UA Local 669 apprenticeship — pay, training and how to apply

UA Local 669 runs an earn-while-you-learn apprenticeship out of Columbia, MD: typically a five-year program combining about 8,000 to 10,000 paid on-the-job hours with roughly 216 or more classroom hours a year, ending as a journeyman plumber, pipefitter, welder or HVAC service technician. Apprentices are paid a percentage of the $60.67 journeyman scale effective 4/19/25, starting around $27.30 an hour and reaching full scale on turning out. The percentage steps shown are the standard ones used across the trade, not a schedule the local has published — confirm them with the local UA joint apprenticeship and training committee (JATC).

UA Local 669 apprentice pay by period

Period	Share of scale	Hourly	Annual (2,000 hrs)
1st period (year 1)	45% of journeyman scale	$27.30 / hr	$54,603
2nd period (year 2)	55% of journeyman scale	$33.37 / hr	$66,737
3rd period (year 3)	65% of journeyman scale	$39.44 / hr	$78,871
4th period (year 4)	75% of journeyman scale	$45.50 / hr	$91,005
5th period (year 5)	85% of journeyman scale	$51.57 / hr	$103,139
Turned out — journeyman	100% of journeyman scale	$60.67 / hr	$121,340

How to apply to UA Local 669

1. Check when the list opens — the local UA joint apprenticeship and training committee (JATC) accepts applications in windows rather than year-round. Call the hall at 410-381-4300 for the current intake.
2. Get your paperwork together — Most programs want a birth certificate or passport, a high school transcript or GED, an algebra credit, a driver's licence and a DD-214 if you served. Gather them before the window opens.
3. Sit the aptitude test and interview — Expect a math and reading aptitude test, then a panel interview. Scores set your place on the ranked apprentice list, and applicants are indentured from that list as contractors call for help.
4. Start earning from day one — Once indentured you work for signatory contractors at the first-period rate, take related classroom instruction, and step up in pay each period until you turn out as a journeyman plumber, pipefitter, welder or HVAC service technician.
5. Already have hours in the trade? — Bring them up with the hall — many locals credit prior verifiable experience toward a later period. Gulfstream also places experienced plumbers & pipefitters directly with contractors; see the open roles below.

Typical entry requirements

• 18 years or older at the time of indenture
• High school diploma or GED, with algebra normally required
• Proof of legal authority to work in the United States
• Valid driver's licence and reliable transportation to jobsites
• Aptitude test and panel interview, then ranking on the apprentice list
• Ability to pass a physical and a substance screen before dispatch

UA Local 669 apprenticeship questions

How much does a first-year UA Local 669 apprentice make?

About $27.30 an hour — roughly $54,603 a year at 2,000 hours — using the standard 45% first-period step of the $60.67 journeyman scale effective 4/19/25. Apprentices also receive benefit contributions and paid classroom progression. the local UA joint apprenticeship and training committee (JATC) sets the exact percentage.

What does a 3rd year UA Local 669 apprentice earn?

Around $39.44 an hour at the standard 65% third-period step, moving to roughly $45.50 in the fourth period and $60.67 at full journeyman scale once turned out.

How long is the UA Local 669 apprenticeship?

Typically a five-year program: about 8,000 to 10,000 paid on-the-job training hours alongside roughly 216 or more hours of related classroom instruction each year, finishing as a journeyman plumber, pipefitter, welder or HVAC service technician. The local training committee confirms the exact term.

What do you need to get into UA Local 669?

Registered apprenticeships in this trade normally ask for: 18 years or older at the time of indenture; High school diploma or GED, with algebra normally required; Proof of legal authority to work in the United States; Valid driver's licence and reliable transportation to jobsites; Aptitude test and panel interview, then ranking on the apprentice list; Ability to pass a physical and a substance screen before dispatch. UA Local 669 publishes its own list, so confirm before you apply.

Do you pay for the schooling?

Union apprenticeships are earn-while-you-learn — training is funded through the contract rather than tuition debt, and you are paid for your on-the-job hours from the first day. Books, tools and small fees may still be your cost; ask the training centre what applies.

Can Gulfstream get me into the UA Local 669 apprenticeship?

No — apprentice intake runs through the local UA joint apprenticeship and training committee (JATC) only, and we never charge candidates. Gulfstream Strategic Placements recruits journeymen, foremen and office staff for mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, sheet metal and electrical contractors near Columbia, MD; once you have hours in the trade, our open roles and job alerts are the fastest way to see what's hiring.

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