APPRENTICESHIPS

U.A. Local 85

We are known for our first-class training and apprenticeship program. Improving members’ skills is an investment for a lifetime! Since 1959, Local 85 and the J.A.T.C. have successfully trained and graduated apprentices to journeyman status.

Skilled Trades workers are in demand and you are trained without owing thousands of dollars in student loan debt! You earn money while you learn your trade without college expenses.

Apprentice Application

Instead of owing thousands of dollars in student loans when you graduate from college, you can earn while you learn – with no college expenses! If you enjoy math, science and problem solving; and want a career filled with variety and advancement; the piping industry may be the right career choice for you.

Pipefitters, Plumbers and HVACR Technicians work in high tech facilities like:

  • Hospitals
  • Refineries
  • Food Processing Plants
  • Nuclear Powerhouses
  • Chemical Plants

Union Pipefitters and Plumbers can specialize in:

  • Commercial Construction
  • Commercial/Industrial Instrumentation
  • Gas/Air/Water Piping
  • High Purity Piping
  • Hydronic Heating
  • HVACR Service
  • Hydraulic Piping and Systems
  • Lab and Clean Room Work
  • Medical Gas Systems
  • Pipe Fabrication
  • Power Piping
  • Vacuum Piping and Systems
  • Valve and Pump Installation and Repair
  • X-Ray Quality Welding and many more!

The following benefits are provided by Local 85 and its' Signatory Contractor's:

  • Fair Wages
  • Safe Working Conditions
  • Superior Training Opportunities
  • Healthcare
  • Retirement Benefits
  • Job Referral
  • Must be 18 years of age at time of application.
  • Must be a United States Citizen.
  • Must live within the jurisdiction area covered by Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 85, which is Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Arenac, Bay, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Clare, Crawford, Emmet, Gladwin, Grand Traverse, Gratiot, Huron,the half west of M-53 Iosco, Isabella, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Midland, Missaukee, Montmorency, Ogamaw, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Saginaw, Tuscola, and Wexford counties.
  • Must possess a high school diploma or G.E.D. certificate.
  • The applicant must be of good moral character and be physically able to perform the work of the trade.
  • Applicants must have a valid Michigan State driver’s license and dependable transportation. (Bring license with you and time of application).
  • Successfully complete a scheduled general knowledge aptitude examination.
  • Appear for an interview when notified.
  • Abide by all the rules and regulations set by the Joint Apprentice Training Committee including drug testing by the Bay Area Association.
  • Instruction covers the installation of commercial and industrial progress piping systems. Welding certification plays a big part in the education process in this program.
  • Apprenticeship is 5 years long, with the first year considered probationary
  • Classes are one day every other week in either Saginaw, MI or Traverse City, MI.
  • You will need to purchase text material for use in related training classes as required
  • Work will be done under the supervision of a journeyman for your on the job training
  • Pay is set at a percentage of the going Journeyman rate, with a 5% raise every 6 months, providing all requirements are met.
  • Fringe benefits are provided during your apprenticeship.
  • Assemble, install and maintain pipes that carry water, steam, compressed air, gases and fluids which are needed for manufacturing, heating and cooling
  • Work is done on high and low pressure pipes, power stations, refrigeration systems and environmental controls
  • Reading of blueprints to determine the layout of piping, valves, fixtures and controls
  • Welding of pipes made of materials that include carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, plastic, and other special alloys
  • Tools used include reamers, drills, gas torches, welding equipment, pipe cutters, benders and threaders
  • Working conditions are both inside and outside in all types of weather. Workers can be exposed to heat, cold, fumes, chemical and toxic odors.
  • The working activities are both active and strenuous which may include much walking, prolonged standing, reaching and lifting, and having to be in cramped or otherwise uncomfortable positions.
  • Follow detailed instructions of a vast range of skills and be able to solve mathematical problems accurately.
  • The application must be completed and returned with your High School Diploma,Transcripts or GED Certificate, copy of your Drivers License or Birth Certificate and Military transfer card or discharge form DD-214, if applicable.

You may use our online application form here, or applications may be obtained from:

UA Local 85, 3535 Bay Road Saginaw, MI 48603

Normal Business Days between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Have an emergency? Find a Signatory Contractor near you!

ua local 85

PLUMBERS, STEAMFITTERS & HVACR SERVICE TECHS

UA Local 85 JATC is accepting Applications for the Building Trades and HVACR Service Apprenticeships. Deadline is May 31, 2023 at 5:00 PM.