Training

Overview

Apprentices in Local 33’s 5 year UA Training program earn hourly wages while they learn their craft.  Spending 246 hours in classroom training allows apprentices to learn the very latest technological advances in the industry and 1,700 – 2,000 hours of on-the-job training for contractors prepares apprentices for real-world situations.

When you are accepted as a UA apprentice you’re part of an elite group of trades people with career potential that includes great wages, health and retirement benefits, the ability to grow into management and even ownership positions, as well as earning the respect of your family and friends.

You will be trained in our state-of-the-art training facility. Some of the courses you’ll be taking include:  plumbing, heating, refrigeration, medical gas, high purity piping, welding, electrical controls – all with an emphasis on being among the safest workers in your industry.

You must have a high school diploma to apply and pass aptitude ability tests.  Once accepted you will begin training in plumbing, heating, air conditioning, steamfitting and controls.

Basic Minimum Requirements

1. Be at least 18 years of age.
2. Be a high school graduate or have a GED.
3. Must have a valid drivers license
4. Appear for interview when notified.
5. A drug test will be required for each applicant selected to go to work

The recruitment, selection, employment, and training of the apprentice shall be without discrimination because of race, disability, color, religion, national origin or gender.

If you are interested in applying for the Local 33 Apprenticeship Program, please give us a call at 515-244-1346 or send us an email at [email protected]

The Life of An Apprentice​

You will work for one of our signatory contractors 40 plus hours per week and attend school 6 weeks per year. DAT funds will be available to you each week you are in school. As a first year apprentice you will complete 30 Hour OSHA. You will also have the opportunity to obtain a two year associates degree. Upon completion of the program, you will have a minimum of two State of Iowa licenses – Medical Gas, Backflow, OSHA, Heavy Rigging, Qualified Signalperson, Foreman Training, and CFC Certifications.

Welding

At Local #33 we have a state of the art welding shop with capabilities of welding in every process used in the pipe welding industry. We test and certify welders in the SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, and FCAW processes. With more than 50 weld certifications available, the possibilities are endless!

Plumbing

While attending plumbing classes you will be educated on the installation, service, and repair of water, gas, sewer, and drainage systems. After completing these classes you will have the knowledge to complete the state of Iowa plumbing exam. In addition, you will complete a 40 hour backflow class.

HVAC/Refrigeration

Service fitters install, repair, and troubleshoot air conditioning and heating equipment for many different applications and industries. While taking classes in these disciplines you will learn basic electricity along with arc flash safety training. At the completion of apprenticeship you will have the knowledge to pass an HVAC and Refrigeration exam.

Pipefitting

Pipefitters assemble, install, and maintain piping systems that carry water, steam, and fluids necessary for manufacturing processes. In order to build these complex systems, a pipefitter must obtain extensive knowledge of Hydronics and Steam. In class you will learn complicated mathematics problem solving in addition to Steam and Hydronics theory.