PLUMBERS & PIPEFITTERS LOCAL 51
APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING PROGRAM
The United Association has the first nationally registered joint apprenticeship program in the United States---60 years and growing! Our apprenticeship program has one goal---to ensure every job done by our members is Done Once. Done Right.
The Local 51 Joint Apprentice Training Program is comprised of classroom and hands on training over a 5 year period. Apprentices graduate with 1,230 classroom hours and 10,000 on-the-job hours, as well as the required trade certifications. All apprentices receive instruction in basic math, blueprint reading and Trimble training, with health and safety emphasized throughout the program.
The Local 51 Training program is an accredited school in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The training department will register you as an Apprentice in RI and MA, leading to eventual dual Journeyperson licensing in both states.
Classes are 2-3 nights a week, Monday through Friday from 5 PM to 9 PM, running September – May. Job placement with Union Contractors will be set up once a position becomes available.
Local 51 prides itself on holding highest standards of excellence, our dedication to the education of our members is our highest priority. Local 51 offers continuing education after graduation, as well as the ability to re-indenture for a second trade after receiving your first Journeyperson license.
Apprentice wages are based on a percentage of the journeyperson rate, and is spelled out in each apprentice agreement. All apprentices are eligible for a yearly raise if the required work and school hours are met.
Right now, first year apprentices make over $19.00 an hour!
Local 51 also provides an hourly benefit package in addition to the hourly rate:
Health Insurance: Health, Eye and Dental Insurance
Pension: A fund into which a sum of money is added during an employee's employment years and from which payments are drawn to support the person's retirement from work in the form of periodic payments for life.
Annuity: Union annuities are established under contracts negotiated with employers. Employers make tax-exempt contributions on behalf of the workers. Employees do not make contributions. Contributions and accumulated interest grow tax-free until withdrawn from the plan.
How to Apply
The Application Process for the upcoming school year, 2023-2024, has already been completed.
Applications for the 2024-2025 school year will be available on our website, www.ualocal51.com, from 3/4/2024 to 3/15/2024.
APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS FOR THE 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR
- All applicants must provide a valid Driver's License
- Applicants must be 18 years of age by September 2024
- Graduate High School by June 2024
- Pass required Drug Test
SUPPORTING APPLICATION DOCUMENTS {COPIES}
- Digital Color Photo (Headshot)
- Birth Certificate
- Valid Driver’s License
- High School Transcripts or GED Transcripts
- High School or State Issued GED Graduation Diploma
- Application Boosters*: Trade School Transcripts; Trade School Graduation Certificate; College Transcripts; College Graduation Diploma; Certifications: OSHA, NFPA, EPA; Additional Training: Rhode Island Makers Certificate, Building Futures Certificate, Pre-Apprenticeship, Plumber-Pipefitter-Refrigeration State Issued Apprentice Licensing (Must provide estimated Work and School hours); Resume & References; etc. *Application Boosters may add additional points to your interview score. Copies of transcripts, diplomas or certifications must be received for credit.
- Military Transfer or Discharge Form DD-214, if applicable. Sign up for Helmets To Hardhats.
STEP 1: APPLY ONLINE {MARCH}
A link for the Local 51 Application will be made available on our website, www.ualocal51.com, starting Monday, March 4, 2024 to Friday, March 15, 2024.
STEP 2: MATH EVALUATION {APRIL}
A Math Evaluation is given to all Applicants in April. The exam will consist of basic fifth to eighth grade math. You will be tested on reading a ruler, adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing fractions and decimals. Calculators are not allowed. You must obtain at least a 70 on the Math Evaluation in order to continue to an Interview. Links to practice math problems similar to our exam are listed below.
STEP 3: INTERVIEWS {MAY}
Applicants who pass the Math Evaluation and submit their Supporting Application Documents by the deadline, will proceed to interviews in May. The Applicant will meet with the Local 51 Joint Apprentice Training Committee for an Interview that will take no longer than 15 minutes.
STEP 4: NOTIFICATION {JUNE}
The training department will notify all Applicants of their acceptance status by email in early June. Applicants who have been selected to continue with the application process must pass a Drug Test to finalize their acceptance.
MATH STUDY MATERIALS
- www.math-aids.com
- www.k5learning.com/free-math-worksheets/fifth-grade-5
- www.khanacademy.org/
- www.mathplayground.com/index_fractions
If you currently hold or have held a State Issued Apprentice License in Plumbing, Pipefitting or Refrigeration please let me know. A copy of your Apprentice license and estimated Work and School hours will be required.
If you hold a Journeyperson License in Plumbing, Pipefitting or Refrigeration, our Organizer can speak with you about joining Local 51.
