Welding

The United Association’s testing program has been in place at Local Union 597 since 1997. Local Union 597 currently hosts the United Association’s X-Ray machine on site. Since inception, Local Union 597 ATR’s and Welding Staff have given over 10,000 Weld Tests. Please review the welding pages listed for more information regarding the UA and Local Union 597 welding program. If you have questions or are a contractor requiring information, please contact the Training Center.

UA Weld Testing

How to set up for a UA Weld Test

  1. You must come into the Training Center and weld an acceptable sample of the test you want to take.
  2. The sample will be evaluated and accepted or rejected by a Welding Instructor/Inspector in the weld shop.
  3. When the weld is accepted, a “UA Test Request Form” will be filled out by the welder and the Instructor(s).
  4. We will be in contact with you to arrange a test date.

What is expected at a UA Weld Test

  1. You must arrive by the set time of testing. If you are late a new test date may be given.
  2. Proper PPE must be worn at all times while in the weld shop.
  3. Results are usually available within 5 business days.

Welding Continuity

Continuity is good for six (6) months from the date you tested and every time you weld/braze thereafter as long as it is prior to the expiration of the six (6) month period.

Ultimately, it is up to the member to keep his/her certifications updated.

Updating certifications is done by:

  1. All contractors can update continuity online for welders/brazers working for them who are certified by the Training Center-UA or CWB. Those that are 60 days or less from their expiration date will receive a text via Dashboard.
  2. If the member has not been working and believes their certifications are about to lapse, an update can be performed at the Training Center during the hours of operation.
  3. If the member has been working and believes their certifications are about to lapse, the member can have a contractor submit a Welder Continuity form. The forms are available at the Training Center. They can also be downloaded by clicking on the file below.

Continuity Update Sheet
Brazing Continuity
Mokena First Floor Map
Mokena Second Floor Map

Automatic Orbital Welding Classes

Orbital Tube Weld Program is a journeymen course for members with a prerequisite of a GTAW certification. The course runs two nights a week for five weeks. Thirty-six to forty hours based on performance in the class. It will cover process variables, system programmer control functions and gives the theoretical basis for weld program development. It’s a hands-on course with seventy-five percent of time spent on a power supply producing weld samples. Students will qualify to United Association Weld Test Specification the UA- 18A. Coupons are examined by radiography in accordance with ASME Code Section IX.

MUST POSSES A CURRENT UA-GTAW CERTIFICATION.

Class Description Date Room Day(s)
AOW-1 Automatic Orbital Welding Class 10/10/2023 1116 Tue/Thu
AOW-2 Automatic Orbital Welding Class 11/14/2023 1116 Tue/Thu
AOW-3 Automatic Orbital Welding Class 01/09/2024 1116 Tue/Thu
AOW-4 Automatic Orbital Welding Class 02/13/2024 1116 Tue/Thu
AOW-5 Automatic Orbital Welding Class 03/12/2024 1116 Tue/Thu
AOW-6 Automatic Orbital Welding Class 04/23/2024 1116 Tue/Thu
Class Registration

NOTE: Classes that do not appear on the registration page are full/closed



Pipeline Classes

The course will cover welding techniques specific to the pipeline industry. 100% of the class will be held in the shop with all training being hands-on. The course will focus primarily on the 12” butt weld along with the 12” on 12” branch connection. Joint preparation and design will be covered. Students will learn how to use different line-up clamps utilized in field welding. Destructive testing of weld straps will also be addressed. The course will also touch on the expectations of a welder in the pipeline industry.

Class Description Date Room Day(s)
PL-1 Pipeline Welding 10/09/2023 1212 Mon/Wed
PL-2 Pipeline Welding 10/10/2023 1212 Tue/Thu
PL-3 Pipeline Welding 01/08/2024 1212 Mon/Wed
PL-4 Pipeline Welding 01/09/2024 1212 Tue/Thu
PL-5 Pipeline Welding 04/08/2024 1212 Mon/Wed
PL-6 Pipeline Welding 04/09/2024 1212 Tue/Thu
Class Registration

NOTE: Classes that do not appear on the registration page are full/closed



Poly Fusion Classes

The Poly-Fusion Course is based on the gas distribution utility work.

Monday and Wednesday from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A member will obtain the skill and knowledge in accordance with proven procedures in the gas distribution industry for polyethylene (PE) pipe and fittings by means of heat fusion joining and receive three UA Certifications.

The UA-PE1, UA-PE2, and the UA-PE3. No prerequisite is required. All students must have shop attire ready to work, work boots and long sleeves. Union dues must be current.

Class Description Date Room Day(s)
PEF-1 Polyethylene Fusion 10/16/2023 2200 Mon/Wed
PEF-2 Polyethylene Fusion 11/27/2023 2200 Mon/Wed
PEF-3 Polyethylene Fusion 01/08/2024 2200 Mon/Wed
PEF-4 Polyethylene Fusion 02/12/2024 2200 Mon/Wed
PEF-5 Cancelled Polyethylene Fusion 04/01/2024 2200 Mon/Wed
PEF-6 - Updated Polyethylene Fusion 05/06/2024 2200 Tue/Thu
Class Registration

NOTE: Classes that do not appear on the registration page are full/closed



Alloy Classes

MUST POSSES THE UA-15 CERTIFICATION.

Class Description Date Room Day(s)
AL-1 Alloy Welding 10/09/2023 1212 Mon/Wed
AL-2 Alloy Welding 10/10/2023 1212 Tue/Thu
AL-3 Alloy Welding 01/08/2024 1212 Mon/Wed
AL-4 Alloy Welding 01/09/2024 1212 Tue/Thu
AL-5 Alloy Welding 04/08/2024 1212 Mon/Wed
AL-6 Alloy Welding 04/08/2024 1212 Tue/Thu
Class Registration

NOTE: Classes that do not appear on the registration page are full/closed



Wire Welding Classes

Semi Automatic welding for FCAW, Pulse, RMD, and other GMAW processes for field conditions

Class Description Date Room Day(s)
WW-1 Wire Welding 10/09/2023 1212 Mon/Wed
WW-2 Wire Welding 10/10/2023 1212 Tue/Thu
WW-3 Wire Welding 01/08/2024 1212 Mon/Wed
WW-4 Wire Welding 01/09/2024 1212 Tue/Thu
WW-5 Wire Welding 04/08/2024 1212 Mon/Wed
WW-6 Wire Welding 04/09/2024 1212 Tue/Thu
Class Registration

NOTE: Classes that do not appear on the registration page are full/closed



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