Career Pathways And Job Opportunities After Joining a Local UA Apprenticeship

Completing a  local UA (United Association) apprenticeship program opens up a world of opportunities and diverse career pathways. These programs provide invaluable hands-on training, technical knowledge, and professional development, laying a solid foundation for a successful career journey. Best of all, they pay you to learn and develop the skills you need for your future career opportunities. 

In this blog, we'll explore the various job opportunities and career pathways available after completing a UA apprenticeship program.

The Foundation: UA Apprenticeship Program

Before diving into the career opportunities, it’s important to understand what the UA Apprenticeship programs are all about. 

The UA apprenticeship program serves as the bedrock for individuals aspiring to join a career in the skilled trades such as plumbing, pipefitting, HVAC and other related industries. The program is a comprehensive training program that spans several years and combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training under the guidance of experienced professionals. Because UA apprentices work real jobs as training, they are paid a quality wage which rises each year during their apprenticeship.

Apprentices who complete the program will have a plumber license, gasfitters license, and HVACR license as well as several certifications and safety training. With this type of training and licensing, you can pursue many career opportunities. Let’s explore a few. 

Job Opportunities

The future outlook for those in the skilled trades continues to be bright. Even as the workplace changes and new technologies are introduced, those with skilled trades training will have future career opportunities. 

Below we have highlighted some common opportunities that apprentices can take hold of after graduation. 

Common job opportunities

Plumber: As a licensed plumber, apprentices can work in residential, commercial, or industrial settings, installing and maintaining plumbing systems. They may specialize in areas such as pipefitting, steamfitting, or gasfitting, depending on their interests and career goals.

Pipefitter: Pipefitters play a crucial role in installing and maintaining piping systems in various industries, including manufacturing, construction, and oil and gas. They interpret blueprints, fabricate pipes, and ensure the proper functioning of systems.

HVAC Installer/Technician: HVAC technicians install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in homes, businesses, and industrial facilities. With the growing emphasis on energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, skilled HVAC technicians are in high demand.

Welder: Welders join metal components together using various welding techniques, such as arc welding, gas welding, and resistance welding. They work in diverse industries, including construction, automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing.

General Contractor: A general contractor is a professional who oversees and manages construction projects from start to finish. They are responsible for coordinating all aspects of the project, including planning, budgeting, scheduling, and execution.: 

Specialized opportunities

Many apprentices go on to become plumbers, HVAC techs, and other local service techs because of the abundance of opportunities in their local areas. However, there are many unique and specialized jobs that graduates can find if they have specialized knowledge (graphic design, IT, etc.) or are willing to expand their education.

• Blueprint designer/Architectural design
• Specialized welding (aircraft, racecar, etc.)
• Mechanic
• Working with green energy solutions
• Technology consultant in construction

These are just a few examples of the possibilities after the skilled trades apprenticeship, but the future possibilities are near limitless. Getting started with an apprenticeship program is a great way to start your career and discover something you are truly passionate about.

Career Pathways

It’s important to understand how your career will progress as a skilled trades professional. Like with other professions, one does not simply get an education and then settle into their forever career position. This can happen, but many graduates will follow a certain career path.

Below we have highlighted some of the various pathways you may take as you further your career. 

Journeyman

Upon completing their apprenticeship and obtaining the necessary licensure or certification, graduates can advance to the journeyman level. Journeyman status signifies a higher level of skill and experience, often accompanied by increased responsibilities and earning potential.

Foreman/Supervisor

Experienced tradespeople may transition into supervisory or leadership roles, overseeing teams of apprentices and journeymen on construction sites or within maintenance departments. Effective leadership and communication skills are essential for success in these positions.

Project Manager

With additional training and experience, individuals can pursue careers as project managers, responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing construction projects from inception to completion. Project managers ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the client's satisfaction.

Specialist/Consultant

Some professionals choose to specialize in niche areas within their respective trades, such as green building technology, energy efficiency, or advanced automation systems. These specialists may offer consulting services or work for specialized firms that cater to specific industry needs.

Business Owner/Entrepreneur

Armed with the skills and knowledge acquired through their apprenticeship and subsequent experience, ambitious individuals may choose to start their own contracting businesses or entrepreneurial ventures within the skilled trades sector.

Joining is the First Step

Joining a local UA apprenticeship program can open the doors to a multitude of career opportunities. Whether you enjoy working with your hands, managing people or projects, solving problems, or you have an entrepreneurial spirit, there is something for you in the skilled trades. 

UA apprentices can build rewarding careers that make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond. But the first step is joining a local program. If you are in the Maryland or Delaware area, consider learning more about one of the training schools we have in your area. 

If you have questions about the skilled trades or the UA apprenticeship program, we would love to be a resource for you. Get in touch and let us know how we can help.