United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry

Want to join an elite membership of skilled craftsmen and women who are trained to be the best? Looking for a defined benefit pension? Excellent healthcare for you and your family? A generous annuity plan? If you answered “Yes”, then the Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Union apprenticeship is right for you.

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More Than Excellent Wages

Our Apprentices Have An Opportunity To Build A Career In The Construction Trades

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Learn With The Best

There are many pathways open to UA members, thanks to the wide variety of training and education programs open to all. Choose what suits you best. Our world-class training facilities and instructors will help you achieve your training, educational and professional goals.

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Earn While You Learn

Certified WV Plumbers, Pipe Fitters, Steam Fitters and Sprinkler Fitters are in high demand across the United States. As an apprentice with the UA you will develop industry skills while you earn top wages and enjoy excellent benefits, including: Competitive Wages, Defined Benefit Pension Plans, Health Insurance, CPR/First Aid, and 10-hour OSHA Construction Safety certifications.

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Unlock Your Future

As a UA apprentice you will learn everything you need to become a highly-skilled trades worker. The five year program teaches all aspects of the plumbing and pipefitting trade including pipe welding certification, medical gas certification, blue print reading, plumbing, heating and cooling.

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Join A Brotherhood Of Skilled Craftsmen & Women

The United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada, or “UA” as it is commonly known, is a multi-craft union whose members are engaged in the fabrication, installation and servicing of piping systems.

There are approximately 326,000 highly-skilled United Association members who belong to 321 individual local unions across North America.

Become An Apprentice

Our History

The first truly successful national body, the United Association of Journeymen Plumbers, Gas Fitters, Steam Fitters, and Steam Fitters’ Helpers of the United States and Canada, was officially founded on October 11, 1889. According to UA’s reports to the Department of Labor since 2000, the union has been consistently composed of about 93% members in “building trades,” the remaining 7% in “metal trades.” Out of the total membership, most are considered “journeymen,” with about 12% considered “apprentices.”

UA WV Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Union Apprenticeship

What We Do

Plumbers install drinking water, waste and ventilation systems, as well as wastewater treatment systems large and small- in homes, offices, schools, hospitals and manufacturing facilities. Pipe Fitters install piping systems in projects ranging from residential to high-tech, sensitive and sophisticated facilities. The work can involve high-pressure systems using carbon, steel and other complex materials. They can work in power plants, pharmaceutical facilities, hospitals and many other commercial and industrial jobs. Sprinkler Fitters install life and property saving fire protection systems in homes, schools, hospitals, office buildings, hotels and more. These systems should always be installed by skilled, trained workers. Steamfitters are very skilled workers responsible for all aspects of installation and maintenance of boilers and other high-pressure equipment, especially those used in critical facilities such as hospitals. They also can install and maintain heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems.

WV Operating Engineers Union Jurisdiction Map

Work Anywhere In West Virginia

The UA (United Association) union represents union Plumbers, Pipe Fitters, Sprinkler Fitters, Steamfitters and other associated trades. There are seven pipe trades locals in West Virginia and they have two training facilities: one in Martinsburg and one in Charleston. Applicants must be 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or equivalent or be a graduating senior.

Become An Apprentice