The Local 34 Apprenticeship Program

Job Description

Installation of a system of pipes and equipment to supply water and other systems of piping and equipment to take care of waste and sewage.

Plumbers handle waste, sewage, and soil pipes, vents and piping for hot and cold water for homes, commercial and industrial purposes. Work includes the assembly and connecting of fixtures and appliances, the maintenance and repairing of plumbing, etc.

Qualifications

Must be 18 years of age or older
Must have a high school diploma or GED
Must complete drug testing in compliance with Minnesota state law

Selection Procedures

Applicants must complete an assessment test (reading, math, and spatial aptitude).

This can be done at Saint Paul College on a walk-in basis. ( More Info on Asset Testing )

Applicants who have attained a minimum of fifty percent (50%) on each portion of the assessment at Saint Paul College will be invited to an interview. The assessment is administered year-round; however, interviews generally take place in October. The oral interview score, along with the test scores, will be added together. They will then be placed on a list of eligible applicants in descending order of score. This list will determine the placement into the Pre-apprenticeship course.

The course starts in January of each year and costs approximately $500 dollars. Applicants must have completed the application process by October 1 to be considered for the following January start date.

Apprenticeship Program

Applicants must have attended the Plumbing Pre-apprenticeship Program at Saint Paul College or its equivalent (subject to committee approval). Upon successful completion and passing of the Pre-apprenticeship class or equivalent, applicants names will be given to Plumbers Local 34 for placement into the apprenticeship program.

The apprenticeship program itself currently involves 8,500 hours (five years) of on-the-job training and a minimum of 198 hours of related instruction each year. All apprentices shall be subject to a probationary period of not more than five hundred (500) hours of employment and related training.

Tools Needed

The Apprentice will provide their own ruler and pliers. The Employer shall provide any other tools required for you to do your job.

Transportation Requirements

You must provide your own transportation to and from each job.

Hours

Eight (8) hours daily between 7:00am and 5:00pm

Wages

Year 1 - 1,750 hrs + 198 hrs related training - 51%
Year 2 - 3,500 hrs + 198 hrs related training - 60%
Year 3 - 5,250 hrs + 198 hrs related training - 77%
Year 4 - 7,000 hrs + 198 hrs related training - 81%
Year 5 - 8,500 hrs + 198 hrs related training - 90%

Plus fringe benefits

Percentage represents the proportion of the prevailing journey person’s wage rate.

Before each period of advancement, the Joint Apprenticeship Committee shall evaluate the apprentice’s progress to determine whether advancement has been earned.

Union Dues

Apprentices must pay a $200 initiation fee. Membership dues during the first and second year are $57 monthly, increasing to $71 monthly for the third and fourth years, and $85 for the fifth year.

If you have any questions, please call the Director of Training at:

St. Paul Plumbers J.A.C.
235 Marshall Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55102
Phone: 651-846-1461
Fax: 651-846-1610
E-Mail: rick.gale@saintpaul.edu