Plumbers & Steamfitters Apprenticeship
News & Events
Not every student is college-bound, but every student should have a goal. Below are just a few of our success stories and community events.
News and Events:
A Day in the Life of a Union 486 Apprentice
A day in the life of a UA (United Association) union plumber and steamfitter apprentice can be challenging yet rewarding. When you are a part of the apprenticeship program, you will get to know exactly what it’s like to work in the field.
Just like a career in the field, no two days are the same and no two workers may have the same schedule. Explore what it’s like to be an apprentice.
Exploring Plumbing as a Career Option
Thinking about plumbing as a career choice? Is it the right trade for you? We help you find out. Explore plumbing as we discuss salary, the job outlook, future advancements, and the best way to get started.
Albert Einstein
“If I had my life to live over again, I’d be a plumber.”
High paying careers without a college degree
When it comes to high-paying careers, many people overlook opportunities in the skilled trades. Skilled trade jobs, such as HVAC technicians, plumbers, and steamfitters, among others, require no college degree but they offer excellent earning potential and job security.
Explore the jobs and what they have to offer.
Future Opportunities for UA Apprentices
Are you wondering about the future opportunities that a UA apprenticeship will lead to? You’re not alone. Considering the future is important for any career move. Whether you know your future goals or they are still unclear, we can help you understand what opportunities are available to you after your apprenticeship.
Plumbing and steamfitting are essential trades that play a crucial role in maintaining the functionality of buildings and infrastructure. As the world continues to develop and grow, so do the career opportunities for UA union plumber and steamfitter apprentices. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the future career opportunities that lie ahead for these skilled tradespeople.
Developing a skilled trade vs. getting a degree
Apprenticeship is a time-honored tradition in many skilled trades. The system of apprenticeship first developed in the later Middle Ages and came to be supervised by craft guilds and town governments.
Included in many of these training programs are earned college credits. In fact, several of them, including the Plumbers & Steamfitters Apprenticeship Program (Baltimore/Hagerstown/Martinsburg) tout having students who earn 45 college credits – That is halfway to an AA degree.
Raven | 3rd Year Apprentice
Now in her third year as an apprentice, Raven talks about her experience with the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 486 apprenticeship. “It makes me feel more certain and makes me truly appreciate what I have now.”
Raven | 3rd Year Apprentice
“After I got out of college, I realized that I didn’t have a job with financial security. Local 486 Apprenticeship Program gave me a career with skills that will last me a lifetime and allowed me to start a family.”
Jeremy | 5th Year Apprentice
“The pay is great, it’s six figures, the benefits are even better. You only need 3 things, a good attitude, a good work ethic, and show up on time. We’ll teach you the rest!”
Local 486 Joins Maryland Apprenticeship Ambassador Program
The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Council (JATC) for the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local Union No. 486, joins the state’s incentive program to help raise awareness about Registered Apprenticeship.