Careers In Construction
             
            Building Trades Pipe Fitter (Updated May 2009)
             
            A Pipe Fitter measures, fabricates, connects, installs and maintains piping for process-piping systems. A Pipe Fitter may work on the following systems; steam, water, air, natural gas, chemical, hydraulic, heating, cooling, etc. 
			 
			Length of Apprenticeship:
			 
			Five (5) years: 1,100 classroom hours.
  
			1st year (1st 6 months): An Apprentice works for a Union contactor four days per week and attends school one day per week. (7:00a.m.-3:30p.m.)
  
			1st year (2nd 6 months): An Apprentice works for a Union contractor Monday-Friday and attends school for 22 consecutive Saturdays (7:00a.m.-3:30p.m.)
  
			2nd year: An Apprentice works for a Union contractor four days per week and attends school one day per week (7:00a.m.-3:30p.m.).
  
			3rd & 4th Year: An Apprentice works for a Union contractor and attends school one day (7:00a.m.-3:30p.m.) every other week.
  
			5th Year: An Apprentice works for a Union contractor for the full year. All training is “on the job”. 
			 
			Wage Information:
			 
			An Apprentice earns a percentage of the Journeyman’s wage. Specific wage information will be given to accepted applicants. 
			 
			Benefits:
			 
			Health, Dental and Vision Insurance. Pension. Voluntary 401(K) Plan 
			 
			Basic Requirements:
			 
			Applicant must be an American Citizen or in the process of naturalization. 
			Applicant must be at least 17 years of age (Age as shown by a birth certificate). 
			Applicant must submit a high school diploma or G.E.D. certificate. 
			Applicant must be physically able to perform the duties of the trade. 
			Applicant must pass a written test and oral interview. 
			Applicant must pass two drug tests (Hair follicle & urinalysis). 
			Applicant must have reliable transportation. 
			Work experience in construction, or working with mechanical equipment is helpful, but not necessary for acceptance.
			 
			Working Conditions:
			 
			Pipefitters work both indoors and outdoors in the following areas of work: Industrial, Chemical, Power, Wastewater Treatment, Food Processing, Nuclear Plants, Steel Mills, Oil Refineries, Hospitals, Residential and Commercial Buildings, etc. 
			 
			Recommended Preparatory Classes:
			 
			General Mathematics 
			Algebra 
			Geometry/Trigonometry 
			Basic Arc Welding 
			Shop Classes
			 
			Entry Process:
			 
			Applications are available on the First Wednesday of each month from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00p.m. (Noon) at the following location: 
			 
			Pipe Fitters Training Center Local Union 597 
			10850 W. 187th St. 
			Mokena, IL  60448 
			Phone: (708) 326-9240 
			Fax: (708) 326-9241 
			 
			Contact:
			 
			Matthew Majszak 
			Email: mmajszak@pftf597.org 
			 
			 
			 
			Mechanical Service Pipe Fitter (Updated May 2009)
             
            Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (HVAC/R)
             
             
			 
			Maintain and repair mechanical systems for heating, cooling and refrigeration. Most equipment is located outdoors. 
			 
			Length of Apprenticeship:
			 
			Five (5) years: 1,100 classroom hours.
  
			1st year (1st 6 months): An Apprentice works for a Union contactor four days per week and attends school one day per week. (7:00a.m.-3:30p.m.)
  
			1st year (2nd 6 months): An Apprentice works for a Union contractor Monday-Friday and attends school for 22 consecutive Saturdays (7:00a.m.-3:30p.m.)
  
			2nd year: An Apprentice works for a Union contractor four days per week and attends school one day per week (7:00a.m.-3:30p.m.).
  
			3rd & 4th Year: An Apprentice works for a Union contractor and attends school one day (7:00a.m.-3:30p.m.) every other week.
  
			5th Year: An Apprentice works for a Union contractor for the full year. All training is “on the job”. 
			 
			Wage Information:
			 
			An Apprentice earns a percentage of the Journeyman’s wage. Specific wage information will be given to accepted applicants. 
			 
			Benefits:
			 
			Health, Dental and Vision Insurance. Pension. Voluntary 401(K) Plan 
			 
			Basic Requirements:
			 
			Applicant must be an American Citizen or in the process of naturalization. 
			Applicant must be at least 17 years of age (Age as shown by a birth certificate). 
			Applicant must submit a high school diploma or G.E.D. certificate. 
			Applicant must be physically able to perform the duties of the trade. 
			Applicant must pass a written test and oral interview. 
			Applicant must pass two drug tests (Hair follicle & urinalysis). 
			Applicant must have reliable transportation. 
			Work experience in construction, or working with mechanical equipment is helpful, but not necessary for acceptance.
			 
			Working Conditions:
			 
			Mechanical Service Pipe Fitters work mostly outdoors in the following areas of work: Residential (Houses), Commercial (Office Buildings, Warehouses, Grocery Stores, Restaurants, Ice Rinks & Hospitals) Industrial (Oil Refineries, Nuclear Plants, Steel Mills & Factories). 
			 
			Recommended Preparatory Classes:
			 
			General Mathematics 
			Algebra 
			Geometry/Trigonometry 
			Basic Electricity 
			Basic Refrigeration and Heating 
			Computer Skills 
			Communication & Writing Skills
			 
			Entry Process:
			 
			Applications are available on the First Wednesday of each month from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00p.m. (Noon) at the following location: 
			 
			Pipe Fitters Training Center Local Union 597 
			10850 W. 187th St. 
			Mokena, IL  60448 
			Phone: (708) 326-9240 
			Fax: (708) 326-9241 
			 
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