~Plumbers and Steamfitters at UAM ~

If you think of UAM as a university, you have the choice of two “majors” – Plumbing and HVAC.

HVAC stands for “Heating-Ventilation-Air Conditioning.” As part of the HVAC program at UAM, you'll become a member of Steamfitters Local 602, and work as an apprentice for a contractor who specializes in installing HVAC systems in new construction projects, or in the service and maintenance of existing systems – usually in office buildings and other large facilities, including schools, hospitals, hotels and retail businesses.

If you choose UAM's outstanding plumbing program, you'll become a member of Plumbers Local 5, and work as an apprentice for a plumbing contractor, on either construction or service work.

Regardless of which program you choose, you could be working in any of a number of exciting high-tech specialty areas, including building automation, medical gas systems, power jetting, video pipe inspection, air quality, safety and many others.

The career opportunities are tremendous in both fields, and the pay scales and fringe benefits are almost identical. One thing that is different is the application process, especially the times when applications are accepted.  Below are links that list the details of each application process.

~ 10 Undeniable Facts ~
about the Washington D.C. Metro Area Pipe Trade Skill Set

1.   As a member of Steamfitters Local 602 or Plumbers Local 5, you'll receive an outstanding pay and benefits package. Under the 2007 wage rate agreement, first year apprentices earn about $16 per hour or more in straight wages, plus an additional $7 or more in benefits, including health care coverage and pension benefits. Apprentice wages go up each year during the five-year apprentice term, and journeymen currently receive more than $33 per hour in straight wages, plus benefits worth more than $13.

2. Under the apprentice program, you can earn credits toward a college degree.

3. Washington area workers in plumbing and steamfitting (called the Pipe Trades) have steady jobs with the best mechanical contracting firms in the area. There is a strong demand for their skills, and no end in sight. This is an occupation that cannot be outsourced to another country.

4. The union locals and the mechanical contracting firms in our area have excellent working relationships. There have been no strikes or work stoppages in decades, and the two groups work together to promote the industry and solve problems that arise.

5. Pipe trade workers get to work in some of the most exciting places in the world. From giant power plants to sports stadiums to the White House, Capitol and Pentagon, union workers handle construction and service of the vital mechanical systems.

6. At the end of the day, you can see what you've accomplished; that's a good feeling that's missing in many other jobs.

7. The health care benefits program is one of the best anywhere – critically important to you and your family.

8. Just as good is our union pension program. You begin earning towards your pension as a first year apprentice; when you retire, you'll be able to do so in comfort.

9. When you're a union worker, you've got someone on your side if a problem develops. The union will go to bat for you.

10. These jobs open doors. If you'd like to go into business for yourself – it's a real possibility; many have done it. There are also top supervisory jobs that go to union plumbers and fitters.