Q – How do I apply for the apprenticeship program?
A – Applications are available as a PDF on this website and can be picked up in person by stopping by the training center at 7193 Jonestown Rd. Harrisburg PA 17112 Monday – Friday 7:00 am – 3:30 pm
Q – How long does it take to complete the program?
A – 5 years
Q – Is there a cost to apply?
A – There is a non-refundable processing fee of $10.00 due when you submit your application. The fee is payable by check, money order or cash.
Q – What is the cost to participate in the program?
A – If selected for training, you will receive an Apprentice Scholarship for your training. Zero tuition or cost for books.
Q – What days and times are classes held?
A – We have two apprenticeships at Local 520. Construction (Plumber, Pipefitter, Welder) and Service (MES or Mechanical Equipment Service) both require a minimum of 216 hours of training per year.
Construction Apprentices go to class one day every two weeks for 7:00 am – 3:30 pm from September – July
Service Apprentices attend classes two nights every week, Mondays, and Wednesdays 3 hours each night from September – May
Q – Where will I attend classes?
A – Local 520 Training Center located at 7193 Jonestown Rd. Harrisburg PA
Q – Do I need Experience?
A – No, but if you have experience it will be acknowledged.
Q – If I don’t pass the aptitude test, when can I take it again?
A – We offer two test sessions per year, one in September and the second in January. Anyone who fails to receive a 7.5 or higher in each category in the September test can retest in January. If you fail the January test you will have to wait until September of the following year.
Q – Who will place me on the job site?
A – You will be dispatched by Local Union 520.
Q – What are the requirements for applying for LU 520’s Apprenticeship Program?
- Complete the application and email or return in-person to the Training Office by the deadline.
- 18 years of age at the time of application, or if you are a High School Senior who will be 18 at the time of graduation, we need a letter of intent from you high school.
- Pay the $10 processing fee, payable by check, money order, or cash.
- Two reference forms
- You must achieve a passing score of 7.5 on the aptitude test in all three areas: math, mechanical and reading comprehension
- Provide a copy of your high school transcript or a copy of your GED certificate with scores attached. High School transcript or GED scores must be unopened/sealed when received by the training school.
- Submit a copy of your certified Birth Certificate or provide an original birth certificate to be copied
- Valid Drivers License
- Military Transfer of Discharge Form DD214, if applicable
- Drug screen results (5 panel, non-DOT, rapid urinalysis)
Q – How does the Joint Apprenticeship Committee determine who will be accepted into the program?
A – When you appear before the Joint Apprenticeship Committee for your interview, your application, aptitude test scores, and high school transcript or GED scores will be reviewed. Interview questions asked will be personal history, your goals, and what, why, when, and how you became interested in our apprenticeship program. If you have taken math, mechanical drawing, or plumbing/welding/electrical subjects in high school, you will receive extra bonus points. The committee compiles an overall score for each applicant that qualifies for an interview. They are then placed on an eligibility list. After all qualified applicants have been interviewed, a selection is made by the Apprenticeship Committee from the eligibility list from the highest score, downward. Job opportunities dictate the number of applicants selected for training.
Q – What is an apprentice’s starting hourly wage?
A –First Year is 50% of journeyman rate = $19.39, Second 55% = $21.32, Third 60%= $23.26, Forth 65% = $25.20, Fifth 75% = $29.08, and current journeyman rate is $38.77
Q – What are the medical and retirement benefits for an apprentice?
A – Medical, dental, eye, prescription, along with two retirement plans start the first day of the following month you go to work. (Example: start work on May 15th, benefits start on June 1st)
Q – What certifications may I obtain during my apprenticeship?
- Journeyman Plumbing License
- ASSE Medical Gas Installer/Brazer Certification
- ASSE Backflow Certification
- CFC Universal Certification
- Welding Certifications
- OSHA 30 Construction Safety
- Red Cross First Aid & CPR
- EPRI Industrial Rigging and Signal Person Certification
- UA Tube Bending Certification
- ASME B31.3 PVC Bonding Certification
- CAD Qualification
- Various Trade Related Seminars and Certification Classes