JATC Home  Formal Classes  Instructor Tutor Classes
Apprentice Competition Contact JATC

JATC News

Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee

The JATC governs all training for Sprinkler Fitters Local 669.  This encompasses our more than 10,000 active journeymen and more 4,000 apprentices.  In this section of the site you can find a great deal of information regarding are upcoming classes for our members as well as information on apprenticeship.

Nationwide Union

Road Sprinkler Fitters Local Union 669 is a nationwide local union. This gives the members of Local 669 the flexibility to work in almost any part of the United States they would like to seek employment. The career of the Sprinkler Fitter can provide a range of opportunities for achievement. Once an apprentice successfully completes the apprenticeship program and becomes a Journeyman, many opportunities lie ahead. You can work as a foreman, move up to superintendent or even move into management with a company. On the other hand, you can strive to continue building on the most respected labor unions in the construction industry. Being identified as a Sprinkler Fitter is both rewarding and fulfilling.

Nature of the Work

The principle function of a Sprinkler Fitter is the installation of Fire Protection systems. This includes underground supply piping, which is connected to an integrated overhead piping system for suppression of fire. Safety is first and foremost; therefore you will be trained in the care and proper use of tools and equipment. These will range from pipe wrenches and pipe threading machines to welding equipment and man lifts.

Entry into the Apprenticeship Program

The Apprenticeship Program is a five-year program with on the job training and a 19 Course correspondence through a nationally recognized university. Once you have entered the Apprenticeship Program and have completed your six-month probationary period you will be become a member of Local 669. An Apprentice is paid at a percentage of the Journeyman wage. Each six months of the Apprenticeship the apprentice records are reviewed to make sure that there is satisfactory progress both on the-job and in the related training courses. Satisfactory progress means advancement to the next classification and a wage increase until the Apprentice completes the five-year program.

Wages and Benefits

The wage rate of apprentices is determined by the “Class” of the apprentice. The Apprentice will receive the appropriate percentage of the Journeyman wage rate in the state where he/she is working. The Sprinkler Fitter wage rate is negotiated state by state, based on the economic conditions of the state. All apprentices will participate in a Health and Welfare program that provides medical coverage and life insurance. In addition to that, apprentices will start building a Pension once they meet the stipulated requirements to begin participation.

Both the Health and Welfare and Pension programs are among the finest in the construction industry.

Qualifications

1. Must be at least 18 years old.
2. Must have a high school diploma or GED.
3. Must be physically fit to do the work of the trade.
4. Must have other than dishonorable discharge from the military (if applicable).
5. Must pass appropriate drug test.