JOB DESCRIPTION

Plumbers and Pipefitters are craftsmen who install pipe systems that carry water, steam air or other liquids or gases needed for sanitation, industrial production or other uses. They also alter and repair existing pipe systems and install plumbing fixtures, appliances and heating and refrigeration units. Although plumbing and pipefitting are sometimes considered to be a single trade, there is a distinction.

Plumbers install pipes for water, gas sewage and drainage systems, especially those connected to public utility systems. They also install sanitary facilities such as lavatories, toilets, bathtubs, bathroom fixtures, showers, kitchen fixtures, drinking fountains, and laundry equipment.

Pipefitters are craftsmen who assemble, install and maintain pipes to carry water, steam, compressed air, gases and fluids needed for processing, manufacturing, heating, cooling or refrigeration, especially those in industrial and commercial buildings.

APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

Program involves 8,780 hours/5 years of on-the-job training, with 200 or more hours per year of related instruction, offered 2 nights each week.

Program generally opens for a period during March of each year. Applications can be picked up at:

St. Cloud Technical College
Annex Building
1215 15th St. N
St. Cloud, MN 56303

Contact Person

Jack Hettwer

Phone (612) 374-5262

Fax (612) 374-1100

jhettwer@dunwoody.edu

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be 18 years of age.
• Must pass a test administered by St. Cloud Technical College.
• Must receive 75% or better on the technical college test to advance to the interview stage.
• Must have a high school diploma or GED and furnish transcripts at time of application.
• Must be physically capable of performing tasks of the trade.
• Pre-employment drug test may be required.

HIRING AND SELECTION PROCEDURES

Applicants must take the test administered by the technical college and must attend an oral interview administered by the Joint Apprenticeship Committee.

They will then be ranked on an individual basis, receiving a score based on their interview.  A composite score of the test and the interview will then determine their rank on a list of eligible apprentices.  Entrance into the program is also based on the availability of jobs at the time.

Tools Needed

Tools are provided by the employers.

Transportation Requirements

Must have own transportation to and from the job site.  Job sites are scattered around and outside the St. Cloud area.

Hours

40 per week.

Wages

Wages are a percentage of journey-level wages and increase 10% each year.

Union Dues

There are initiation fees due after six months as an indentured apprentice. There are also monthly dues, which are based on a percentage of the wage an apprentice is earning.