Apprenticeship

Trade School Facts

The Plumber's and Pipefitter's Training Center is a 20,000 square foot facility located at 9876 Hickman Mills Drive, Kansas City, Missouri, 64137. Currently there are over 125 Plumber Apprentices attending classes that range from Safety and Math to Computer Aided Drafting. These classes are staffed by 18 highly qualified Instructors who ensure that the program delivers the finest level of training.

Training

The training provided at the Plumber's Local #8 Training Center is recognized throughout the United States and Canada. The U.A. (United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters of the United States and Canada) provides training material and class outlines to all affiliated Apprentice Training Programs.

Once Apprentices graduate from the Program, they are able to work as Plumbers in other areas of the country when employment opportunities present themselves, or they can relocate entirely should the need arise.

Apprentices receive required certification classes and obtain Journeyworker Certificate of Competency for Kansas City Missouri.

Medical Gas Certification
Cross Connection and Backflow Prevention, thorugh Missouri DNR and ASSE
Welding Certification through NCPWB/AWS/UA
OSHA/Safety Certifications
Diversity Awareness
UA/MCA Foreman Certification
AutoCAD I, II, III, Pipe Designer 3D, BIM
CPR/First Aid
32 College Credits
Customer Service Skills
ASME B31.3 PVC/CPVC Bonder Certification
USGBC Green Systems Awareness Certification

The majority of classes for apprentices are free of charge; a small book fee is incurred by each apprentice for each year of training. The current training takes place two evenings a week and some Saturday attendance is required. Classes are regularly scheduled from September through April each year. A zero absence policy is in effect from the JAC for attendance at training sessions.

Effective September 2008

Apprentices in the first, second and third periods of their apprenticeship will attend classes one day per week for 37 sessions per year of training. Fourth and fifth periods of training will occur in the evenings from 6pm until 10pm.

Plumber Apprentices assist experienced Plumber Journeypersons in the installation and servicing of plumbing systems. The Apprentices are paid for this full-time employment. Their hands-on training, along with related class instruction provides apprentices with all the experience and training for a lifelong career in the plumbing industry.

Ladder of Success

Each year an Apprentice works and attends related training classes increases the value of the apprentice to the employer. The pay structure is based on the Journeypersons hourly wage with regular increases for years completed.

The following wage table is for apprentices attending night time training and indentured to the committee prior to January 2008:

1st year	50% rate	$ 18.70 per hour or $32,716 annually
2nd year	55% rate	$ 20.56 per hour or $35,980 annually
3rd year	60% rate	$ 22.43 per hour or $38,575 annually
4th year	65% rate	$ 24.30 per hour or $42,525 annually
5th year	75% rate	$ 28.04 per hour or $49,070 annually

The following wage table is for apprentices attending day time training and indentured to the committee after January 2009:

1st year	55% rate	$ 20.56 per hour or $35,980 annually
2nd year	60% rate	$ 22.43 per hour or $38,575 annually
3rd year	65% rate	$ 24.30 per hour or $42,531 annually
4th year	70% rate	$ 26.17 per hour or $45,802 annually
5th year	75% rate	$ 28.04 per hour or $49,074 annually

The current rate for Journeypersons as of June 1, 2009 is $37.39 per hour or $74,780 a year. The apprentice annual wages are based on a 1,750 hours worked per year. In addition to these wages the Apprentice receives benefits including Medical Coverage, Pension Plan and Retirement Savings. By providing a structured wage progression the apprentice is able to plan out their future and receive the benefits of hard work and determination.

Selection of the Best

There is no shortage of candidates for the Apprentice Program. Each year a limited number of applicants are accepted. This ensures those applicants have a good opportunity to remain employed throughout their Apprenticeship and that all Apprentices receive consistent quality of training. The Apprentice Committee is looking for applicants who will give a good return on the $35,000 invested in their future career.

The Plumbers and Gasfitter's Local 8 Educational Training Trust Fund admits students of any race, sex, color, national and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. They do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national or ethnic origin to administration of the educational and admissions policies and programs and other apprenticeship school administered programs.

Application for Apprenticeship

The Plumbers Joint Plumbing Apprenticeship Committee (JAC), Kansas City and Vicinity accepts applications for the Apprentice Program the first business Monday of each month from 8:00am until 4:00pm.

Applications must be made in person at the Plumbers and Pipefitters Training Center located at 9876 Hickman Mills Drive, Kansas City, Missouri, 64137. Office Phone (816)761-8800, please call for directions.

Requirements:

Minimum age of 18 at the time of application
High School Diploma or GED

The following documentation must be presented for the application to become valid:

Copy of Birth Certificate
High School Diploma or GED Certificate
Transcript of High School Grades (Certified by the School) or GED Test Scores

Upon receipt of the aforementioned items the applicant is given a list of employers interested in hiring an apprentice. The applicant is required to secure employment with one of the employers on this list. When an applicant receives an intent to hire notice from an employer that successful applicant will be required to pass a urinalysis.