There’s no greater way to learn how to do a job, than to practice performing the job functions in a controlled environment.
This is at the core of on-the-job training and where apprenticeship takes the spotlight. The top apprenticeships in Utah, exemplify that there is relatively no better way to learn about a field of work than an apprenticeship. This is probably one of the reasons why many companies are now adopting the apprenticeship model. That is to say, they create apprenticeship programs that sustain their workforce, leveraging internal resources to train workers on the job. Registered apprenticeship programs are registered with, and certified by government institutions. Typically, facilitated by each state’s Department of Labor.
Even if you intend to further your career at another company, the skills, experience, and salary you gained during your apprenticeship can make such a move much easier. But every journey starts somewhere, and to assist you in taking the first step, we’ve compiled a list of a few apprenticeships in Utah that provide great earn while you learn opportunities.
Utah Career Center Apprenticeships
Utah Career Center is a program brought to life by the partnership of UA Local 140, and Utah Mechanical Contractors Association. They offer apprenticeships in Utah focusing on the plumbing, welding, and HVAC industries. Which are available year-round, with the only downside being, all applications must be done in person. Additionally, they bring approximately 77 years of experience in apprenticeship training to the ring. A few of the reasons all 4 of their programs were chosen programs for our top 5 apprenticeships in Utah today.
Plumbing Apprenticeship
Plumbers create, maintain, and repair water and waste disposal piping systems. Allowing safe and efficient transportation of water and waste to their final location without leakage or spills. Many plumbers work on smaller water and waste systems in residential areas. However, they can also be found in commercial and industrial jobs.
The program is 5 years long. A combination of classroom lectures with hands-on training and on-the-job training. Containing 1800 hours of on-the-job training each year. While 3 days a week apprentices attend class. However, if that sounds overwhelming, they do have a traditional summer break. Giving you from the classroom.
In this program, you can expect to learn plumbing codes and regulations, maintenance requirements, drafting and blueprint reading, and troubleshooting and repair techniques. These are just a few of many topics you will cover as you complete your journey to being a licensed plumber.
Pipefitting Apprenticeship
Pipefitting and plumbing are very similar jobs. This is why some plumbers become pipefitters. However, pipefitters usually work closely with the HVAC industry. They create pipe systems according to specifications primarily for transporting liquid utilities. These include hot water, cold water, and steam.
Much like the plumbing program, this one is 5 years long, 1800 hours of on-the-job training per year, and classes 3 nights per week.
The program educates apprentices areas such as tube bending, plasma cutting, job safety requirements, CAD drawing, and pipe threading. While also allowing them the ability to practice with the latest equipment and tools used in the field.
Welding Apprenticeship
Welders typically join pieces of metal and metal surfaces together using tools of the trade. They also repair holes in metal surfaces as well. Whether it’s welding industrial pipes together or assembling metal furniture, welding is a handy and transferable skill. If any of the apprenticeships in Utah deserve to be on this list it’s this one. As a welder’s success is truthfully only limited by their ambition. Easily seen in the fact that 3 out of the other 4 apprenticeships in Utah we compiled require the apprentice to learn some degree of welding.
This program lasts for 5 years, requires 1800 hours of on-the-job training per year, and 3-night class attendance per week. During which you learn basic chemistry and metallurgy, welding techniques, sketch interpretation, blueprint reading, and much more.
If you’re someone that pays attention to detail, enjoys the idea of operating industrial equipment, and doesn’t mind working in high-temperature environments, this is a great apprenticeship for you.
HVAC& R Apprenticeship
As more homes and workplaces are built each year, there is also an increase in the need for HVAC&R technicians. The individuals that construct our heating, air-conditioning, cooling, ventilation, and refrigeration systems. Common and sometimes under-appreciated necessities for the comfort and safety we enjoy in many of our daily lives.
Like all other programs from UCC, the HVAC program lasts 5 years, apprentices need to complete 1800 on-the-job hours per year and 3-night classes weekly.
During this program, an apprentice can expect to learn from experienced individuals and gain insider knowledge that may not be available elsewhere. Additionally, they will be educated in air systems, brazing, aerial lift operation, and fume and exhaust system design as part of the course.
If you’re good at problem-solving and don’t mind working in confined and heated environments, this is one of the apprenticeships in Utah you should definitely have a look at.
Requirements:
- 18 years or older
- Highschool diploma or G.E.D
Contact Information:
- Address: 640 North Billy Mitchell Road, Salt Lake City, Utah 84116
- Utah Career Center
- Telephone: 801-295-6198
Inside Wireman Apprenticeship (UETA)
The Utah Electrical Training Alliance, previously the Utah Electrical JATC’s offers apprentices the opportunity to become an inside wireman through their apprenticeship program. The program was originally the brainchild of the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee, now known as the Electrical Training Alliance. It is also registered in the Department of Labor Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training. Therefore, it is not only nationally recognized, but also recognized by the Electrical Training Alliance.
Inside wiremen work on the residential, commercial, and industrial levels. Using a variety of equipment such as electrical testing devices, portable power/non-powered tools, and soldering irons to complete daily tasks. These tasks include the installation, modification, designing testing, and repair of communication and control systems, electrical wiring, and electrical equipment.
At UETA the wireman program lasts five years. This includes 8000 hours of on-the-job training, which is completed in the first 4 years. After those 4 years of the apprenticeship, the apprentice can take their journeyman exam and graduate to journeyman status. Leading to the fifth year, where apprentices gained specialized advanced training at the journeyman level. However, it should be noted that while the necessary 8000 on-the-job hours are completed in the fourth year, classroom hours go to the fifth year.
This program is extensive and recognized. Giving apprentices great opportunities in education and careers. Hence, it secured its place in our top 5 apprenticeships in Utah.
Requirements:
- 18 years or older
- Highschool diploma or G.E.D
- Complete interview and testing process successfully
Contact Information:
- Address: 7466 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah 84084
- The Utah Electrical Training Alliance
- Telephone: 801-975-1945
Conclusion
Apprenticeship can take you to levels of skill and experience you’d never get through traditional education. For many in the workforce, apprenticeships present sustainable career path opportunities that would not otherwise be available. We do hope our list of apprenticeships in Utah helped you spot a program you’d be interested in, or in the career, you would like to pursue. However, our brief list is just an introduction to the apprenticeship world. Visit our directory listing of over 200 apprenticeships in Utah to learn more about apprenticeship opportunities in Utah. Additionally, Utah’s Department of Workforce Services has a host of apprenticeship resources for career seekers.
