Apprenticeship
The UA offers a comprehensive training program for all members. The Apprenticeship program typically runs for five-years with a graduated pay scale. Apprentices are trained on Weeknights and on Saturday's while working, so you learn while you earn!
On the job training with the best hands in the business means that at the end of your five years as an apprentice you will be a master craftsman/woman in the pipefitting business.
UA Local 537 members are found on all commercial and industrial projects including school construction jobs, powerhouses, chip-fab plants, hospitals and universities.
Union benefits go beyond our excellent healthcare coverage and wages. As a union member your wages and benefits are guaranteed through the collective bargaining process.
Many people don’t know that if you work without a contract in ANY INDUSTRY, your employer can change your job description at will. They can even change your salary or decide that you are not eligible for overtime pay.
As a union member, your contract spells out your working conditions, which go far beyond your wages. Health and safety issues are clearly addressed in the contract, and you are provided with representation in the case that your rights are violated by an employer.
Our Training Center is located in Dorchester and the address is as follows:
40 Enterprise Street
Dorchester, MA 02125
617-825-3777
Apprenticeship Application Process
The 2013 Application Submission Period is now closed.
Thank you to all the men and women who expressed an interest in our 'Brotherhood' and applied for our apprentice program.
If you were unable to apply prior to the January 31, 2013 deadline, please revisit this website again in November when Pipefitters Local Union 537 will post the January 2014 recruitment schedule.
Download printable instructions January application info 2013.doc
Applicants must apply in person, be at least 18 years of age at the time of application, a high school graduate or equivalent, and have a valid driver’s license. Copies of the following documents must be submitted with the application. Please note: photocopy service will not be available.
- HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA OR GED
- HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT OF GRADES OR GED TEST RESULTS
- BIRTH CERTIFICATE
- VALID DRIVER’S LICENSE
- SOCIAL SECURITY CARD
- DD-214 (Military Discharge) if applicable
Additional information will be given to applicant at the time of application.
Pipefitters 537 strongly urges and welcomes our returning veterans to apply for apprenticeship. We thank you for your dedication to our country and hope to offer you a career and a brotherhood after your service has ended. Please click the "Veterans in Piping" Logo below to learn more about our "VIP "program.
When are applications accepted?
Applications are accepted during specific times throughout the year and we generally take in one apprentice class per year. Applications for our 2014 Apprenticeship Program will be accepted in January 2014. Dates and Times have not yet been released.
Where Do I Apply?
Applications must be filled out in person at our Training Center Location:
The 537 Thomas F. Kelly Training Center
40 Enterprise Street
Dorchester, MA 02125
Is there an interview process?
Yes, selected applicants who applied in January will be notified by registered mail when an interview has been scheduled. Interviews usually occur in April. If your address has changed since your original application submission, please notify the training center or click on the 'contact us' button below. Make sure you clearly state that the address change is for an apprentice applicant.
If I am not selected as an apprentice, how do I keep my application active?
Applicants not selected will be notified by certified mail. Candidates wishing to be considered for the following years class, must return the card enclosed with their notice to the training center. Applications are valid for 1 year after your original interview only if you sign and return the card stating your continued interest in our program.
How many times can I apply?
Applicants may apply once every two years.
If I am selected in your apprentice program, how will I be trained?
Apprentices are mentored in the field and are on the job during normal, daily shift hours.
Apprentices are trained by our certified teaching staff in a simulated work environment, 2 to 3 nights per week. Classes are in session from September to April.
Fraternally,
Timothy T. Gilligan, Training Coordinator
Click Here to contact the Apprentice/Training Department via email.