Becoming a Steamfitter

HOW TO BECOME A STEAMFITTER

Whether you’re new to the trades or bringing prior experience, Local 601 offers multiple pathways to become a steamfitter. Options include a traditional apprenticeship, as well as our Accelerated Welding and Advanced HVAC programs.

Steamfitters Local 601 members work on process piping systems. This work is covered by two separate classifications of a skilled workforce.

Construction Steamfitters
Construction steamfitters are responsible for laying out, assembling, fabricating, troubleshooting, maintaining, and repairing piping systems that transport water, steam, chemicals, compressed air, liquids, gases, and fuel. These systems are critical to energy production, heating and cooling, food and beverage processing, manufacturing, lubrication, and a wide variety of other industrial and commercial processes.

HVAC-Refrigeration/Service Steamfitters
HVAC-Refrigeration/Service steamfitters specialize in installing, commissioning, maintaining, troubleshooting, and servicing the piping, equipment, and controls for HVAC, refrigeration, and process systems. These systems carry water, refrigerants, steam, chemicals, air, liquid gases, and fuel for use in heating, cooling, food and beverage processing, manufacturing, power generation, lubrication, and other applications.

BECOMING A STEAMFITTER THROUGH APPRENTICESHIP

This is a 5-year basic entry program designed for individuals with minimal to no prior background. Apprentices receive training both on the job and from a proprietary curriculum of classroom instruction. Upon completion of this program, apprentices become successful Journey-Level Steamfitters in the industry.

Incredibly, you don’t need a college or associate’s degree to become a Steamfitter. We refer to Steamfitters Local 601 as the “Keepers of the Craft” because we teach these skills here, in our halls and on the job – and you won’t get this kind of training anywhere else other than a UA Steamfitters Union.

Not only can you have a highly lucrative career, but you won’t go into debt with student loans! In fact, you will be paid a terrific wage while you work for major employers, attend our apprenticeship training classes, and pick up important skills. After 5 years, if you meet the requirements you will graduate from our apprenticeship program and become a journeyman.

ACCELERATED AND ADVANCED TRAINING PROGRAMS

ACCELERATED WELDING PROGRAM

This is an 18-week program designed for individuals with an extensive welding background. Steamfitter Trainees combine their prior welding abilities with a variety of welding processes to acquire industry-demanded certifications then follow up with a proprietary curriculum in the classroom. Upon completion of this program, Trainees become successful Journey-Level Steamfitters in the industry.

ADVANCED HVAC SERVICE TRAINING

This is a training that would be customized for individuals with an extensive service background. The Advanced HVAC Service training offers focused, performance-based training designed to fill any gaps in knowledge or skillsets from prior years of industry experience and prepares you for success in the HVAC Refrigeration/Service business. Trainees learn the trade through structured training opportunities while working to become successful Journey-Level Steamfitters in the industry.

VETERANS IN PIPING

This career skills training program is designed to help Wisconsin’s veterans obtain the skills needed for a rewarding career in the pipe trades. The 18-week accelerated program is recognized by the Department of Defense and the Department of Labor.

WORKING AS A STEAMFITTER

Often called ‘the special forces of the trades’ Steamfitters do work that is both physically and mentally demanding, which is why we are highly selective in whom we choose to train. Traits like teamwork, listening skills, punctuality, and attention to detail are incredibly important when you are doing work that would otherwise be dangerous – or deadly. Those chosen are often leaders in their personal circles.

Steamfitters work indoors and outdoors on physically demanding tasks that often require climbing, heavy lifting (over 50 lbs.), and strenuous physical stamina with walking, standing, and working in confined to elevated work areas. Operation of various hand tools, power-actuated tools, heavy equipment, welding machines, cutting torches, and other industry-related equipment and tools is required. Steamfitters work on various job sites, including new construction, hospitals, industrial, chemical, power, and wastewater treatment plants, and most other commercial or institutional buildings and residential sites. Project locations range from new or existing buildings and facilities to trenches, roofs, or tunnels. Further job site conditions include exposure to various weather conditions, job site amenities of portable toilets and wash stations, loud noises, dim or dusty environments, and even overtime requirements or shifted start times.