Sprinkler Fitters Local 669

ORGANIZATION

The National Sprinkler Fitters Union was established in 1915 to serve the need of those individuals working in the trade. Local 669 is located in Columbia, Maryland and represents in excess of 8,000 trained members nationwide.

NATURE OF TRADE

Sprinkler Fitters are pipefitting specialists in fire protection. They install, repair, and maintain all types of fixed extinguishing systems. While most of this work deals directly with automatic sprinkler systems, they also have the skills necessary to install and service a wide variety of other fire protection equipment such as standpipes, carbon dioxide systems, halon systems, foam systems and dry chemical systems.

The installation of fire protection systems entails all types of construction. Work is performed in existing buildings and new construction in a variety of elements, ranging from hot boiler rooms to unheated open buildings at winter temperatures.

The work of a Sprinkler Fitter requires a person with the ability to carry heavy pieces of pipe of various lengths, to climb and work at various heights and to have the manual dexterity to handle the tools of the trade.

APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING

Sprinkler Fitters complete a five-year apprenticeship program before becoming a journeyperson. The apprenticeship consists of 10,000 hours of on-the-job training. This includes a minimum of 144 hours each year of formal, related classroom instruction.

The apprentice starts work at a percentage of the journeyperson’s wage. Those performing satisfactorily will receive and increase based on a percentage of the journeyperson’s rate, each six months. An apprentice also becomes eligible for health and welfare benefits. Your employer will also make contributions into a fun to cover the cost of your education. Upon completion of two years, the employer will begin payments of your pension.

QUALIFICATIONS

The minimum standards for eligibility to apply for the apprenticeship program are:

Must be at least 18 years of age and have a birth certificate available at the time of application.
Must be a high school graduate or equivalent and show diploma or completion at the time of application.
Will be subject to an aptitude test and an oral interview.

APPLICATION, SELECTION AND HIRING PROCESS

During the time of apprenticeship, and apprentice is under the jurisdiction and control of the Joint Apprenticeship Committee whose responsibility is to protect the apprentice’s welfare and to instruct, direct and guide the apprentices.

In order to be considered for an apprenticeship, a candidate needs to complete an application with a sponsoring contractor. In addition, supporting evidence and documentation may be required.

After completing the review of applications and interview process, the Joint Apprenticeship Committee begins placement of candidates from a ranked list according to their score as submitted by the sponsoring contractor. The Committee makes placement into apprenticeships based on the need and demand in the area.