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DC
MD
VA
6 months ago
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Plumbing Apprenticeship Applications
The Washington D.C. Joint Plumbing Apprentice Committee accepts applications year-round and is now accepting applications for the 2026/2027 school year. Applications are accepted online only and can be accessed by following the link below. While the application process is open year-round; the entrance exam process is conducted on specific dates, and a limited number of apprentices are accepted each year prior to the beginning of the school calendar year in September. Testing for the 2026/2027 school year will begin in early 2026. Applicants are encouraged to turn in their online application and all required documentation as soon as possible.
Plumbers & Gasfitters Local Union 5 Jurisdiction
Plumbing Program
The Plumbing program is one of three programs offered by the Washington, D.C. Joint Plumbing Apprenticeship Committee (UA Local 5 JATC). It is a longstanding five-year apprenticeship process that consists of approximately 1200 hours of classroom instruction in addition to full-time on-the-job training.
Plumbers install and repair water, drainage, waste & vent, as well as gas pipes in homes, businesses, and factories. They install and repair large water lines, such as those which supply water to buildings, and smaller ones, including lines that supply water to refrigerators. Plumbers also install plumbing fixtures—bathtubs, showers, sinks, and toilets—and appliances such as dishwashers, garbage disposals, and water heaters. In addition, they fix plumbing problems. For example, when a pipe is clogged or leaking, plumbers remove the clog or replace the pipe. Some plumbers maintain septic systems—the large, underground holding tanks that collect waste from houses not connected to a city or county’s sewer system.
BIM/VDC (CAD)
The Washington, D.C. Joint Plumbing Apprenticeship Committee (UA Local 5 JATC) offers a comprehensive BIM/VDC (Building Information Modeling/Virtual Design and Construction) program for nearly 300 hours over three years. Students start with the basics of Autodesk design programs, PDF management software, modeling pipe and equipment, and work towards advanced understanding of all software and hardware tied to project design and coordination. Apprentices who opt to specialize in BIM/VDC complete the same classroom coursework as all apprentice plumbers but attend an extra evening for the elective during the second, third, fourth, and fifth years of the program.
BIM/VDC capable coordinators and designers are always in demand by our contractors. Apprentices and journeyworkers who choose this elective obtain a deep understanding of how our systems and ALL trades fit and function together within a given project.
WELDING
Plumbers know, but much of the public is unaware, that welding is a critical component of plumbing and gasfitting. Larger domestic water lines are run in stainless steel when the price of copper becomes cost prohibitive. While smaller commercial fuel gas piping is run in threaded steel pipe, larger sizes require welded steel pipe. The UA Local 5 JATC offers multiple welding certifications for joining pipe and is always increasing the offered certifications.
GREEN TECHNOLOGIES
Our industry is always changing and the push for ecological plumbing improvements in technology is going to continue not just as a trend, but as a critical part of infrastructure and water conservation measures. Potable water is becoming more scarce and more expensive. Conserving and using rainwater through Rainwater Harvesting Systems and using the maximally efficient water heating and storage methods are critical to keeping our environment and ourselves healthy and sustainable. We currently offer a two trimester Green Technologies class which will grow and adapt with the technology and local market.
Requirements
REQUIREMENTS
-High School Diploma or GED Certificate
-Submission of an online application and required application documents
-Completion of Entrance Exam Process, which includes the completion of a computer-based assessment, an in-person proctored math exam, and an in-person interview, to be considered for admission by review and selection by the Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee “JATC”
Click Here to Access the Online Application
The following documents are required to complete your application. All must be uploaded online in your application, with the exception of your official transcripts which can be mailed or brought in-person to the Plumbers Local 5 Training Facility located at 5000 Forbes Blvd., Lanham, MD 20706. Official electronic transcripts are also accepted but must be submitted directly to our office from the transcript service or educational institution to applications@plumbersualocal5training.com. Please note that these documents can take several weeks to obtain if copies are needed.
-Birth Certificate or U.S. Passport
-SOCIAL SECURITY CARD
-Valid Driver’s License or Valid State issued Identification Card
-High School Diploma or GED Certificate
-Official Transcript of Grades (sealed school envelope, original with raised school seal, or electronic official copy) or GED Test Scores
*If you have a transcript from another country, you must have your Embassy verify in writing that it is equivalent to U.S. High School standards.
Upon verification of your documentation, you will be sent an email confirming your eligibility to participate in the entrance exam process. After receiving this email, you will be notified of the available test dates by mail/email. If you fail to complete your document requirements, your application will be considered incomplete, and you will proceed no further in our application process. Applications are maintained for a two-calendar year period.
ENTRY EXAM PROCESS:
All eligible applicants are REQUIRED to complete the 3-step entrance exam process. Eligible applicants will be notified of the entrance exam process dates via email and mail when they are established. Please note that there is no study guide available for the entry exam process however, frequently asked questions for each step can be found by clicking here .
Step 1: Proctored Journey Assessment (Computer-Based)
On the established date, eligible applicants will receive an invitation to schedule a proctored journey assessment in-person at the Training Facility. The assessment takes about 30 minutes to complete. Click here for more information on how to prep for the assessment and other frequently asked questions.
The assessment is a brief, validated assessment that will help the Committee select applicants for open spots in the Apprenticeship Program using an objective, fair, and consistent process. The assessment will also help you learn about the Apprenticeship Program and determine if the program is the right career step for you.
Step 2: Proctored Math Exam (Computer-Based)
Immediately following the journey assessment, the applicant will then complete a proctored math exam, consisting of basic math skills (addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, fractions, rules measurement, converting feet to inches). The exam takes about 30 minutes to complete. Please note that calculators are not permitted during the exam and the exam is not timed.
The math Assessment is a brief, validated assessment that will help the Committee select applicants for open spots in the Apprenticeship Program using an objective, fair and consistent process. The assessment was designed to include an assessment of basic math skills that are required to be successful in the Apprenticeship Program- both in the classroom and on job sites.
Step 3: Panel Interview
Upon completion of the journey assessment and math exam, qualifying applicants will then be contacted via email to schedule a panel interview in-person at the Training Facility. The interviews are about 30 minutes in length and consist of structured interview questions by a panel of interviewers who are involved in the Apprenticeship Program.
The interview involves a brief set of questions asked by a panel of interviewers who are involved in the Apprenticeship Program. The questions will be about your past experiences in other jobs or at school that are related to areas important for success in the Apprenticeship Program. All candidates will be asked the same questions that are evaluated by the interview panelists using the same standards.
CLICK HERE FOR ENTRY EXAM PROCESS FAQ’S
Upon completing the entrance exam process, you will be placed in a pool of eligible applicants based on the scores you receive. The Apprenticeship Committee will select eligible applicants from the top of the pool to be admitted to the upcoming Apprenticeship school year. If accepted, you will be notified via email and mail of your acceptance and next steps. If you are not selected, all scores are maintained in the applicant pool for a two-calendar year period. Please keep your address, email, and phone number updated with our office.
Please be advised by submitting an application, you consent to a drug test in the event you are selected for admission to the Apprenticeship Program. If accepted, Apprentices are placed at employment for on-the-job training within the boundaries of the Local 5 Union’s jurisdiction and are scheduled to attend classes one day a week at the Training Facility. The school year begins in September and ends in July each year for five years.
The Committee selects students of any race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. The Apprentice Committee is actively recruiting applicants including minorities and females.
Still have questions?
Contact the main office at (301) 552-3505
Additional Information
United Association - Union of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders and Service Techs