Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 91 – Birmingham, AL
Trade Schools and Apprenticeships in Alabama / Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 91 – Birmingham, AL
Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 91 – Birmingham, AL
Program Information
Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 91 offers a rigorous five-year apprenticeship program designed to equip individuals with the skills, certifications, and field experience needed to become licensed journeymen in plumbing and pipefitting. The program is jointly managed by Local 91 and affiliated contractors, ensuring that apprentices receive both high-quality instruction and consistent, paid on-the-job training.
Apprentices are trained to install, repair, and maintain piping systems for water, gas, steam, and industrial processes across residential, commercial, and industrial job sites. The curriculum covers a wide range of specialties including blueprint reading, pipe welding, valve installation, medical gas systems, plumbing codes, hydronics, and refrigeration piping. In addition to the technical training, apprentices learn important safety procedures, OSHA regulations, and best practices for working in confined spaces or elevated areas.
All apprentices are members of the United Association (UA), one of the nation’s oldest and most respected skilled trades unions. As members, they receive union benefits, wage protections, and access to continuous training throughout their careers. The hands-on training is guided by experienced journeymen, providing real-world exposure to high-pressure systems, multi-story construction projects, and complex installations in hospitals, schools, and manufacturing plants.
Program Length
The apprenticeship program lasts five years, comprising a minimum of 1,000 classroom instruction hours and over 8,000 hours of paid, supervised on-the-job training (OJT). Apprentices progress through the program with regular evaluations, skill assessments, and wage increases tied to performance and academic benchmarks.
Program Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- High School Diploma or GED
- Pass a mechanical aptitude and basic math test
- Physically capable of lifting heavy materials, climbing, and working in all conditions
- Pass a drug screening
- Valid driver’s license preferred for job site travel
Certifications & Career Opportunities
Upon completion, apprentices graduate as licensed journeyman plumbers and pipefitters with opportunities to earn additional credentials in areas such as:
- Medical Gas Installer Certification
- Backflow Prevention Certification
- Welding Certifications (SMAW, GTAW, Orbital Welding)
- OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety Card
Career paths include working for contractors, starting your own plumbing business, or progressing into foreman, superintendent, or instructor roles. Union plumbers and pipefitters in Alabama earn competitive wages and enjoy strong demand across commercial construction, industrial plants, infrastructure projects, and residential service work.
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