Email Address: plumberstc@ualocal98jatc.org

Call Us: 248-585-1435

Thank you for your interest in Plumbers 98 & MCA Detroit’s Apprenticeship program. The application process is currently open. Applications for our next round of interviews will be accepted until 7/26/2024 or until there are 200 applicants in the pool.

It is recommended that you take the Workkeys tests and Wiesen Test of Mechanical Aptitude as soon as possible to ensure you have a score that meets or exceeds our requirements. Tests can be taken at several Michigan Works locations or Community Colleges. They cannot be taken online. Any testing must be done at a certified proctoring location.

Please remember there are certain criteria required in order to complete the online apprenticeship application: 

  • • Must be at least 18 at the time of application
  • • Valid Driver’s License
  • • An official high school diploma, official high school transcript or GED must be provided
  • • Acceptable WorkKeys test level scores within the last 3 years, for tests shown below and scale scores that will vary
  • • Applied Mathematics – Level 6
  • • Locating Information NKA Graphic Literacy – Level 5
  • • Reading for Information NKA Workplace Documents – Level 5
  • • Wiesen Test of Mechanical Aptitude - score of 85 percentile

Any testing must be done at a certified proctoring location. To find a testing facility near your home that may offer Workkeys testing, please click the link below and enter your zip code to locate a testing center. Please call the test center first to make sure if and when testing is available:

WorkKeys Testing Centers Directory

The Wiesen Test of Mechanical Aptitude, and/or Workkeys exam(s), may be scheduled at Schoolcraft College or the Workforce Development at M-TEC via Macomb Community College.

In order to schedule the exam(s) at the Workforce Development at M-TEC, please contact:

Jackie Diamond
Workforce Assessment Center Program Coordinator
7900 Tank Avenue, Warren, MI 48093
Diamondj945@macomb.edu
586-498-4130


In order to schedule the exam(s) at Schoolcraft College, please use the following link:

https://www.cognitoforms.com/SchoolcraftCollege2/ApprenticeshipApplicantTestingAppointments

Please have all required documentation ready before attempting to complete the application. In order to fill out an application, please click the “Apply Online” tab and follow the instructions fully.


Frequently Asked Questions

  • As a student, how do I prepare to qualify for a plumbing apprenticeship?

    If you are a student, your teachers or counselors will be able to help you select classes to prepare for apprenticeship. With their guidance you can plan course work to obtain the skills in mathematics (specifically Geometry and Trigonometry), reading comprehension and basic science. These skills are necessary to be successful in an apprenticing profession.

    In most instances, a great deal of time and money is required to prepare for your career. In a registered apprenticeship you can actually earn while you learn your chosen occupation.

  • How does an apprenticeship through Plumbers Local 98 work?

    Once you are accepted into the 5 year apprenticeship program you will attend school for trade related training.  The school day will be one day every other week.  The nine remaining days you will be assigned to one of our signatory contractors and work as an apprentice plumber with a journey plumber under the supervision of a master plumber.  The regular work day is Monday through Friday starting at 7:00 am and ending at 3:30 pm.  Jobs may work some overtime which could include working after 3:30 on week days and working weekends.

  • Is a high school diploma necessary for entry into a plumbing apprenticeship?

    A high school diploma or GED is required for apprentice applicants. Mathematics, science and industrial technical courses are especially helpful in being considered for an apprenticeship.

  • What are the major benefits of a plumbing apprenticeship?

    Apprentices gain valuable skills and knowledge, making them more marketable in the future.

    Apprenticeship can serve as an entry point into a long lasting career.

    Apprentices have the opportunity to learn a trade, earn a good wage, and have job security.

  • What are the qualifications to apply for a plumbing apprenticeship in your apprenticeship program?

    You must be 18 years of age at the time of the application

    You must be a high school graduate or have a GED

    You must have a valid driver’s license at the time of application and interview

    You must be drug free

  • What is an apprentice plumber required to do?

    An apprentice plumber is required to:

    Serve a 5 year apprenticeship that includes 10,000 hours of on the job training and related classroom instruction.

    Obtain and maintain registration as a plumber apprentice with the State of Michigan.

    Work under the direct supervision of a Journey or Master Plumber and perform job related duties in an acceptable manner.

    Provide your own reliable transportation to and from any jobsite within the jurisdiction of Plumbers Local 98 and to and from the Training Center.

    Attend related training classes regularly and maintain a grade point average of 75% or higher in those classes.

    Purchase books and normal school supplies for the related instruction classes

    Obtain an Associate Degree through Washtenaw Community College in partnership with Plumbers Local 98 Apprenticeship Program

    Adhere to all policies and procedures as provided by Plumbers Local 98 Joint Apprentice Training Committee.

    Submit to Substance Abuse Testing when required.

  • What is a Plumber?

    A Michigan licensed plumber is responsible for the installation of a system of pipes and equipment conveying water, air or gas, as well as soil, waste and vent piping found in industrial, commercial, institutional and residential buildings.

    Their work may include hydronic and radiant heating. Licensed plumbers may be certified in welding, backflow prevention and the medical gas systems used in hospitals, medical and dental facilities.

  • What is apprenticeship?

    Apprenticeship is a formal system of employee training that combines on-the-job training with related technical instruction. It is designed to produce craftworkers who are fully competent in all aspects of an occupation including knowledge, skill and proficiency on the job.

    With apprenticeship training, there is a written contract between the apprentice and the employer or apprenticeship program sponsor, which is approved by and registered with the US Department of Labor. This agreement specifies the total length of training, number of school hours (related technical instruction) and an outline of the skills of the trade to be learned and the wages the apprentice will receive.

  • What is required to successfully complete the application process?

    Please begin by creating an account. Once your account is created the online application will be available.

    Complete the online application and upload a copy of your high school diploma or GED certificate with the “Official Report of the Test Results” and a copy of your valid driver’s license. You will receive notification that these documents have been accepted by the Training Center.

    You must also register and take the Work Keys Assessment test. This can be taken at Macomb Community College and the registration information is available with the application once you have created an account. Once the Work Keys test results are uploaded and accepted by the Training Center your application is complete.

    You will be notified by the Training Center and you will be placed on the roster of applicants eligible for interview.

  • Why is a valid driver license and reliable transportation a requirement?

    Working as an apprentice plumber you must have the ability to get anywhere in the Metropolitan Detroit and Southeastern Michigan area. It is possible that you may be required to report to work in Pontiac today, Port Huron tomorrow and Flat Rock the day after. So reliable transportation is very important in your ability to access the work.