APPRENTICESHIP is both an ancient tradition and
a highly effective modern training

method, particularly for those choosing to work in the exciting and
increasingly technical

construction industry. 

The UNITED
ASSOCIATION has the first nationally registered joint apprenticeship program

in the United States, dating back to 1936. 

Individuals who enter a
UNITED ASSOCIATION Five-Year APPRENTICESHIP program 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 five-year apprenticeship period is divided into one-year segments, each of
which

includes a minimum 1700 hours of on-the-job training and a minimum
of 246 hours of

related classroom instruction. 

UA APPRENTICES receive a
strong general education background in the trade, with core

courses in basics such as safety, math, science and drawing. At a certain
point,

apprentices can choose a specific path to follow to become a journey worker
plumber,

pipefitter or service mechanic. 

All training programs are run through UNITED
ASSOCIATION local joint training committees

in specific cities or regions and are overseen by National Joint Training
Committees. One

of the things that make the UA training program so successful is that it is a
joint partnership

between labor and management. 

THE LOCAL 155 apprenticeship
program is ACCREDITTED; all apprentices that

successfully complete the five-year program receive college credits for their
on-the-job

and classroom training. LOCAL 155 MEMBERS are eligible to continue their
education by

utilizing on-line training at reduced per-credit rates through Washtenaw
Community

College, Ferris State University & The National Labor College. 

APPRENTICESHIP is not
an easy time. UA APPRENTICES must work the same hours as

journeymen in the field plus attend night classes. Yet, this can be a HIGHLY
REWARDING

CAREER PATH for an individual who is motivated to learn the piping trade and
become an

active member of a PROUD AND NOBLE TRADE UNION.