Apprenticeship Application Information: Local 539 Pipefitters
INTERESTED IN SIGNING UP FOR AN APPRENTICESHIP?
Here’s how to apply for an apprenticeship with Local 539:
Acceptance of applications is set for Monday, January 4, 2021 through Friday, January 15, 2021.
Because of the pandemic, there will not be in-person applications this year. All applications will be provided online. Start your application HERE.
Online Applications will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
All applications and required attachments to the application must be received no later than 3:00 p.m., Friday, January 15, 2021. If not received, the application will be considered incomplete, and the applicant will have to reapply the following year.
APPLICATION PROCESS
You must apply for the apprenticeship program during the two-week application period and meet all of the minimum qualifications (see below).
- Complete an online application.
- Upload a photocopy of your High School Diploma. The diploma must be issued by a U.S. state, and we will also accept a state-issued GED. The GED must have been obtained through an approved GED Testing Center recognized by the GED Testing Service. Transcripts for both the high school diploma and GED are acceptable. If the high school diploma or college transcripts are issued outside of the United States, they must be translated into English and evaluated by an accredited, independent credential evaluation service. Copies of diplomas, course completion certificates, or transcripts of course credits for GED, High School, or Technical College must be attached to the application. Only translated, validated copies of diplomas, certificates or transcripts will be accepted. Proper documentation must be attached for applicant’s educational background to be considered.
- If applying for an HVAC/R Service apprenticeship, you must include a certificate of completion and grade transcript from your two-year Technical College program. Also note that HVAC/R employers typically require a clean driving record for insurance purposes.
All applicants that complete an online application and upload the required attachments will be invited to an oral interview where the applicants will be ranked; the person with the highest ranking score will be at the top of the list, and as the jobs become available, applicants will be pulled from the list from the highest ranking in descending order.
CONTACT INFORMATION AND TRAINING CENTER PROTOCOL
The Training Center is open for visitors with appointments only. To schedule an appointment, please call Training Director Chad Birk at 763-533-5514 or email cbirk@training539.com.
To enter the building, you will be required to complete a health quiz. Also be aware that you may have to wait outside so we can maintain these protocols. You will undergo a health screening upon entering the building and be required to wear a face covering at all times.
If you have any questions, please call the JATC office at 763-533-5514 or email cbirk@training539.com. Do not come in.
APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
A pipefitter apprenticeship is a five-year paid program in which apprentices receive both on-the-job practical training and classroom instruction. The apprenticeship requires 8,750 hours of on the job training and a minimum of 1,080 classroom training hours each year.
Apprentices attend school in the evening, typically two nights a week, between the months of September and April. They must pass all courses with a minimum score of 70% to advance to the next year in the program. Tuition for school is $540.00 per year plus books.
When a pipefitter apprentice can demonstrate competence in vital skills, the apprenticeship will be complete. Apprentices will graduate to journey-level workers after passing the Minnesota State Pipefitting License exam. After joining the union, apprentices will be eligible for benefits after two months of work.
TRANSPORTATION REQUIREMENTS
It is generally expected that each worker will have their own car. All apprentices are responsible for their own transportation to work in Local 539 jurisdiction.
HOURS
40 hours per week: 8 hours daily between 7:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
QUALIFICATIONS
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must be a U.S. high school graduate or possess a state-issued GED certificate/transcript. The GED must have been obtained through an approved GED Testing Service; documentation must be furnished at time of application.
• If requested, the applicant shall furnish the committee with a written statement from a medical doctor that they have had a physical examination in connection with the application and are physically fit to perform the work of a pipefitter.
• Written notices will be furnished to applicants who are found not to meet the basic requirements.