Union Plumbing & Pipefitting Apprenticeship – United Association Local 62 (Castroville)

Union Plumbing & Pipefitting Apprenticeship – United Association Local 62 (Castroville, CA)

Program Information

The Union Plumbing & Pipefitting Apprenticeship offered through the United Association of Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 62 is one of the most respected training pathways for individuals seeking to enter the pipefitting and plumbing trades in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties. This program follows a traditional earn-while-you-learn model, combining full-time paid work on active commercial and industrial construction projects with structured classroom instruction held at the Local 62 training facility in Castroville. No prior trade experience is required, making this apprenticeship an ideal starting point for individuals looking to build a long-term, stable, and financially rewarding career in the mechanical trades.

Apprentices work under the supervision of experienced journeyman plumbers and pipefitters, gaining practical skills in pipe installation, layout, welding, soldering, brazing, reading blueprints, interpreting mechanical drawings, installing commercial and industrial piping systems, and working with advanced tools used throughout the trade. Training includes work on hydronic systems, water distribution systems, fuel gas lines, steam and high-pressure piping, HVAC piping, medical gas systems, and related mechanical systems found in hospitals, schools, large commercial buildings, and industrial facilities.

Classroom training reinforces on-the-job experience with coursework covering plumbing and piping codes, industrial safety practices, mathematics for the trades, rigging and hoisting, valve identification, backflow systems, welding fundamentals, materials science, and environmental and energy-efficient mechanical systems. Apprentices attend training classes two evenings per week, with the curriculum designed to steadily build the skills needed for advancement toward journeyman status. Safety is emphasized throughout the program, including OSHA compliance, hazard recognition, lockout/tagout, confined space training, and safe use of powered tools and equipment.

Local 62 apprentices benefit from exceptional compensation and a highly competitive benefits package that includes paid health insurance, dental and vision coverage, a pension, and a 401(k). Guaranteed wage increases occur every six months as apprentices progress through the program. The apprenticeship offers a clear path into a lifelong career with opportunities for advancement into specialized piping fields, welding, foreman and superintendent roles, estimating, project management, and union leadership.

Program Length

The apprenticeship is a 5-year program that includes thousands of hours of paid on-the-job training and structured classroom instruction held twice weekly at the Local 62 training center.

Program Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old
• High School Diploma or GED
• Valid government-issued photo ID
• Ability to meet physical demands including lifting, climbing, and working on active construction sites
• Successful completion of entrance exam (administered onsite)
• Willingness to attend evening classes twice per week

Compensation & Benefits

• Starting pay: $26.81 per hour
• Total starting compensation with benefits: $46.35 per hour
• Guaranteed wage increases every six months
• Full family health insurance
• Pension and 401(k) retirement benefits
• No tuition costs for training
• Paid on-the-job training Monday through Friday

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