Greater Western Washington Pipe Trades
Working Towards a Brighter Future
Application Requirements
Interview Dates Vary By Location
Identification
Washington State Driver's License
Required
Education
Must provide proof of High School Diploma or GED
Required
Testing
Required
After you have completed the application, you will be required to take a comprehensive exam. This test is completed at our training facilities, at no cost to the applicant. This test will be scheduled at different times of the month based on facility location. Please check with the office when these testing dates are available.
Drug Testing
Prior to employment, a 9 panel non-DOT drug test will be required.
Required
Other Documents
Resume, Certifications, Letters of Recommendation, Examples of Previous Projects
Suggested
FAQ
The Answers You Need
When can I apply?
Applications are available year-round at all facilities. The Northwest Region offers interviews as needed; while West Sound interviews once a year in the summer. The Southwest Region conducts interviews in January and July, with applications being cut off at the end of October and April, respectively.
What will I get paid?
Apprentices start out getting paid 50% of the current Journeyman scale. In addition, there is a full medical, dental, and retirement package. For every 1,000 hours worked (approx. 6 months) apprentices are given a 5% increase on their paycheck.
What am I responsible to pay out of pocket?
Union dues and books are required to be paid out of the apprentice’s pocket. Books may vary in price, depending on the classes scheduled.
Which location do I apply to?
The Burlington facility covers Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom counties. The Lacey facility covers Pierce, Thurston, Lewis, Grays Harbor and Pacific counties. The Bremerton facility covers Kitsap and Mason counties. The Longview facility covers Cowlitz and Skamania counties.
Why should I choose to be union?
Being affiliated with a union provides you with a comprehensive wage and benefit package that ensures you have medical coverage, that you build a retirement for the future and you will receive some of the highest wages in the piping industry.
How long is the apprenticeship program?
We are a 10,000 hour program; which equates to approx. 5 years to complete.
Who do we hire?
We are looking for motivated people who enjoy building things and do not mind being in the weather. We believe in a diverse workforce and encourage minorities and women to apply for our apprenticeship program. We build America! If you are the kind of person who would take great pride in driving by a school or a power plant that you helped build; and maybe even showing it off to your friends or relatives one day, this may be the place for you! Above all, we are all family here at Greater Western Washington Pipe Trades. This is a place to learn and to become the best mechanic possible. The opportunities here at Local 26 are endless.
What happens after I submit my application?
~ Your application is processed into our system.
~ All applicants who have submitted a complete application will receive notification detailing the required eSkills test prior to the Interview date.
~ After completing the eSkills test, applicants will then be invited to a Committee Interview.
~ All applicants who complete the Interview Process will be evaluated and placed on an eligibility list for consideration into the apprenticeship program. Your name will remain on the eligibility list for two years.
~ You must be able to pass a 9-panel non-DOT drug test with "Negative" results before being dispatched.