Queensbury, NY (December 12, 2014) - The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee for Plumbers & Steamfitters, Local Union #773, will conduct a recruitment from January 12, 2015 through December 14, 2015 for 12-15 plumber and steamfitter apprentices, State Labor Commissioner Peter M. Rivera announced today.

Applications can be obtained from Plumbers & Steamfitters Local Union #773, 37 Luzerne Road, Queensbury, NY or from L.H. LaPlante Co., Inc., 52 Main Mill Street, Plattsburgh, NY from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on the second Monday of each month, excluding legal holidays, during the recruitment period.  Applications must be completed and returned no later than the following Friday at noon.

The Committee requires that applicants:

·         Must be at least 18 years old.

·         Must have a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma (such as TASC or GED). 

·         Must sign a statement, after selection and prior to indenture, indicating that he/she is physically able to perform the work of a plumber and steamfitter, which includes:

o    Lifting and carrying 75-100 pounds without assistance.

o    Moving piping materials up or down a flight of stairs for any period of time.

o    Moving and setting up heavy equipment.

o    Climbing and working off of ladders at heights of 10 feet or more.

o    Working in crawl spaces under buildings.

o    Working indoors and outdoors in severe weather conditions and extreme temperatures.

o    Working in dirty or damp places.

·         Must take and pass an aptitude test.

·         Must have a valid driver’s license.

·         Must have reliable transportation to and from work sites and related instruction.

·         Must pay $100 each year towards the cost of text books for related instruction.

·         Must provide military transfer or discharge form DD-214, if applicable, after selection and prior to indenture.

For further information, applicants should contact their nearest New York State Department of Labor office or Local Union #773 at (518) 792-9157 or (518) 561-8003.

Apprentice programs registered with the Department of Labor must meet standards established by the Commissioner.  Under state law, sponsors of programs cannot discriminate against applicants because of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, or marital status.  Women and minorities are encouraged to submit applications for apprenticeship programs.  Sponsors of programs are required to adopt affirmative action plans for the recruitment of women and minorities.