Apprenticeship Information

Sprinkler fitters are pipefitting specialists in fire protection.  They install, repair, and maintain all types of fixed extinguishing systems.  While most of this work deals directly with automatic sprinkler systems they also have the skills necessary to install and service a wide variety of other fire protection equipment such as standpipes, carbon dioxide systems, halon systems, foam systems and dry chemical systems.

If you should become a member of the Local 281 Joint Apprenticeship Program the facts of life are that you:

• Are under the jurisdiction and control of the Local 281 Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee and assigned to a contractor for training.
• Must complete a 5-Year apprenticeship in the related training program.
• Must perform satisfactorily both on the job and in the Related Training Program.  Unsatisfactory progress in either area can result in termination of your apprenticeship.
• Must travel to the job location.
• Are required to work both inside and outdoors.  The job can vary from working in a trench 8 feet below the grade level working 100 feet or higher above the floor.  The majority of the work is done 10 to 20 feet off the floor.
• Will work with overhead piping normally ranging in size from 1 inch to 8 inches and with underground pipe normally between 4 inches and 16 inches in size.
• Will receive a starting wage as established by Agreement between Local 281 and the National Fire Sprinkler Association, Inc.  Those performing satisfactorily will receive an increase based on a percentage of the Journeyman’s rate each year.
• Will become eligible for Health and Welfare benefits for yourself and your immediate family on the first day of the calendar month following your completion of 600 hours work on the trade.  Your employer will also make contributions into a fund to cover the cost of your education and, upon completion of Grade 2 Apprenticeship, will begin payments on your pension.

REQUIREMENTS:

The Sprinkler Fitters Union Local 281, U.A. Joint Apprentice Committee will begin accepting applications for admission to the Sprinkler Fitters Apprentice Training Program.  Applications will be accepted at various times throughout the year. See below under the current news items for the list of dates and hours for applications.

Qualification for Apprenticeship Applicants:

1. All applicants must be at least 18 years of age by December 31, 2006.
2. A photocopy copy of your birth certificate showing that you are not less than 17 years age must be provided.
3. A photocopy of your high school diploma or high school equivalency (G.E.D.) certificate must be provided.
4. All Veterans must provide a photocopy of their most recent Military Form (DD-214).
5. Applicants must pass a physical examination upon entry into the program.
6. Applicants will be required to successfully pass a drug-screening test as a condition of employment.
7. Applicants must provide a $25.00 non-refundable application fee by certified check or money order only, made payable to Local 281, J.A.C. NO PERSONAL CHECKS WILL BE ACCEPTED!
8. A valid driver’s license and dependable transportation are mandatory. The Sprinkler Fitters Union Local 281, U.A. territory includes all of these eight counties in Illinois, Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will and that portion of Lake and Porter counties in Indiana north of U.S. Route 30.

Entry Process:

1. The Application form must be completed on site.
2. All required documents MUST be presented at the time of application, i.e. photocopy of birth certificate, photocopy of high school diploma or G.E.D., photocopy of valid I.D. and photocopy of DD-214 if you are a veteran. PLEASE BRING PHOTOCOPIES OF THESE DOCUMENTS. ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS WILL NOT BE RETURNED!
3. Applications will close on June 30, 2006, to allow testing and interviewing of all applicants who qualify. NO APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER JUNE 30, 2006. All Applicants must appear in person, present one photo I.D., and a $25.00 application fee to receive an application. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE PROCESSED!

For more Information Contact:

Sprinkler Fitters Local Union 281
Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee
11900 South Laramie Avenue
Alsip, IL 60803

Phone:  (708) 597-1800
Fax:  (708) 597-1894

Click Here to email the Apprenticeship/Training Coordinator.

Current Apprenticeship News Items and Pertinent Info