NOTE: Orientation is only open to candidates that have completed registration in the career portal. If you have yet to complete this step, you can register here: PipeTradeCareers.Com/WI/400
Pipe Trades Apprenticeships in Northeastern Wisconsin
What does an apprenticeship include?
Apprenticeship is post-secondary education like a college or university. But there’s a big difference: apprentices learn only a portion of their skills in a traditional classroom. They receive most of their training on the job while working for an employer who pays a good wage. And tuition is free!
All plumbing, steamfitting (pipefitting), pipe fabricating, and HVAC/R Service apprenticeships with UA Local 400 of Northeastern Wisconsin comprise both classroom instruction and on-the-job training. The exact amount of time required varies depending on the trade, regardless, all will take about 5 years.
PLUMBING
Day School Hrs: 572
Night School Hrs: 336
Work Hrs: 8,100
STEAMFITTING
Day School Hrs: 556
Night School Hrs: 546
Work Hrs: 8,000
HVAC/R SERVICE
Day School Hrs: 556
Night School Hrs: 448
Work Hrs: 8,000
PIPE FABRICATION
Day School Hrs: 528
Night School Hrs: 395
Work Hrs: 8,000
Tuition for both day & night school is provided by UA Local 400 for members in good standing who maintain a C average in classes.
How Do I Obtain an Apprenticeship?
Employment at a sponsoring signatory contractor is the primary requirement for an apprenticeship as there's no on-the-job training without a job!
Once you are hired, you are competing against other entry-level tradespeople to demonstrate your apprenticeship readiness. If you prove to your contractor you are a good fit for an apprenticeship, they will sponsor you into the program and you will be asked to complete the remaining requirements of the apprenticeship.
We've outlined the process below.
Take the Next Steps Toward Apprenticeship Today
Congrats! If you're here it means you've already completed the first step of the process. Your name will be included on UA Local 400's monthly list of applicants for placement (assuming you granted permission).
If a contractor has an opening, you may get contacted for an interview.
Proactive candidates should apply directly to multiple signatory contractors for open positions.
Download a complete list of UA 400 signatory contractors below.
UA 400 does not hire apprentices directly. In order for you to start your training and career, you must be hired by one of our signatory contractors. Review what you need to know about getting hired by downloading our .pdf.
When you apply directly to our signatory contractors you'll be asked for your employment history. Although some may not require a resume with your apprenticeship application, creating one in advance is a great way to expedite the application process and demonstrate your professionalism. We also ask you to include one in your application packet.
Google Docs Pipe Trades Resume Template
If you use G Drive or Google Docs, copy our pipe trades resume template and use it as a sample to personalize your own.
Microsoft Word Pipe Trades Resume Template
If you use Microsoft Word, download our pipe trades resume template and use it as a sample to personalize your own.
Taking time to review common questions and consider your answers will demonstrate your professionalism during interviews. We've collected some sample questions for your consideration.
Dustin Delsman, Business Agent with Local 400, spent 20 years in the field before transitioning to his role helping members in their careers.
His advice for anyone looking to secure an apprenticeship is as follows:
- Research the company you want to speak with before contacting them. What type of work do they do? What kind of customers do they have? What size are they?
- Don't get lost in the inbox. A contractor will likely direct you to fill out their online application or email in your resume. Show your initiative by doing that and then go one step further. Stand out and meet them face to face. Stop by HQ and ask to speak with the hiring manager or manpower coordinator.
- Take notes. Not every contractor is hiring all of the time. Taking good notes prepares to you strike when the iron is hot. Who makes the hiring decisions and when are they available to speak with you? When do they see a need coming up? What can you do in the meantime to be the most attractive candidate?
- Be Pleasantly Persistant. Tenacity goes a long way in the pipe trades. Prove to the contractor you've got what it takes by following up, staying in contact, and keeping yourself at the top of their pile. Turn their "No" into "Not Yet" and continue to fight for a place on their roster.
