School + work = Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship offers many advantages. You earn a college-level education, while working in the profession of your choice.
Most people who only go to a college or university have to figure out what job they can qualify for after they graduate. Not apprentices! When an apprentice graduates, they are earning a high wage and are considered proficient in their work.
Seattle Area Pipe Trades is a state-registered program. We are held to the highest standards of excellence by regulatory agencies, the United Association union and industry.
Yes. Seattle Area Pipe Trades is jointly managed by the Seattle Area Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry Training Trust. “Jointly managed” means there is equal labor and management representatives overseeing our training. Labor is represented by members of the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA) Local 32, and management is represented by members of the Mechanical Contractors Association of Western Washington (MCAWW).
UA Local 32 and MCAWW collectively agree to training expectations and work conditions for apprentices, and for industry in our jurisdiction. Apprentices become members of UA Local 32.
Seattle Area Pipe Trades does not charge tuition or fees to be in school. All United Association Local 32 members contribute to the operation of our training center. These funds come from monthly working and union dues.
People of all walks of life apply to Seattle Area Pipe Trades, including some who don’t have direct experience in mechanical fields. That is ok! We look for applicants who can demonstrate a strong work ethic, willingness to learn, and a positive attitude. Experience, however, is a definite plus.
Once the limited apprenticeship spots are filled, we often have entry-level jobs called Helpers or Tradesmen to fill. This is the typical path into apprenticeship. It can help you gain direct skills and build professional references. We offer these positions as they become available.
Most candidates, no matter their experience, should expect to apply more than once. Getting into an apprenticeship is a competitive process.
Helpers and Tradesmen are entry level positions. They assist journeymen with basic cleaning, tool delivery and repair, drilling and hole cutting, and sometimes limited machine operation or pipe laying. These jobs are typically the first step into apprenticeship.
A person can apply for an apprenticeship with us year-round. We accept applications Monday – Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm.
We conduct interviews twice a year, depending on economic demand and program capacity. Cut-off dates for interviews are usually in early November and early June.
Refer back to the steps outline on the “How to Apply” page.
Seattle Area Pipe Trades is a prestigious program. We’re looking for winning candidates who take time and effort to stand above the competition. Here are some ways you rise to the top:
Consider Pre-Apprenticeship:
• PACE - 206.947.5362
• ANEW - 206.381.1384
• PACT - 206.934.4957
• YouthBuild – 206.617.4476
Take related courses at college:
• Welding
• HVAC
• Commercial Building
• Major Appliance Repair
Get professional recommendations
Try Career Counseling:
• Urban League – 206.419.0305
Prepare a portfolio of your related work or hobbies:
• Current detailed resume
• Mechanical experience or interests
• Sports, athletics
• Scholastic achievements
Research SAPT professions:
• Understand what you are applying to do
• Be certain it is the career path you want
Practice Hands-On and Interviewing:
• Be proficient with tools
• Know the materials of the trade
• Be physically able to do the work
• Participate in mock interviews offered through Ladies in the Pipe Trades
Take a Helper or Tradesmen position, if offered
1. How did you hear about the Seattle Area Pipe Trades?
2. To which apprenticeship are you applying?
3. What does an apprentice in your chosen field do?(This question is based on your answer to question #2, and should be a clear expectation of the type of work an apprentice does).
After the interviews, the candidates’ scores are compiled and ranked on a list. We offer apprenticeships starting from the top of this ranked list. The number of people accepted as apprentices from this list depends upon program capacity.
When a person accepts an apprenticeship, they first attend a meeting at our training center to review program policies and complete paperwork. After that, the apprentice is dispatched from the UA Local 32 office to a contractor.
We will post the list in our office, and the Training Coordinator will call you.
Applicant interview scores are compiled and averaged, and then added to the hands-on test score. These scores are then ranked from highest to lowest. The list is presented to the JATC at its next monthly meeting for approval, and then it is publicly posted.
When a person accepts an apprenticeship, they first attend a meeting at our training center to review program policies and complete paperwork. After that, the apprentice is dispatched from the UA Local 32 office to a contractor.
Our apprenticeships vary in length.
• Commercial Plumbers = 5 years, or 10,000 of on the job training
• HVAC/Refrigeration = 5 years, or 10,000 of on the job training
• Marine Pipefitters = 3 years, or 6,000 hours of on the job training
• Residential Plumbers = 3 years, or 6,000 hours of on the job training
• Steamfitters = 5 years, or 10,000 hours of on the job training
You can read more about each apprenticeship here.
Previous experience and degrees or certificates are a plus, but don’t necessarily lead to advanced placement. We start apprentices at the same level and evaluate skills for specific competencies we need. If an apprentice does extremely well, a recommendation to the JATC may be made to grant hours or pay for experience.
Apprentices begin at 50% of a journeyman’s wage, and earn raises based on their academic performance and work hours. Our apprentices have vacation accounts, pensions, and health care benefits on top of their wages. Contact us for more information about our wage package.