New to the Trade?

The UA Local 146 Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee, or JATC, operates a college-accredited five-year apprenticeship training program for men and women who want to begin a career as a plumber, pipefitter or welder. If you wish to contact the Local 146 JATC, please contact JATC Director James Kline (817)-534-5566

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, a Registered Apprenticeship Program is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience, receive progressive wage increases, classroom instruction, and a portable, nationally-recognized credential. Registered Apprenticeships are industry-vetted and approved and validated by the U.S. Department of Labor or a State Apprenticeship Agency.

Our U.S. Department of Labor recognized Registered Apprenticeship Training program teaches individuals how to perform the specific work of their desired trade. Through an earn-while-you-learn model, apprentices work during the day and get paid for the hours they put in. While on a job site, they learn the ins and outs of the piping trades from UA journeymen. These veterans teach apprentices the skills needed to perform efficiently high-quality work within a given trade.

Besides going to work, apprentices also receive in-person classroom instruction from certified JATC instructors, who teach them things they cannot learn on the job site, such as a certain level of math needed to perform the work. Additionally, apprentices also get hands-on training in a lab setting and earn industry-specific certifications required on job sites such as OSHA-10.

UA Local 146 apprentices earn a livable hourly wage and receive scheduled pay raises as they progress through the apprenticeship program. Furthermore, they earn full-family health insurance and are eligible for retirement benefits, which include a pension and a 401k.  The earn-while-you-learn model is a great way to receive a good education and job training. When a person completes the apprenticeship program, they top out and become a journeyman, which means they have the skill set to perform the work of a specific trade at a high level.

What Does a Plumber Do?

Plumbers play a vital role in keeping people safe as they install, repair, service and maintain potable water systems, non-potable water systems and sanitary systems. Potable water systems transport water people use to consume, shower or bathe in, clean and cook. Non-potable systems move water not fit for human consumption but can still be used for tasks such as flushing a toilet.

UA 146 | Underground Pipes | United Association

What Does a Pipefitter Do?

Pipefitters fabricate, install, repair and maintain piping systems in several settings, including commercial businesses, residential buildings, industrial facilities and energy pipelines.

What Does a Welder Do?

The main job of a welder is to cut, fabricate and join materials such as metals. UA welders often weld pipes, pipe fittings or the supports needed to hold the piping.

UA Local 146 | Welder | United Association

Applying for the Local 146 Apprenticeship Program

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United Association Veterans In Piping Program

To ease the transition into civilian life, the United Association established the UA Veterans in Piping (VIP) Program to equip military service members preparing to leave the service with sought-after skills that can lead to lifelong careers in pipe trades. Through 18-week accelerated courses – provided free of cost on military bases across the country – VIP participants earn industry-recognized certifications and direct entry into solid private-sector jobs with good pay and benefits.

UA Local 146 and the JATC is proud to have had the opportunity to accept several UA Veterans In Piping Graduates into the apprenticeship program and our Local.

UA Local 146 | UA VIP | United Association
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