Polar CAREER CONNECT

go EXPLORE get EXPERIENCE be INSPIRED

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Spotlight On... Skilled Trades In Demand

In this issue we go over the steps required to become a PLUMBER

Each area has it's own unique path. The following links will take you to resources to help you navigate the following:

Electrician

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)

Diesel Mechanic Technician

The process can be overwhelming. For further help and information make an appointment with Ms Stanley

North Grads In The Trades

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Carter Wold - Graduated From North: 2016 - Yes, that's Terri Wold's son:)

College/Training/Internship

I am Currently attending St. Paul College and will graduate in December 2021. St. Paul College is a 2 year program that leads you into the Apprenticeship.

Career:

I am focused on finishing up school and working a part time job on the side. Some of the classes I am taking are: motor controls, residential wiring, etc.

Teacher that inspired me:

Mr. Hackney

Advice to students: When joining the program or workforce have an open mind and be creative and a hard worker!

Activities/clubs

Played Lacrosse and Hockey and was a Captain on both. I Was also in DECA.

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Dave Zuercher - Graduated From North: 1990 - Andrea Hager's cousin:)

College: Bachelor of Science, Business Administration. Winona State

IBEW Limited Energy Apprenticeship 2020

Career: I am a Low Voltage Technician for ECSI, which is part of Hunt Electric. Hunt is one of the largest employee owned electrical contractors in the country. Mainly, I install fire alarm systems in commercial buildings. We handle all systems as a company so I also install card access, security cameras, voice data systems, overhead paging, and audio systems. I started with just my own homeowner skills and youtube tips (so I knew almost nothing) and went to the Local 110 IBEW union hall. They had me take reading and math aptitude tests and gave me information for the Joint Apprenticeship Training Center (JATC). The JATC is completely self-funded (the money comes ½ from employers and ½ from workers). All I paid for were books (about $1200 over 3 years), about $300 for hand tools, $100 for a few pair of work jeans and another $200 for a nice pair of Redwing boots. New apprentices would have to work 6000 hours in the field over 3.5 - 4 years and go to school for a full 8 hours (unpaid time) during fall, winter, and spring (about 28 class days per year).

Classes in trades/helpful courses taken at North: Shop classes were good, and Trigonometry.

Teacher that inspired me: Mr. Hoffman

Advice to students:

Call the JATC at 763-571-5922

Or go to their website at: www.statewidelea.org

They keep a list of new and existing apprentices who are looking for work and when the contractors want to hire, they call and ask for that list.

Once you are done with school, you’ll have enough hours to take your license exam (PLT) with the state of MN. You don’t have to get this license to continue working in our industry. A large percentage don’t get the license but it is a way ahead if you want to make more money and show your employer you are serious about your career. Once you are done with the apprenticeship, you are classified as a journey installer. So, you could be 22 years old with no college debt and making $30 an hour. Currently that position pays just over $29 per hour and I am assuming a raise each year would be built into future contracts. Getting your license and industry certifications (NICET fire alarm is a good one) would only make you more valuable.

Activities/clubs/awards from HS:

All conference Golf, National Honor Society

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Plumber

Snapshot:

Do you care about the environment?
Did you know that plumbers protect the health of our nation and conserve our natural resources? Plumbers install piping systems that carry liquids, gasses and waste for residential, commercial and industrial operations. Plumbers also install fixtures such as sinks, toilets, water heaters, drinking fountains, bathtubs and showers in homes, businesses, schools and hospitals among other places.

Starting Wage: $23.55/hr

Apprentice Journey-Level Wage $31.52/hr

Also known as: Drain Technician, Fire Sprinkler Service Technician, Pipe Fitter, Pipe Welder, Pipefitter, Plumber, Residential Plumber, Service Plumber, Sprinkler Fitter, Steamfitter

RECOMMENDED HIGH SCHOOL CLASSES

The recommended prerequisites for high school students include construction courses, shop courses, and math and science courses. Knowledge of chemistry, physics, algebra and geometry are all applied to the plumbing trade almost every day. Blueprint reading, mechanical drawing and woods or metal shop are also recommended.

Plumbers practice their mechanical skills regularly by using a variety of tools. Applicants also must enjoy problem-solving, as plumbers need to be able to see a problem, diagnose the source and fix the issue.

Seek out part-time jobs that require being physically fit and outdoors in a variety of conditions. A knowledge of tools such as the experience one gets working at a local hardware store is beneficial to a plumber apprentice candidate.

CAREER BASICS

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You Must Be at Least 18

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Get Your High School Diploma

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Pass A Basic Math Test

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HOW TO BECOME A PLUMBER

In addition to the basic requirements above:

You will need a clean drug test
You will need some working knowledge of computers
Get training at either a trade school or community college program.
Complete an apprenticeship program which takes 4-5 years to complete.
Get that plumbing license in whichever capacity your state requires.

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HOW TO FIND AN APPROVED APPRENTICSHIP PROGRAM

A plumber apprenticeship is a four-to-five year paid program in which apprentices receive both on-the-job practical training and classroom instruction. The apprenticeship requires 8,500 hours of on-the-job training and 144 classroom training hours each year.

An apprentice may choose to pursue one of several paths which are unique to each local.

For example, here is the process of applying to the St. Paul and Mankato Plumbers Union Local 34. Candidates can apply to St. Paul College, to begin an apprenticeship through Local 34. Applications are reviewed for acceptance two times per year on September 30 and January 1.

After applying, candidates take the Accuplacer exam, which includes reading, arithmetic and mechanical aptitude tests. For more information on how to schedule and pass the Accuplacer read here. Applications are accepted year-round but potential candidates must take the Accuplacer exam by September 30 to be considered for an interview in October. Fees for supplies are about $750 per semester.

Interested candidates should resource local offices listed below for apprenticeship opportunities in your area.

When a plumber apprentice can demonstrate competence in vital skills, the apprenticeship will be complete. Apprentices will graduate to journey-level status after passing the Minnesota State Plumbing License exam. After joining the union, apprentices will be eligible for benefits after two months of work.

FIND YOUR PLUMBER APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM AND LOCAL OFFICES

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To Union or not to Union, that is the question

Should you sign up with a local union or independent contractor? This article talks about the pros and cons of unionization.

HELPFUL RESOURCES TO EXPLORE TRADES CAREERS

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CONSTRUCTION CAREER PATHWAYS is a fantastic FREE resource where you can explore careers in the trades. Construction Careers - PLUMBERS. To explore further, make an appointment with Ms. Jorgensen

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TRADES HUB is another valuable resource where you can explore trades and manufacturing careers, find training programs with scholarships, and land a job.