The American work force today is confronted with the challenge of remaining competitive in the face of increasing global competition and enormous technological change. If the nation is to meet this challenge, it must maintain a work force of highly educated, trained and skilled workers.

Apprenticeship is both an ancient tradition and a highly effective modeling method, particularly for those choosing to work in the exciting and increasingly technical construction industry. The Plumbers and Pipefitters Union has the first nationally registered joint apprenticeship program in the United States, dating back to 1936.

Individuals who enter the Plumbers & Pipefitters five-year apprenticeship program are part of a select group of men and women motivated to learn a complex, challenging trade while upholding the ideals of trade unionism.

Union apprentices learn through both classroom and on-the-job training in what is considered by many to be the best construction industry apprentice program in the world. The five-year apprenticeship period is divided into one-year segments, each of which includes 1,500 to 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and a minimum of 216 hours of related classroom instruction.

All United Association apprentices receive a strong general education background in the trade, with core courses in basics such as mathematics, science, drawing and so on. At a certain point, apprentices can choose a specific path to follow, to become trained as a journeyman plumber, pipefitter or HVACR technician.

All training programs are operated through the local union's joint training committees and are overseen by the state of California. One of the things that makes our training program so successful is that we view it as a joint partnership between labor and management.

Apprenticeship is not an easy time: Union apprentices must work the same hours as journeymen plus attend night classes. Yet, this can be a highly rewarding career path for an individual who is motivated to learn the piping trade and become an active member of a proud and noble trade union.

Once United Association members complete their five-year apprenticeship, they become full-fledged journeymen. However, their education in the trade is by no means over at this point. In fact, members are very serious about pursuing lifelong training, and most of them take advantage of the opportunities they have to update and expand their skills.

Members who successfully complete the five-year apprenticeship program also earn 30 college credits. Many continue their education and receive an Associate of Science Degree in Plumbing, Pipefitting or Construction Management. It is the overall objective of the Plumbers & Pipefitters Union to produce the most highly skilled, competent and productive crafts worker that can be developed.

By specifying the union-trained craft worker for all construction and maintenance procedures, contractors, end-users and the public are assured of the highest quality piping installations in the industry today.

Remember: We do it right the first time.

For professional piping contractors and skilled craft workers, call (858) 554-0586 or visit www.unionpipepros.org.

Submitted by The Plumbers and Pipefitters Union.