Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship is both an ancient tradition and a highly effective
modern training method, particularly for those choosing to work in the
exciting and technical HVACR service industry. The United Association
has the first nationally registered joint apprenticeship program in the
United States, dating back to 1936 over 60 years ago! Individuals who
enter a United Association five-year apprenticeship program are part of
a select group of men and women motivated to learn a complex and
challenging trade while upholding the ideals of trade unionism.
Applicants are evaluated on the same fair basis, without regard to race,
sex, national origin or religious affiliation. UA apprentices learn
through both classroom and on-the-job training in what is considered by
many to be the best construction industry apprentice program in the
world. One of the things that make the UA training programs so
successful is that it is a joint partnership between labor and
management.
The five-year apprenticeship period is divided into one year segments,
each of which includes 1,700 to 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and a
minimum of 160 hours related classroom instruction.
UANJ apprentices attend school for classroom, computer and shop
instruction for a full eight hour day every two weeks, and work for a
signatory HVACR contractor for on-the-job training the other nine days.
There's over 160 Union HVACR Contractors in the UANJ jurisdiction. The
UANJ Apprentice will work on-the-job under the guidance of Journeyworker
on real Installation and Service jobs. The Training program is not easy.
UANJ Apprentices must learn Math, Physics, Electrical Troubleshooting
and Computer Literacy in addition to mechanical concepts and procedures.
UANJ apprentices must work long sometimes irregular hours the same as
journeymen plus attend classes. Yet, this can be a highly rewarding
career path for an individual who is motivated to learn the HVACR trade
and become an active member of a proud and noble trade union.
Our Journeymen and Training Departments are divided into the two
segments. Please visit the appropriate page for upgrade classes or for
apprenticeship information.: