How to Apply

Housing Plumbers install pipes for water systems, drain, waste and vent piping systems, irrigation and lawn sprinkler systems, domestic swimming pools, domestic vacuum cleaning systems, water mains, chemical fire protection, storm and sanitary sewers, residential gas, oil, heating and air conditioning piping, as well as bathroom, toilet room and shower room accessories. They install the above-piping systems on single family and multi-family residential projects up to five stories in height. They also work on hotels and motels up to and including three stories in height. The housing plumber installs all of the fixtures and appurtenances for the above mentioned projects. They use both hand and power tools in their work for cutting, bending and threading pipe. They join pipe together using various techniques such as soldering, brazing, gluing and use of mechanical joints. Housing plumbers must also run tests on their installations to assure that the system is functioning properly and meets the plumbing code. They are also called upon to clear pipelines and drains and to make repairs on fixtures and leaking pipes.

Plumbers install pipes for water, gas and medical gas systems. They also install sanitary facilities such as lavatories, toilets, tubs, bathroom fixtures, showers, kitchen fixtures, drinking fountains and laundry equipment. Plumbers use a variety of skills to install piping systems. They use both hand and power tools in their work for cutting, bending and threading pipe and make solid welded and soldered joints. Plumbers must also run tests on their installations to assure that the system is functioning properly and meets the plumbing code. They are often called upon to clear pipelines and drains and to make repairs on fixtures and leaking pipes.

Refrigeration fitters install, maintain, and service heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC), and refrigeration systems. Often refrigeration fitters are called upon to service boilers and chillers. Refrigeration fitters’ work is physically active and can be strenuous. Their work is usually indoors, occasionally they are called on to work outdoors and in unfinished sections of new buildings. It is often necessary to stand for long periods of time. Sometimes the work is in uncomfortable surroundings and in nearly inaccessible locations. Refrigeration fitters must be able to understand detailed written and verbal instructions. They must be able to plan ahead and visualize completed projects. They should enjoy working with their hands and accept occasionally unfavorable working conditions.

Steamfitters are craftsmen who assemble, install, and maintain pipes to carry water, steam, compressed air, gases and fluids needed for processing manufacturing, heating or cooling. The journeyman steamfitter must be able to adapt and repair pipe systems and install appliances, heating and refrigeration units and do all types of pipe welding. Steamfitters work with both high and low pressure pipes, mainly in industrial and commercial buildings. They also install and repair residential heating and cooling equipment. Certified welding is often required for a particular job and is offered as part of the educational process.

Answer: No. We expect candidates to research programs and choose a path before applying.

Answer: We accept applications all year. Deadlines are set for interview scheduling twice a year. If you miss a deadline, your application will simply be held until the next scheduling period.

Answer: Once your complete application is filed, you will be contacted after the application deadline period to be scheduled for an interview.

Answer: Interviews are conducted by a panel, which generally includes a coordinator, instructors, and union and industry representatives. Interviews are generally 15-20 minutes long.

Answer: Be prepared by understanding the career for which you are applying; be able to explain how your educational, professional and personal experiences are a fit for the career, and you can bring resumes or portfolios of work.

Answer: All applicant scores are compiled and ranked on a list. We accept apprentices from the top of this list, going down, and only if we have apprenticeship slots with long-term employment available. This list gets posted on the Seattle Area Pipe Trades Website at www.seattlepipetrades.org on the Apply page. It is updated after each interview period is complete for all trades.

Answer: If you are accepted into the program, a Coordinator or JATC member will call you when we are ready to register apprentices. We do not contact people who are not accepted into the program – it is imperative that you look at your ranking on the list. It is posted on the seattlepipetrades.org website “Apply” page.

Answer: Seattle Area Pipe Trades is a very competitive program. We receive hundreds of applications each interview cycle. If this is the career path you really want, do not be deterred. Be persistent, reapply, and work on skills or suggestions you may receive from the interview panel.