Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 51 Apprenticeship Training
The application period for the 2026-2027 school year has ended.
The next application period will be March 1-12, 2027.
The United Association has the first nationally registered joint apprenticeship program in the United States---60 years and growing! Our apprenticeship program has one goal---to ensure every job done by our members is Done Once. Done Right.
The Local 51 Joint Apprentice Training Program is comprised of classroom and hands on training over a 5 year period. Apprentices graduate with 1,230 classroom hours and 10,000 on-the-job hours, as well as the required trade certifications. All apprentices receive instruction in basic math, blueprint reading and Trimble training, with health and safety emphasized throughout the program.
The Local 51 Training program is an accredited school in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The training department will register you as an Apprentice in RI and MA, leading to eventual dual Journeyperson licensing in both states.
Classes are 2-3 nights a week, Monday through Friday from 5 PM to 9 PM, running September – May. Job placement with Union Contractors will be set up once a position becomes available.
Right now, first year apprentices make over $21.00 an hour! Local 51 also provides an hourly benefit package in addition to the hourly rate:
- Health Insurance: Health, Eye and Dental Insurance
- Pension: A fund into which a sum of money is added during an employee's employment years and from which payments are drawn to support the person's retirement from work in the form of periodic payments for life.
- Annuity: Union annuities are established under contracts negotiated with employers. Employers make tax-exempt contributions on behalf of the workers. Employees do not make contributions. Contributions and accumulated interest grow tax-free until withdrawn from the plan.
Local 51 offers Apprenticeships in Plumbing, Pipefitting, and Refrigeration (HVAC). Click on the trade below for more information:
Plumbing Pipefitting Refrigeration
Local 51 prides itself on holding highest standards of excellence, our dedication to the education of our members is our highest priority. Local 51 offers continuing education after graduation, as well as the ability to re-indenture for a second trade after receiving your first Journeyperson license.
UA Local 51