Thank you for requesting an application to the Apprenticeship Program for the Heat & Frost Insulators & Allied Workers Local 82.  The intent of this letter is to provide you with a brief overview of the nature of the work, to provide information about the Apprentice program and to highlight some of the requirements for, and responsibilities of, an Apprentice Mechanical Insulator.

Nature of the work:
            The nature of the work is Construction and includes applying mechanical insulation to maintain existing facilities and applying protective coverings for new construction. It also includes insulating mechanical systems such as piping for hot and cold water used for heating, cooling, drinking, steam and so forth.  Insulating air-handling equipment such as boilers, ducts, flues, some machinery and personnel protection may be required. Facilities include, but are not limited to; Food Processing Plants, Hospitals, Manufacturing Facilities, Nuclear and Fossils Fuel Powerhouses, Office Buildings, Paper Mills, Refineries, Schools and Stores. Work may be indoors or outside, may require working in extreme hot and cold temperatures, in confined spaces and at high elevations. Climbing scaffolding, working in a fall restraint harness and working off ladders (with repeated ups and downs) for an entire shift is common. Also, insulation materials used may be hazardous to one’s health.

Work areas:
             Work areas cover Eastern Washington, Northern Idaho and all of Montana.  Applicants must be willing and able to work and travel within these areas. You may often spend the “work week” away from home.  Daily Subsistence and Travel Pay may apply, with some exceptions.

Apprenticeship basics:
            This is a four-year apprentice program, most of which is completed “on the job”.  Each year you must attend 160 hours of required training.  Classes, of one-week duration, are scheduled in advance and are held in Spokane.
            Working a minimum of 1400 hours your first year, 1500 hours your second year, 1500 hours your third year, and 1600 hours your fourth year will advance your pay scale towards journeyman pay status as follows: the first year you earn 60% of journeyman pay; the second year 70%; the third year; 80% and the fourth year you earn 90% of the journeyman scale.  After completing four years of training (640 hours) and working at least 6000 hours throughout four years will advance you to journeyman status and you will receive full journeyman pay. As of August 1st, 2024 the journeyman scale for Industrial work is $45.51 per hour. The commercial scale for journeyman is $43.81 per hour.
            If you are accepted into this program your name will be placed on the “out of work” list.  If a Union employer requests manpower you will be dispatched by the Union to that employer.  You may work until the job is complete, you may be transferred by the employer to another project, or you may be laid off.  In any case, it is your responsibility to contact the Union Hall to be placed back on the list.  You will again be placed on the “out of work” list until you are called to be placed in a position by the Union.
            Periods of temporary unemployment are not uncommon.  Factors such as the economy, politics and even the weather can affect the job market. One of the advantages of being a Union member is the possibility to work outside of our boundaries.  When work is slow in this area, it may be booming in other locations.  There is always the possibility to work if you are willing to work outside Local 82’s territory.

Requirements:
            You must be at least 18 years of age. You must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. You must have the ability to read, write and follow directions. You must take a Trade-related math quiz and obtain a 60% or higher. High School graduates are preferred. However, if you have not graduated and you are accepted into the program, you must periodically show proof that you are working towards a High school Equivalency and that your high school equivalency will be completed prior to attaining journeyman status. You must be able to lift 50 pounds and stand for extended periods of time. At your expense, you must be able to pass a pre-employment physical. Once accepted into the program, you must pay a $250.00 registration fee and will not be dispatched to work until it’s paid. An additional $250.00 is due within 30 days of your first day on the job for a total of $500.  

At Your Interview Please Bring:
            Copies of your Birth Certificate, Current Driver’s License, Social Security Card, High School Diploma or High School Equivalency and a Pre-employment Physical.
            Interviews are held once a year in July. If there is an additional need for apprentices after July, we will contact you to set up an interview.  

With kind regards,
Andrew Richman-   Apprenticeship Coordinator Local 82