FAQs

You can apply online on our application page for our Baltimore, MD, Hagerstown, MD, or Seaford, DE, schools. You will be assigned a math assessment. You must achieve a passing score on the Math assessment to have your application processed by the Joint Apprenticeship Committee. 

Plumbers and Steamfitters LU 486 Membership and the Mechanical Contractors’ Association of Maryland, Inc.

5 Years.

There is a non-refundable processing fee of $25.00 due at the time of application. The fee is payable by major credit card only.

If selected for training, you will receive an Apprentice Scholarship for your training. You will, however, be responsible to pay for your books. These materials are approximately $525 for the first year and about $375 on average for the next four years.

You are required to pay union dues, $31.00 per month, once you have been placed on the job site for one of our participating contractors.

Classes begin in September of each year and usually end in June of the following year like the public school system.  If selected, a mandatory First Year Training Camp will be held July 14 through July 18, 2025.

You will be required to attend school two nights classes a week, 3 hours each night, and one 6 hour Saturday class a month. – A minimum of 230 hours of school per year.

You will be employed by one of the participating contractor’s signatory to an Agreement with Plumbers/Steamfitters LU 486 as jobs become available. LU 486’s work jurisdiction in Baltimore City and surrounding counties and also includes the Hagerstown and Frederick area and Sussex, Delaware area. You are required to work 8 hours per day, 5 days a week usually between the hours of 6:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. You will need your own transportation to get to and from the job site.

At the Plumbers/Steamfitters’ Training Facility, 1201 66th Street, Baltimore Co. Rosedale, Maryland, 21237, Or at the Technical Institute,1301 West Washington Street Hagerstown, MD 21740. Or the Plumbers/Steamfitters Facility, 26705 Sussex Hwy. Seaford, Delaware, 19973

No prior experience is required, but if you have experience, it will be acknowledged.

Next year.

You will be dispatched by Local Union 486.

Plumber and Steamfitter Apprentices and Journeyman install piping in buildings, industry, schools, hospitals, etc. Additionally, they install and service heating and cooling systems and do their own control work. They also do their own welding. A Plumber/Steamfitter also installs and repairs pipe, fittings and fixtures of hot and cold water, vacuum, oxygen, gas and drainage systems. They also do layout of pipe and pipe connections and provide openings for pipes in walls and floors. They cut and thread pipe using pipe cutters, cutting torches, and pipe threading machines.

The deadlines for the September 2025/2026 school years are:

Baltimore, Maryland –   January 31, 2025   Seaford, Delaware & Hagerstown Maryland – January 31, 2025

• You must turn 18 years old by 8/31/25.
• Apply online at www.getpiping.com, fill out an application by the deadline.   Must have a $25 processing fee, payable by Credit card only. Also, must provide an official photo I.D.
• You must achieve a passing score on the math assessment test when scheduled by the school’s office.

What will the requirements be after passing the Math assessment test?
AFTER you pass the Math assessment, you will be notified by e-mail to provide the following:

• Provide a copy of your high school diploma or GED certificate.
• Submit a copy of your certified Birth Certificate or passport.
• Permanent Resident Card or Naturalization Papers (if not a U.S. Citizen).
• DD214 if Military
• After you provide all the documentation listed above, you will appear in person for a “personal interview” by the Joint Apprenticeship Committee on the date that has been scheduled for you.

When you appear before the Joint Apprenticeship Committee for your interview, your application, our math assessment scores, and high school diploma or GED will be reviewed. Interview questions asked will be personal history, your goals, and what, why, when, and how you became interested in our apprenticeship program. The committee compiles an overall score for each applicant that qualifies for an interview. They are then placed on an eligibility list. After all qualified applicants have been interviewed, a selection is made by the Apprenticeship Committee from the eligibility list from the highest score, downward. Job opportunities dictate the number of applicants selected for training.

Current pay + benefits rate for the apprenticeship program starts at over $28/hour. Starting salary and benefits of $60,216

1st Year – Medical plan for you and your family after qualifying. To qualify, you must work 250 hours during a work quarter before medical insurance is purchased for you during the next insurance quarter. You will also receive a pension benefit.

2nd Year - Apprentices that have 2nd year hours will receive their prescription plan, dental plan and annuity, and pension.

2nd – 5th Year – Medical for you and your family, pension, and annuity.

LICENSES:

a. State of Maryland Plumbing License.
b. State of Maryland HVACR License.
c. Gasfitters’ License.

CERTIFICATIONS/QUALIFICATIONS:
a. Medical Gas Certification.
b. Backflow Certification.
c. CFC Qualification.
d. Welding Qualification.
e. Ten hour OSHA Certification including ” Right to Know Law.”
f. Confined Space Certification.
g. CPR Certification.
h. Standard First Aid Certification.