Need additional advice? Contact Dustin Delsman at (920) 462 - 0409. Be sure to have your notes on hand to explain the steps you've already taken.
Local 400 is here to help. Once you've been hired, contact our office to set up a meeting.
If you're struggling to find a position, we can also help you find contractors with open positions, provide feedback regarding resumes and interviews, or refer you to upcoming skill-building courses.
Contact:
Dustin Delsman
(920) 462-0409
Youth Apprenticeships
For rising sophomore and junior high school students
DJ Kloida
(920) 462-0412
An application is officially required prior to starting the apprentice program, but why wait? Submit your apprentice application, transcripts, and assessment scores now so you're ready for any opportunity that comes your way. Don't forget to include the additional documents required in Step 5!
After you complete the apprentice application, you'll be e-mailed a .pdf version. (Check your junk email if you don't initially see it.) Save this and continue obtaining additional required elements (see Step 5 & Step 6). When you have everything together, mail your packet to the address in Step 7.
Did you Take the ACT?
- If you've earned the minimum score requirements on the ACT test in the last 5 years (see below), you can use your scores to fulfill your testing requirement
- Visit the ACT website to log in and print your scores - include this printout with your application packet submission (see Step 6)
Do You Need a Different Test?
- If you've taken an Accuplacer or NextGen test in the last 5 years, and meet the score requirements below, include this printout with your application packet submission (see Step 6)
- If you need to take or retake the Accuplacer NextGen assessment, schedule an appointment at your local technical college (below) or another facility of your choice.
*Remember to bring your ID and testing fee payment.
MINIMUM ASSESSMENT SCORES BY DISCIPLINE
PLUMBING
ACT
Reading-16
Math-15
Accuplacer
Reading Comp.-244
Arithmetic-237
Algebra-235
STEAMFITTING
ACT
Reading-17
Math-17
Accuplacer
Reading Comp.-244
Arithmetic-250
Algebra-235
HVAC/R SERVICE
ACT
Reading-17
Math-17
Accuplacer
Reading Comp.-244
Arithmetic-250
Algebra-235
PIPE FABRICATION
ACT
Reading-17
Math-17
Accuplacer
Reading Comp.-244
Arithmetic-250
Algebra-235
Minimum scores will require an 11th grade-level skill in reading & math. Access study guides for the Next Generation Accuplacer on Collegeboard.org.
- A copy of your high school transcripts, official or unofficial, obtainable from your school district's administration office
- A photocopy of the front of your driver's license
- An updated resume including your new employer
- Test results from Step 6
- A clean drug test
- A copy of your birth certificate
- A doctor's certificate of physical fitness
- Military transfer or discharge form, DD-214 or DD-2384
Your career advisor will alert you if these additional documents are required by your specific Joint Apprenticeship Committee.
Didn't attend a traditional state-accredited school? Further instructions for GED, home-schooled, and foreign candidates can be found on our .pdf download.
INCLUDE IN YOUR ENVELOPE:
-
Apprentice Application
-
High School Transcripts or Equivalent
-
Photo Copy of Driver's License
-
Updated Resume
-
Test Scores - ACT or Accuplacer
MAIL YOUR PRINT OUTS TO:
UA Local 400 Joint Apprenticeship Committee
3315 N. Ballard Rd, Ste D
Appleton, WI 54911
Questions? Call: 1 (920) 734-3148
Follow up on the receipt of your packet and its completeness with a call to the Joint Apprenticeship Committee 1-920-734-3148.
The appropriate Joint Apprenticeship Committee will mail you a Letter of Introduction (LOI) confirming your eligibility for an apprenticeship. Your Local 400 signatory contractor is then able to award you with a State of Wisconsin Registered Apprenticeship.
Questions?
If you have questions or need help, our office is ready to assist you. Please reach out.
-Dustin Delsman
Business Agent
