Apprenticeship

Become a Pipe Welder with UA Local 100

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A pipe welder is needed on most construction projects throughout the country to cut and join a wide range of materials, from steel and cast iron to plastic to other complex and specialized materials.

Pipe welders install, maintain and repair piping systems. They also join structural steel brackets and supports for those systems. They work in different environments and must be able to weld in many different positions.

Throughout the country, there is a major need for pipe welders in different jobs such as construction, steel work or the manufacturing of machinery and other equipment.

The UA Local 100 JATC registered training program follows the earn while you learn model. It provides our apprentices with a high-quality classroom education, lab instruction and on-the-job training to help them learn their trade. They also receive mandatory OSHA safety training to keep them safe on the jobsite.

During the apprenticeship, on-the-job training will reinforce the concepts apprentices learn in the classroom and lab. This helps bridge the gap between knowing how to do the work and actually doing their work. Since they work for a UA signatory contractor, apprentices earn good wages from day one and receive pay raises as they improve their skillset. In addition to the tuition free education, apprentices receive health insurance and retirement benefits.

Course Descriptions

The UA Local 100 JATC prides ourselves on training the best pipe welders in the industry. As part of our curriculum, we maintain the highest teaching standards and expect each of our students to continually improve their expertise in the field. The below descriptions are the combination of training for pipefitters and pipe welders.

Solder/Braze/Pipe Joining
The preparation and joining of copper tube, cast iron, pvc and threaded pipe used in the installation, service and repair of piping systems.

Science
A solid understanding of the scientific and mechanical principles are basic to the work of the piping industry.

Related Math
Basic review of algebra and introduction to pipe formulas, offsets and measurements.

OSHA-30/Heritage
OSHA regulations and awareness of potential job-site hazards in the construction industry.

Welding One
The terminology and fundamentals of welding. Shop safety, torch safety and torch hook-up. Cut and weld on a plate.

Hydronic Heating/Pumps
The installation, maintenance and repair of hydronic heating and cooling systems. The installation, use and principles of pump operation.

Welding Two
Cut and weld on pipe. Introduction to layout and fabrication.

Drawing/Plan Reading
Learn how to interpret drawings and sketches associated with piping installations.

Welding Three
Intermediate pipe welding. Introduction to shielded metal arc welding.

Pipefitter Lay-Out
From the interpretation of mechanical drawings to the layout of piping systems on the jobsite.

Welding Four
Intermediate pipe welding. Introduction to gas tungsten arc welding.

Refrigeration/Steam
Basic understanding of the components and piping that make up a refrigeration system, steam system and pumps.

Rigging/Signalperson
Learn and understand the various types of rigging materials and equipment and how to perform rigging operations safely. Achieve signalperson certification.

Welding Certification – One
Advanced Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)

Piping Layout & Design
Practice various techniques for pipe lay-out, fabrication and offsets in a wide range of circumstances that may be seen on the jobsite.

Welding Certification – Two
Advanced Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW).

Orbital/Tube Bending
Orbital welding procedures and progressive tube bending installations in clean room environments, process piping and pharmaceutical plants.

Foreman Certification
Become familiar with some of the factors and considerations involved in the matrix of a job foreman.