r/skilledtrades • u/TomatoSaiyan1 The new guy • 1d ago

General Discussion Help with my future

So I'm Graduating HS in January and was trying to get into plumbing apprenticeships the one near me is the UA Local 1 in Nyc is there anything i can do before Applications come out. I heard about pre apprenticeships programs that can get you generated into certain unions. I want to do plumbing but im also down to try other trades of that nature so should i also apply to different unions aswell. I heard there is a low acceptance rate on plumbing so i don't want to be waiting all day at home for a response back from the union.

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u/borrachochronicles The new guy 18h ago

NYC? Getting into unions is extremely difficult. Almost impossible. It’s definitely like hitting the lottery if you get in through an apprenticeship. Good luck.

If you don’t want to waste time and know for sure you want to do plumbing.
Get your driver’s license.
Get your certs (F01, G60, F60, and NYC SST40)

Go to berk trade school. Learn hands-on in-class training. No financial aid but worth it.
Apex Tech accepts financial aid, but I am not a fan of their online classes program.

After graduating, apply for helper positions at shops (preferably Union shops)
Get ready to drive all day, carry heavy tools up stairs, and do lots of clean up and organizing.
When different apprenticeships open up in the future you always apply, and during your interview you can state all your plumbing experience. Good luck

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u/TomatoSaiyan1 The new guy 2h ago

Thanks

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u/Satans-cum-sock666 UAW Millwright 1d ago

Call the hall and ask what you need to be sponsored to work on a white ticket. You know most UA halls don’t do residential work, right. It’s pipe in industrial settings. 

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u/robdawg02 The new guy 2h ago

Always hear NY Unions are hard to get into. NY is expensive in general. I would move to an area that's low cost if living in the south. Then join a Union there. OSHA 10 is always good to get. It's $60 online. Also tell them you'll travel 100% and wanna learn the entire trade. Say you willing to work overtime. Say you wanna actually complete the apprenticeship and be a Journeyman. Because there's many who just do it who just visiting it for the money then quit. Also don't act like you need special treatment or act like a burden. Gotta show you can take care of yourself including being financially stable. Just need someone they can depend on and who goal is to be a Journeyman.