NOTE: Orientation is only open to candidates that have completed registration in the Plumbers 75 career portal. If you have yet to complete this step, you can register here: PipeTradeCareers.Com/WI/75
It's Time to Take the Next Steps
Start today on your journey to become a plumbing apprentice in WI.
What Does an Apprenticeship Include?
Plumbing apprenticeships with Plumbers Union Local 75 of Southeastern Wisconsin comprise both classroom instruction and on-the-job training over five years.
DAY SCHOOL HOURS: 584
NIGHT SCHOOL HOURS: 333
WORK HOURS: 8000
A Hands-On Education By Field Experience
"The 5-year apprenticeship combines the education you receive in the classroom with the hands-on experience you gain with your contractors in the field. "
-Tony Ramos, Training Instructor, Plumbers Local 75
A person wishing to enter this professional trade must be able to understand detailed written and verbal communications. They should enjoy working with their hands and be able to solve math problems quickly and accurately. Plumbers must be willing to keep abreast of changes and advancing techniques, even after completing their apprenticeships and throughout their careers.
Follow the five steps below.
Application
Click to complete the application. After you finish it, download, print, and mail it or drop it off in person to the Plumbers 75 Apprenticeship Office at 11175 W. Parkland Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53224.
We cannot accept emailed applications.
Join 360 Plumbing Apprentices
"There's a couple steps that need to be followed. At the end of the day you need to show you're at a base level that's going to help you succeed. You're out there on a job site and we want everyone to be 110% focused. "
-Cory Thompson, Training Director, Plumbers Local 75
- Contact your school administration to have an official copy of your final high school transcript sent to: Plumbers 75 Apprenticeship Office, 11175 W. Parkland Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53224
- Make sure they include the date of graduation, all grades, and an official stamp or seal
- Send anything yourself-it should come directly from the school
- Send anything but official transcripts: no diplomas, and no certificates
- Fax, email, or photocopy the transcripts: only original mailed transcripts are accepted
Didn't attend a traditional state-accredited school? Further instructions for GED, home-schooled, and foreign candidates can be found on our .pdf download.
Did you Take the ACT?
- If you've earned the minimum score requirements on the ACT test in the last 5 years (Reading-16, Math-15), you can use your scores to fulfill your testing requirement.
- Visit the ACT website to learn how to send scores using college code #8002.
Do You Need a Different Assessment?
- Schedule an appointment to take the Accuplacer Next Generation at the testing facility of your choice Tip: Choose country & state, leave city/zip blank.
- You'll need to download and submit our Test Authorization Form for this assessment
- Or, if you've taken an Accuplacer test in the last 5 years, see further instructions in the Step 3 handout.
More information on TESTING, SCORES, FAILURE/RE-TESTING, and SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS can be found by downloading our Step 3 handout.
For help on the Accuplacer test, download our list of valid tutoring agencies.
Upon completion of steps 1-3, the Apprenticeship Office will invite you to a scheduled session to receive your Letter of Introduction. This will qualify you to apply to plumbing companies.
After receiving your Letter of Introduction (L.O.I.), you'll be eligible for exclusive access to free pre-apprenticeship courses to prepare you for success. Additionally, you'll be included in Plumbers 75's outreach to contractors highlighting apprenticeship candidates that have met program prerequisites.
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.
Use the below resources to put your best foot forward.
Contractors Pay Apprentices for Training
"Our apprenticeship is a partnership between Plumbers Union Local 75 and our signatory employers. Employers hire people and contract with the employee to be an apprentice. That contract is between the employer and the apprentice. That's who puts them to work. That's who pays them to do the training."
-Steve Breitlow, Business Manager, Plumber Local 75
What you Need to Know About Getting Hired
UA Plumbers Local 75 does not hire apprentices directly. In order for you to start your plumbing 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.
Do you Need A Resume?
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.
Plumbing Apprentice Resume Template: Google Docs
If you use Google Docs, copy our plumber pre-apprentice resume template and use it as an example to personalize your own.
Plumbing Apprentice Resume Template: Microsoft Word
If you use Microsoft Word, download our plumber pre-apprentice resume template and use it as a sample to personalize your own.
How Should You Prepare for an Interview with a Contractor?
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
After finding a placement with a plumbing company, the final steps to apprenticeship include a pre-employment drug test, a review of program requirements, and some paperwork.
Want to become a stronger & more desirable candidate? Attend an Apprenticeship Readiness Orientation through WRTP/BIGSTEP.
City of Milwaukee Residents: Want to increase your access to employment opportunities? Check out the Residents Preference Program from WRTP/BIGSTEP.
If you have questions, the Milwaukee Area Joint Plumbing Apprenticeship Committee is here to help.
CONTACT US
Stephanie Cowan
Plumbers Local 75 Education & Apprenticeship Secretary
414-359-1318 Ext. 6
Stephanie@Plumbers75.com
Learn More About Apprenticeship:
The Curriculum is Designed for Licensing
"Our curriculum breaks the Wisconsin Plumbing Code Book into manageable sections of five lessons each semester. We learn the new sections as well as review previous lessons so our apprentices are constantly going through the plumbing code. At the end of the apprenticeship, we've been through the code book several times. When taking their journeymen's test, they'll have an efficient understanding of where to find specific code."
-Tony Ramos, Training Instructor, Plumbers Local 75
Apprenticeship Includes 1-on-1 Training
"With both our welding booths and our brazing-soldering labs we have multiple stations for one-on-one training with our instructors. All our instructors are experienced, licensed plumbers. We have very well-certified instructors that teach all aspects of our trade."
-Tony Ramos, Training Instructor, Plumbers Local 75
