Frequently Asked Questions
Apprenticeship Program
How do I apply for your apprenticeship program?
An application can be made online at www.getpiping.com for our Baltimore, MD, Hagerstown, MD, or Seaford, DE, schools. You will be assigned a realistic preview of reading and math assessments. You must achieve a passing score on the Math and Reading assessment to have your application processed by the Joint Apprenticeship Committee.
Who sponsors the program?
Plumbers and Steamfitters LU 486 Membership and the Mechanical Contractors’ Association of Maryland, Inc.
How long does it take to complete the program?
5 Years.
Is there a cost to apply?
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.
What does it cost to participate in the program?
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 $440 for the first year and about $350 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.
How many evenings per week and what time are classes held?
Class Schedule:
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 250 hours of school per year.
Additional Information can be found at:
When do classes begin?
Classes begin in September of each year and usually end in June of the following year like the public school system.
Where will I be working and for whom?
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.
Where will I attend classes?
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
Do I need experience?
No, but if you have experience, it will be acknowledged.
If I don't pass the Assessment test, when can I take it again?
Next year.
Who will place me on the job site?
You will be dispatched by Local Union 486.
What type of work will I be performing?
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.
When is the deadline to apply?
The deadlines for the September 2023/2024 school years are:
Baltimore, Maryland – March 21, 2023 Seaford, Delaware & Hagerstown Maryland – March 31, 2022
What are the requirements for applying to LU 486's Apprenticeship Program?
- Apply online at www.getpiping.com, fill out an application by the deadline. Must have $25 processing fee, payable by Credit card only. Also, must provide official photo I.D.
- You must achieve a passing score on the realistic preview reading and math assessment test when scheduled by the school’s office.
What will the requirements be after passing the Preview reading and Math assessment test?
AFTER you pass the Reading and Math assessment, you will be notified by mail to provide the following:
- Provide a copy of your high school transcript or a copy of your GED certificate with scores attached. High School transcript or GED scores must be unopened/sealed when received by the training school.
- Submit to our office the three personal reference forms that you receive from the school’s office after they have been filled out by either a former employer or an acquaintance. The Apprenticeship Committee prefers that you do not use relatives as personal references.
- Submit a copy of your certified Birth Certificate or provide an original birth certificate to be copied.
- After you provide all 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.
How does the Joint Apprenticeship Committee determine who will be permitted to participate in the program?
When you appear before the Joint Apprenticeship Committee for your interview, your application, our work keys assessment scores, and high school transcript or GED scores 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. If you have taken math, mechanical drawing, or plumbing/welding/electrical subjects in high school, you will receive extra bonus points. 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.
What is an apprentice's starting hourly wage?
Current pay rates for the apprenticeship program can be found here: Yearly Compensation:
What are the medical & pension benefits for an apprentice?
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.
What licensing and certifications may I obtain during the 5 years of apprenticeship training?
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.
Applicant Deadlines:
Baltimore, Maryland
Applications for the 2023/2024 school year are being accepted.
Hagerstown, Maryland
Applications for the 2023/2024 school year are being accepted.
Seaford, Delaware
Applications for the 2023/2024 school year are being accepted.