FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions for Local 130 Apprentices only

Is the Apprenticeship an Internship?
No.

Do persons applying for apprenticeship start work immediately?
No, Offers to enter the apprentice program are based on the Ranking List position. Offers are not made until the application process and Ranking List are completed.

Generally, offers for the first class from a Ranking List occur in late May or early June. If a second class is formed, also from the Ranking List, the timing of offers will depend on the needs of the industry.

What determines an individual’s position on the Ranking List?
The sum of:

1. Aptitude test score points
2. Personal Experience points
3. Letter of Intent to hire points (only one letter will be accepted)
4. Letter of recommendation points (only one letter will be accepted)

What is a letter of intent to hire?
A letter on Company letter head from a Plumbing Contractor who employs 130 Plumbers. This letter should include your full name and Social Security number.

For the 2008 application, all letters had to have been received no later than Friday, February 8th, 2008, in order to be used for the first class formed from the Ranking List.

How is the number of apprentices selected and determined?
Traditionally, a new class of 100 apprentices selected from Ranking List, is started every year in June or July. The actual number of apprentices selected each year is determined by the needs of the industry.

What is a letter of recommendation?
A letter from one of the following:

• Employer
• Former Employer
• Elected or Governmental Official
• School Principal
• High School Counselor
• High School Teacher
• High School Coach

This letter should be on Company, Governmental or School Letterhead. Letter should include your full name. The letter should include your full name and Social Security number. The letter should state why you would be a good candidate to join our program, and include comments on your past history and your future personal goals. Letters need to be received on the same dates as the ‘Intent to Hire’ Letter.

How can I apply for a Local 130 Apprenticeship? Can I get an Application/Information packet mailed to me?
No, it must be filled out in person at 1400 W. Washington Blvd. and only during an application period on a day when applications are being accepted.

When is the next application Period?
The dates of the next application period are not yet known.

If I applied last year do I have to bring all my information again like my Birth Certificate, HS Diploma?
No, Copies can only be made from the previous years file.

If I applied last year can my previous Intent to Hire Letter or Recommendation Letter be used?
New letters of Intent to Hire MUST be submitted each time you apply. If you apply one year after a prior application and had a letter of recommendation in your file, a copy will be made by the JAC from the previous year’s file and you do not have to submit a new letter of recommendation.

What are the school hours of an apprentice?
Normal hours are from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm.

Do I get paid to attend school?
Generally yes, after orientation. You are paid for attending school by your contractor. To be paid you must be employed by a contractor and must attend school on your assigned day.

Payments occurs only for the first three years of the apprenticeship. If not employed by a contractor for any reason, except for illness or injury, your must continue to attend school on your scheduled school day, and you would not be paid for attending school.

What is the cost I must pay for this program?
There is no tuition, but if you go to work for a nonunion contractor you will have to repay the cost of your training. There are two additional fees:

1. Approximately $605.00 Book Fee when you begin your apprenticeship
2. $15.00 for Apprenticeship Plumbing License

Can I be an apprentice plumber without a current and valid apprenticeship plumbing license?
No.

Does the Plumbers’ JAC do a criminal background check on applicants?
The Plumbing Contractor you are assigned to may do this.

What can I do to improve my chances of selection into the Plumbers’ Apprentice Program?
Follow all recommendations on our information sheets, and work on improving your math skills.

Questions for 130 Journeymen only

How do I register for a Night Class?
Registration for Night School Classes can be made by Mail or Walk-in registration.

How do I register for the 4-Hour CEU class?
Please go to the CEU License Renewal section of this web site for forms and instructions.

Important Notice: The J.A.C. Reserves The Right To Change The Requirements Of Apprenticeship Or Journeyman Training At Any Time. Check With The Apprentice Office For Any Changes.