West Virginia Joint Apprenticeship Programs

UA 486 Plumbers & Steamfitters – Martinsburg/Baltimore

Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 486 Apprenticeship program is affiliated with the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry and the Mechanical contractors Association of Maryland, Inc  The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee has been federally registered since August 1941.

Applications are accepted throughout the year, weekdays between the hours of 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and are processed at the beginning of the year until the administration of the Math Testing. Applicants must apply IN PERSON at the school located at 1201 66th St. Baltimore, MD 21237.  There is a $75.00 processing fee due at the time of application.  Fee is payable only by money order or major credit card and is not refundable. Classes begin in September.

Plumbers & Steamfitters fabricate, install, service and maintain commercial plumbing, process piping & medical gas systems of all kinds. They also install & service related equipment including pneumatic, hydraulic or electric controls, HVAC and refrigeration systems, as well as, automatic temperature controls and backflow preventers.

We preserve the public health and safety by protecting drinking water from contamination, assuring properly installed natural and medical gas systems, confirming proper operation of the equipment which are components of these systems.

The Plumber/Steamfitter must read and interpret building drawings and specifications, make calculations, fabricate and install systems under the direction of a mechanical engineer and according to local building codes.

Click here for Fitters 486 FAQs and more information

The program teaches pipefitting, plumbing, welding, HVAC and CAD skills.  Starting pay is $18.10 plus benefits.

Eligibility Requirements

• Appear in person to fill out an application at the training facility. A $75 processing fee is due at the time of application. No other documentation is needed to apply.
• Take the basic math test when scheduled .You must provide a photo ID and achieve a passing score to have your application processed.
• Provide your official high school transcript or a GED Certificate, with scores attached, Birth Certificate, Social Security Card, DD Form 214 (if Veteran).
• A background check will be performed.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States.
• Submit three personal reference forms that you receive from the school’s office after they have been completed.
• Appear in person for a “personal interview” by the Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee on the date that has been scheduled for you.
• Submit to a physical & drug screening (if accepted into program).
• Must be eligible to obtain a Maryland Plumbing and HVACR & Apprenticeship License.

Term of Apprenticeship:     Five (5) years

Age Qualification:    Applicant must be a minimum age of 18, by June 30th of the application year

Education Requirements:  High School Graduate of Equivalency (GED).  Good math and science skills a must

Physical Requirements:  Able to perform hard physical work.  A physical examination, with drug screening, is required of all applicants selected to participate in the Apprenticeship Program.

Transportation:  Apprentices must provide their own transportation to get to the job site, and to the classroom.

Applications:  Applications are accepted throughout the year, weekdays between the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 3:00  p.m.and are processed at the beginning of the year until the administration of the Math Testing.  Applicants must apply IN PERSON at the school located at 1201 66th Street Baltimore MD 21237.  There is a $75.00 processing fee due at the time of application.  Fee is payable only by money order or major credit card and is not refundable.  Classes begin in September.

The Recruitment, selection, employment and training of apprentices shall be without discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin or sex.  The JATC will take affirmative action to provide equal opportunities in apprenticeship and training and will operate the apprenticeship program as required under Title 29 of the code of federal regulations, Part 30.