Embarking on an apprenticeship in the piping trade offers a fulfilling career trajectory for those driven to master the craft and contribute actively to a respected and esteemed trade union. The merits of a union apprenticeship manifest in the form of competitive wages and comprehensive benefits that accompany expertise in the craft. As an apprentice, you’ll operate within the security of a union contract, ensuring access to insurance, pension plans, and health and welfare benefits. Affiliating with the UA not only enhances your skills but also proves financially advantageous in the long term.
To join the UA without any prior experience, individuals enter a United Association five-year apprenticeship program and are part of a select group of men and women motivated to learn a complex and challenging trade while upholding the ideals of trade unionism.
Applicants are evaluated on the same fair basis, without regard to race, sex, national origin or religious affiliation. UA apprentices learn through both classroom and on the job training in what is considered by many to be the best construction industry apprentice program in the world.
The apprenticeship is a five-year program registered with the US Department of Labor.
Apprentices participate in eight-hour class every two weeks and are assigned to work with one of our contractors as an Apprentice, with the direction of a Journeyman.
Apprenticeships are paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction to prepare workers for highly skilled careers. With apprenticeship training, there is a written contract between the apprentice and contractors, which is
approved by and registered with the US Department of Labor.
Must be able to pass a drug test if selected.
Posses a valid driver’s license.
Be a High School Graduate or hold an equivalent (G.E.D).
Completed Application Form
Copy of Birth Certificate
Copy of Highschool Diploma or G.E.D
Copy of High School Transcripts, and College (if applicable)
Michigan Work Keys Assessment Results (instructions provided below)
Military Transfer or Discharge Form DD-214, if applicable
Proof of Residency in Genesee, Shiawassee, or Lapeer County
**Applications lacking any required documents/information will be dropped from the process without notification**
Work Keys assessments must be completed at a certified proctoring location (GST Michigan Works). You must complete testing in the following categories: Workplace Documents, Graphic Literacy, Applied Math. Submit the registration form at https://gstmiworks.org/workkeys/ to be issued practice tests and take the assessment. Any further questions, please contact Rosalie Kinsey at (810)-233-5974 ex 125, or rkinsey@gstmiworks.org, 8:00am – 5:00pm, Mon-Fri
After the application window closes, applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview on the determined interview dates.
All interviewees will receive an acceptance/denial letter via USPS mail within 30 days of their interview.
Yes, if your application is denied, you are welcome to re-apply during the next open application window.
Wages are regulated by registered standards, with increases scheduled every six months, provided all class requirements are successfully met.
Work conditions could include working inside, and outside, in extreme conditions such as heat, cold, rain, mud, underground, heights, loud environments, heavy lifting, and machinery.
