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Basic Requirements
Oct 05, 2026
UA Local 44 · Apprenticeship

Basic
requirements

Your path into the piping trades starts here. Review the qualifications, gather your documents, and pick up your application in person.

UA Local 44, Spokane, Washington · Inland Empire JATC

Plumbers · Pipefitters
Welders · Service Techs

Spring interview cycle First Friday of April

Application deadline for May interviews

Fall interview cycle First Friday of October

Application deadline for November interviews

After you pick up a packet Return within 30 days

Return a complete application and meet the deadline for your interview cycle.

Check the qualifications

All applicants must meet these minimum requirements.

At least 18 years old

All applicants must be eighteen years of age or older.

License & transportation

Have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. Include a copy of your license with your application.

Diploma or GED

Be a high school graduate or have an official GED, including successful completion of one year of algebra and one year of plane geometry.

Perform the trade’s duties

Be able to physically perform the duties of the trade with or without reasonable accommodation.

Accuplacer arithmetic

Complete the arithmetic portion of the Next Generation Accuplacer exam with a minimum score of 240, at your expense. All testing is administered through the Inland Empire Plumbing & Pipefitting Industry JATC.

Negative drug test

The applicant must complete a non-DOT drug test with negative results within 10 days of the applicant’s first interview (at the applicant’s expense). The drug screening is required prior to the oral interview and before acceptance into the program.

Build your application packet

Submit all required paperwork together.

  • Completely filled-out application
  • Complete high school transcript, including college transcripts if any, or an official GED copy with test scores
  • Copy of your birth certificate
  • Copy of your valid driver’s license
Before you return it

A complete packet matters

Applications must be completely filled out before they will be accepted.

If any minimum qualification is not met or any required document is missing, the application is considered incomplete and will not be processed further by the Joint Apprenticeship Committee.

Return your application within 30 days of the date you receive it.

From application to apprenticeship

Interviews are held twice a year, in May and November.

  1. Pick up & submit

    Pick up your application in person. Complete the packet, provide written proof of your qualifications, and return it within 30 days and by the applicable cycle deadline.

  2. Interview & ranking

    Applicants with written proof that they meet all minimum qualifications are scheduled for an interview with the joint committee. Your transcripts or grades and the committee’s interview evaluation determine your competitive score and place on the eligibility list.

  3. Dispatch into the trade

    Beginning apprentices are dispatched directly into the industry as needed, in descending rank order from the eligibility list or pool.

Physical fitness review

In determining physical fitness for the trade, the committee will observe all applicants at the time of interview for obvious physical impairments that could affect satisfactory work performance, their personal safety, or the safety of their fellow workers.

The minimum physical requirement is the ability to perform the trade’s duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

What helps apprentices succeed

Think about the work, the classroom, and the habits you’ll bring to both.

Communicate clearly

Strong written and verbal communication skills help you work effectively with others.

Work in varied environments

Be comfortable in confined spaces and high places, and willing to work through eastern Washington’s hot summers and cold winters.

Balance work & classes

Maintain good grades while handling high-energy workloads. Be punctual; class attendance is mandatory.

Stay willing to learn

Bring enthusiasm and a positive attitude toward the program, instructors, and contractors you work with.

Make sound decisions

Strong decision-making abilities matter in the piping industry.

Use math & spatial skills

Be ready to apply math, especially spatial relationships.

Pick up your application in person

Visit the Local 44 office to get started.

Where to go

UA Local 44

3915 E. Main Ave.
Spokane, WA 99202

Monday–Friday
8 a.m.–noon & 1–5 p.m.
Excluding holidays

Questions before you visit?

Contact the training office

Call (509) 624-5101
Training Director: Joe Krels
jkrels@ua44.org


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Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 44
3915 E. Main Ave.
Spokane, Washington 99202
  (509) 624-5101



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