Gasfitter

Nature of Work

The Gas Fitter installs and maintains pipe systems, appliances and equipment using natural
or propane gas. Welding and plastic fusion
procedures are used in installing gas mains and
services. The Gas Fitter applies the standards, codes and regulations of natural and L.P. gas in
order to provide maximum safety.

Entrance Requirements

Contact, in person, firms that employ Gas Fitters and apply for an apprentice position. Also contact your local Montana Job Service for detailed nformation. (More often than not, apprentices are taken from within the ranks of the company.) Immediately upon hiring, a contract is entered into between the apprentice, the employer and the Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee.

Terms of Apprenticeship

Length of training: Five years/8500 hours.

Probationary period: One year.

Related classroom instruction: 1,230 hours or minimum 246 hours per year; apprentices shall satisfactorily complete prescribed courses provided by local JATC at designated school. Required school time is not compensated.

Working Conditions

Work is both inside and outside. Work is heavy and physical. When on new construction, buildings are often open to the weather. In repair jobs, the workers may have to crawl under buildings and work in cramped positions or restricted areas. Buildings may be unheated; can be dirty, dark and damp. Hazards include working around flammable and combustible gas, ditches and trenches. Generally work a forty-hour week. Work may be seasonal in nature when dealing with construction, but repair and maintenance are year round. Apprentice may work by him/herself only if he/she is in last year of apprenticeship.

Wages

Apprenticeship pay is based on a progressively increasing schedule of wages centered on the recognized journeyman wage rate, beginning at 70%. Yearly advancement is based on on-the-job training hours and progress in related instruction. At the 5th year period, the apprentice has advanced to 94% of the journeyman rate. Inquire with the individual program sponsor for wage rates.

On-the-Job Training

During the 1st period to the 4th period of apprenticeship, the apprentice is required to work
under the immediate supervision of a qualified UA journeyman. During the 5th period, the
apprentice will be allowed to work alone. While working at the trade during apprenticeship, apprentices are assured by contract wages of a minimum percentage of journeyman rates;
70% during the first period, 76% the second period, 82% during the third period, 88% during the fourth period and 94% during the 5th period. Progress from one rate to the next takes place only after successful completion of all the requirements for each period.

Special Characteristics

Knowledge and abilities: How to work, ability to plan work sequence, mechanical aptitude,
manual dexterity.

Interests: Like mathematics and physical sciences, like to work with hands, hand tools.

Temperament: Must have a good attitude, be cooperative, able to get along with others,
maintain stability, can follow directions, can work alone.

Tools Used

Cuttingtorches	Wrenches	Vises and clamps
Measuring instruments	Pipe cutters & threaders	Hoist & chain blocks
Ladders & scaffolds	Hand and power pipe tools	Drilling & boring tools
Welding equipment

Suggested High School Subjects

Mathematics	Basic electricity	Mechanical drawing
Chemistry	Welding	Metal and wood shop
Basic Communication	Blueprint reading

Potential for Advancement

Apprentice: Evaluated each 12 month period for advances in wages and training.

Journeyman: Can become foremen, superintendents, draftsmen, instructors, estimators,
consultants, shop owners, partners, employers or contractors.

Employment Outlook

Continuing construction provides opportunity for growing employment. Inquire with utility
companies and job services for number of openings each year.

Completion Procedure

Upon the successful completion of apprenticeship, the registered apprentice will receive a Certificate of Completion from the Montana Department of Labor and Industry’s Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training recognizing him/her as a qualified journeyman. To receive a State license as an electrician, the apprentice must pass a written and performance test before the State Licensing Board.

Program Location and Additional Information Sources:

UA Local 41
Plumbers & Pipefitters Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee
PO Box 3172
Butte MT 59701
406-723-6078

UA Local 459
Missoula Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee
1026 South 5th Street West
Missoula MT 59801
Phone: 406-549-3479

Montana Department of Labor & Industry
Apprenticeship & Training Program
P.O. Box 1728
Helena MT 59624-1728
Phone: 406-444-4500
wsd.dli.mt.gov/apprenticeship/apprentice.asp