Steamfitter and Steamfitter Service Apprenticeship

Work Description

Steamfitters assemble, install, alter and repair pipelines or pipe systems required for processing, manufacturing, heating and cooling. They install piping and tubing made of carbon steel, copper, plastic, glass or other metals using a variety of processes including brazing, welding, screwing, gluing, bending and mechanical joints. Work includes installation of heating and cooling equipment and mechanical control systems.

Working Conditions

Steamfitters work in industrial plants, chemical plants, refineries, power plants, waste water treatment plants, hospitals and most other commercial, industrial, institutional and residential buildings. The indoor or outdoor work requires strenuous physical stamina with walking, standing, climbing, lifting and working in cramped spaces or in high areas. Steamfitters work in buildings, trenches, roofs, from scaffolding, on ladders and inside tanks. Safety training reduces hazards from exposure to chemicals, gases, fumes, loud noise and falls from ladders and scaffolds.

Training

• 5-year training program
• 7,501 hours of on-the-job learning
• 624 hours of paid related instruction
• 300 hours of unpaid related instruction to be completed on apprentice’s own time

Classroom subjects include drafting and blueprint reading, mathematics, applied physics and chemistry, and safety.

Apply

Application requirements:

• Be the minimum age as required and specified in the state employment laws
• Have high school diploma or equivalent
• Meet required norms on aptitude test (if required)
• Be physically able to perform trade work
• Have valid driver’s license or reliable transportation

I’m not currently employed by a business willing to sponsor me as an apprentice. How can I become a Steamfitter?

1. Complete apprentice application.
    
2. Contact Mid-State Technical College to complete the Accuplacer. You will need to achieve minimum raw scores as follows:
   • Reading – Accuplacer Classic: 66 | Accuplacer NextGeneration: 250
   • Arithmetic – Accuplacer Classic: 66 | Accuplacer NextGeneration: 235
   • Elementary Algebra or QAS – Accuplacer Classic: 33 | Accuplacer NextGeneration: 249
     
     Note: You may not be required to take the Accuplacer if you meet any of the following criteria:
     • You have taken the Accuplacer and achieved the minimum scores in the last five (5) years.
     • You have taken the ACT and achieved minimum scores of 17 in reading and math.
     • You have completed an associate or bachelor’s degree.
       
       Please contact the apprenticeship and work-based learning coordinator to evaluate waiving the Accuplacer requirement.
3. Obtain high school (or GED/HSED) and college transcripts. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
    
4. Submit completed application, Accuplacer results, and transcripts to:

   Cole Schmidt
   Apprenticeship Advisor & Pathways Navigator
   Mid-State Technical College / Wisconsin Rapids Campus
   500 32nd Street North
   Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
   715.422.5526

   Email | Schedule Appointment

5. After successful completion of steps 1–4, you will receive an invitation to attend the next Tri-City Steamfitters Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee meeting to receive a letter of introduction.
    
6. Use your letter of introduction as you apply for employment with potential sponsoring employers to show that you have met the requirements to become an apprentice.

I’m already employed by a business who is willing to put me on as an apprentice. What do I need to do?

1. Complete the apprentice application.
    
2. Have your employer complete the employer application.
    
3. Contact Mid-State Technical College to complete the Accuplacer. You will need to achieve minimum raw scores as follows:
   • Reading – Accuplacer Classic: 66 | Accuplacer NextGeneration: 250
   • Arithmetic – Accuplacer Classic: 66 | Accuplacer NextGeneration: 235
   • Elementary Algebra or QAS – Accuplacer Classic: 33 | Accuplacer NextGeneration: 249
     
     Note: You may not be required to take the Accuplacer if you meet any of the following criteria:
     • You have taken the Accuplacer and achieved the minimum scores in the last five (5) years.
     • You have taken the ACT and achieved minimum scores of 17 in reading and math.
     • You have completed an associate or bachelor’s degree.
       
       Please contact the apprenticeship a work-based learning coordinator to evaluate waiving the Accuplacer requirement.
4. Obtain high school (or GED/HSED) and college transcripts. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
    
5. Submit completed apprentice application, employer application, Accuplacer results, and transcripts to:

   Cole Schmidt
   Apprenticeship Advisor & Pathways Navigator
   Mid-State Technical College / Wisconsin Rapids Campus
   500 32nd Street North
   Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
   715.422.5526

   Email | Schedule Appointment

6. All completed information will be sent on to the Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards so that your apprenticeship contract can be developed. Your on-the-job training hours will begin to count after your contract is signed. You and your employer will be invited to the next Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee to approve your indenture.