and working drawings to
perform the work required in sequence of installation.  

Pipe fitter – Installs piping systems that carry hot water, steam, air or other liquids or gases needed for industrial
production, or other uses. Installs either high or low pressure systems, especially in industrial and commercial
buildings. Lays out, fabricates and assembles pipes from drawings, blueprints and specifications. They also work
on pipes for heating and cooling systems and install automatic fire-sprinkler systems in buildings.
Working Conditions  

The work is active and sometimes strenuous. Usually Plumbers/Pipe Fitters work indoors, but sometimes outdoors,
sometimes on a ladder or scaffold, in trenches and in unfinished sections of new buildings. Often, work is done in
cramped, wet or dirty locations. Frequently, it is necessary to stand for long periods. Occasionally, the
Plumber/Pipe Fitter works in uncomfortable positions in relatively inaccessible places.  

Interest and Personal Qualities
A person wishing to enter this type of work should be able to understand detailed, written and verbal instructions
and should be able to plan ahead and visualize completed projects. Persons should enjoy working with their hands
and accept working outside under adverse weather conditions. They must have the ability to solve arithmetic
problems quickly and accurately.  

General Qualifications
 Age 18 or older
 Minimum education - high school graduate or equivalent
 American Citizenship
 Good physical condition - must be able to perform the work of the trade
Admission Requirements of JATC
 Aptitude test
 Physical examination on demand
 Personal interview
 Mathematics Examination
Terms of Training
 Length of indentureship - 5 years.
 Minimum hours of related classroom instruction - 168 hours each year.
 Indentured to the Joint Apprenticeship Committee and assigned to a contractor.
 Length of probationary period - 1 year 

Recommended High School Courses
 General Math, Algebra, Geometry, Mechanical Drawing, Trigonometry, General Science, Physics.