Our Trades

Instrumentation Mechanic

Instrumentation Mechanics install, maintain and repair the measuring and control instruments used in industrial and commercial processing. They work with a wide variety of pneumatic, electronic and microcomputer instruments used to measure and control variables such as pressure, flow, temperature, level, motion, force, and chemical composition and have a high level of computer skills.

Job Description

In general, Instrumentation Mechanics consult manufacturers manuals to determine test and maintenance procedures, use testing devices to inspect and test instrument and system operation and diagnose faults, consult with and advise process operators, repair, maintain and adjust system components or remove and replace defective parts, calibrate and maintain components and instruments according to manufacturers' specifications, and install and maintain instruments on new or existing plant equipment and processes.

Training

Training to become an Instrumentation Mechanic is available through a union apprenticeship program offered by the United Association of Journeypersons and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada.

The application process to become a part of the union includes in most jurisdictions in Canada that you must be at least 16 years of age and have a minimum Grade 12 education. Instrumentation is a complex, analytical trade, and taking courses in mathematics and science, as well as having good oral and writing skills, are necessary in preparing yourself for a career as an Instrument Mechanic. An apprentice is someone who learns a trade by working under the guidance of a qualified Journeyperson in the trade so they “learn while they earn”. The skills that are developed under this arrangement have been a proven model for the trades since the 1400’s when the apprenticeship model began. Learning skills from a person that has completed their trade is still the best way to become a master at your craft. The apprentice also has to attend training at a registered apprenticeship program delivery agent and learn the theoretical skills required for the position. You get paid by the hour while working on the job site.

Payback

Apprenticeship is both an ancient tradition and a highly effective modern training method, proving to still be the best system for trades training. This is a highly rewarding career path for an individual who is motivated to learn the piping trade and become an active member of a proud and noble trade union. The rewards of Union Apprenticeship Training are the good wages and benefits you receive as a skilled craftsperson. You'll be working under the protection of a union contract with insurance, pension and health and welfare benefits. In the long run, it pays to become an Instrument Mechanic, trained through Union Apprenticeship!

Plumber

Plumbers enjoy a multi-faceted trade installing, repairing and maintenance and service of piping and plumbing systems and equipment used for drinking water distribution, sanitary storm water systems, and waste disposal for the health and safety of the general public. Plumbers work mostly in the new home building and renovation industry, high rise, industrial, institutional and commercial construction sectors including hospitals schools and other institutional buildings.

Job Description

People think of a plumber in the domestic sense, only as a person who installs and fixes faucets, drains and bathroom fixtures. However, plumbing is a multi-faceted trade with applied skills, for example in hospitals, commercial buildings, manufacturing plants, houses, apartments and process piping. As a Plumber, one designs and installs above and below ground potable water systems, installs above ground sanitary storm and waste systems, pumps and water treatment systems, and, of course, installs sinks and bathroom fixtures in homes as well as process piping, gas piping, and related equipment. They also work on technical installations for Medical Gas, Hydronic in-floor heating, and many facets of “Green” technology including Solar Panels, Heat Pumps, Cross Connection Control and many other systems that are crucial to the health and safety of the general public, but are not always evident to the consumer.

Training

Training to become a Plumber is available through a union apprenticeship program offered by the United Association of Journeypersons and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada.

The application process to become a part of the union includes in most jurisdictions in Canada that you must be at least 16 years of age and have a minimum Grade 12 education. Plumbing is a complex, analytical trade, and taking courses in mathematics and science, as well as having good oral and writing skills, are necessary in preparing yourself for a career as a Plumber. An apprentice is someone who learns a trade by working under the guidance of a qualified Journeyperson in the trade so they “learn while they earn”. The skills that are developed under this arrangement have been a proven model for the trades since the 1400’s when the apprenticeship model began. Learning skills from a person that has completed their trade is still the best way to become a master at your craft. The apprentice also has to attend training at a registered apprenticeship program delivery agent and learn the theoretical skills required for the position. You get paid by the hour while working on the job site.

Payback

Apprenticeship is both an ancient tradition and a highly effective modern training method, proving to still be the best system for trades training. This is a highly rewarding career path for an individual who is motivated to learn the piping trade and become an active member of a proud and noble trade union. The rewards of Union Apprenticeship Training are the good wages and benefits you receive as a skilled craftsperson. You'll be working under the protection of a union contract with insurance, pension and health and welfare benefits. In the long run, it pays to become a Plumber, trained through Union Apprenticeship!

Welder

A Welder works in every area of the construction industry where metals and alloys are joined. This includes structural steel and every type of piping system that is available. In the piping industry they are called upon to join structural steel for brackets and supports for systems, as well as completing welding processes on all types of specialty metals that are used for process piping. These processes require a high degree of hand to eye coordination to complete the required work. The welder has to be able to work in many different areas in all types of positions to complete work and also works with programmable electronic and robotic welding equipment for specialty work.

Job Description

Welders weld on structural steel industry as well as the piping. They deal with the installation, maintenance and repair of piping systems but there are differences in where the work is performed, the types of piping involved and the training required. Welders can work with plumbers, gasfitters, sprinkler systems installers, instrument mechanics and refrigeration mechanics. To install a typical piping system in a commercial building or industrial plant, a Welder will study blueprints, drawings and specifications to determine the type of pipe and tools to use to complete finished welds, and lay out the sequence of tasks, sometimes make detailed sketches for pipe and equipment fabrication and installation, as required, measure, cut, and weld various alloy piping, carbon steel, using electric and fuel cutting and welding equipment to complete the task, as well as measure cut and weld various types of structural steel for plants, buildings, tanks, and vessels of all shapes and sizes, Use specialized computer welding equipment to complete high purity welds.

Training

Training to become a Welder is available through a union apprenticeship program offered by the United Association of Journeypersons and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada.

The application process to become a part of the union includes in most jurisdictions in Canada that you must be at least 16 years of age and have a minimum Grade 12 education. Welding is a complex, analytical trade, and taking courses in mathematics and science, as well as having good oral and writing skills, are necessary in preparing yourself for a career as a Welder. An apprentice is someone who learns a trade by working under the guidance of a qualified Journeyperson in the trade so they “learn while they earn”. The skills that are developed under this arrangement have been a proven model for the trades since the 1400’s when the apprenticeship model began. Learning skills from a person that has completed their trade is still the best way to become a master at your craft. The apprentice also has to attend training at a registered apprenticeship program delivery agent and learn the theoretical skills required for the position. You get paid by the hour while working on the job site.

Payback

Apprenticeship is both an ancient tradition and a highly effective modern training method, proving to still be the best system for trades training. This is a highly rewarding career path for an individual who is motivated to learn the piping trade and become an active member of a proud and noble trade union. The rewards of Union Apprenticeship Training are the good wages and benefits you receive as a skilled craftsperson. You'll be working under the protection of a union contract with insurance, pension and health and welfare benefits. In the long run, it pays to become a Welder, trained through Union Apprenticeship!