Programs

Lifelong learning.
Worldclass results.

Click on a program for more information.

  • HVAC Mechanical Service Pipe Fitter

    HVAC Mechanical Service Pipe Fitter

    Scope of Work:

    Maintain and repair mechanical systems for heating, cooling and refrigeration. Most equipment is located outdoors.

    Areas of Work:

    Residential (Houses), Commercial (Office Buildings, Warehouses, Grocery Stores, Restaurants, Ice Rinks & Hospitals) Industrial (Oil Refineries, Nuclear Plants, Steel Mills & Factories).

    Length of Apprenticeship:

    • 440 hour-full time pre apprenticeship orientation training program (11 weeks)
    • Five (5) years – Minimum 1100 hours of related instruction.
    • 1st through 5th Year an Apprentice works for a Union contractor four days per week and attends school one day per week (7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.).

    Basic Requirements:

    1. Applicant must be an American citizen or in the process of naturalization.
    2. Applicant must be at least 17 years of age (Age as shown by a birth certificate).
    3. Applicant must submit a high school diploma or G.E.D. certificate.
    4. Applicant must be physically able to perform the duties of the trade.
    5. Applicant must pass a written test and oral interview.
    6. Applicant must pass two drug tests (Hair follicle & urinalysis).
    7. Applicant must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
    8. Work experience in construction or working with mechanical equipment is helpful, but not necessary for acceptance.

    Recommended Preparatory Courses:

    1. General Mathematics
    2. Algebra
    3. Geometry/Trigonometry
    4. Basic Electricity
    5. Basic Refrigeration and Heating
    6. Computer Skills
    7. Communication & Writing Skills

    Wage Information:

    An Apprentice earns a percentage of the Journeyman’s wage.

    Benefits:

    1. Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
    2. Pension
    3. Voluntary 401(K) Plan

    Application Locations:

    Pipe Fitters’ Training Ctr. L.U. 597
    10850 W. 187th St.
    Mokena, Il. 60448
    Phone: 708.326.9240 x2239
    Email: Adam Sutter, asutter@pftf597.org

  • Building Trades Pipe Fitter

    Building Trades Pipe Fitter

    Scope of Work:

    • A Pipe Fitter measures, fabricates, connects, installs and maintains piping for process-piping systems.
    • A Pipe Fitter may work on the following systems; steam, water, air, natural gas, chemical, hydraulic, heating, cooling, etc.

    Areas of Work:

    Industrial, Chemical, Power, Wastewater Treatment, Food Processing, Nuclear Plants, Steel Mills, Oil Refineries, Hospitals, Residential and Commercial Buildings, etc.

    Length of Apprenticeship:

    • 440 hour-full time pre apprenticeship orientation training program (11 weeks)
    • Five (5) years – Minimum 1100 hours of related instruction.
    • 1st and 2nd year – approx. nine months working full time for Union contractor plus 400 full time classroom hours (10 weeks) per year
    • 3rd thru 5th year – twelve months working full time for Union contractor plus up to 60 classroom night hours (unpaid) per year.

    Basic Requirements:

    1. Applicant must be an American citizen or in the process of naturalization.
    2. Applicant must be at least 17 years of age (Age as shown by a birth certificate).
    3. Applicant must submit a high school diploma or G.E.D. certificate.
    4. Applicant must be physically able to perform the duties of the trade.
    5. Applicant must pass a written test and oral interview.
    6. Applicant must pass two drug tests (Hair follicle & urinalysis).
    7. Applicant must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
    8. Work experience in construction or working with mechanical equipment is helpful, but not necessary for acceptance.

    Recommended Preparatory Courses:

    1. General Mathematics
    2. Algebra
    3. Geometry/Trigonometry
    4. Basic Arc Welding
    5. Shop Classes

    Wage Information:

    An Apprentice earns a percentage of the Journeyman’s wage.

    Benefits:

    1. Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
    2. Pension
    3. Voluntary 401(K) Plan

    Application Locations:

    Pipe Fitters’ Training Ctr. L.U. 597
    10850 W. 187th St.
    Mokena, Il. 60448
    Phone: 708.326.9240 x2239
    Email: Adam Sutter asutter@pftf597.org

    Pipe Fitters’ Local Union 597 is an Equal Opportunity Employer

  • Hybrid Program

    Hybrid Program

    Hybrid Welding Program

    The hybrid weld program is a highly structured pre-apprentice skills development environment designed to provide specialized training, and necessary weld experience to qualify for direct entry into Local Union 597’s Building Trade Apprenticeship Program.

    • Candidates must pass urinalysis and hair follicle drug test, and posses valid drivers license for acceptance into the program.
    • The student must provide his/her personal protective clothing, weld hood and work boots.
    • Mandatory class participation is required for 18 weeks, Monday-Friday, 7:00a.m. – 3:30p.m.
    • Strict attendance standards must be maintained throughout the duration of course. A student will be discharged upon his/her third non-catastrophic absence, tardy or early quit.
    • Additional night (3:30-8:00 pm) and Saturday (7:00-3:30 pm) training hours are recommended to complete the following weld performance benchmarks. A student will be discharged for failure to achieve performance objectives within required time allotments. All visual inspections will be performed by AWS/CWI-UA Authorized Test Representatives.
    • Visual inspection of 3-F & 3-G ‘W’ plate assembly within 3 weeks.
    • Visual inspection of 1-GR 6″ Sch. 80 pipe within 6 weeks.
    • API 1104 Radiographic Inspection of 5-G, 6″ Sch. 80 pipe sample within 9 weeks.
    • Visual inspection of ambidextrous 2-G & 6-G heavy wall 6″ pipe assemblies within 12 weeks.
    • Visual inspection of ambidextrous 2″ socket weld assemblies within 15 weeks
    • UA 60 Weld Certification Test within 18 weeks. Ambidextrous technique recommended.
    • Upon successful completion of 18-week course and UA-60 weld certification exam, the student will be indentured as a first-year Local Union 597 Apprentice. Five additional weeks of paid Pre-Apprentice Orientation Training will be required prior to assignment to a Contractor.  First year wages and benefits will be paid at the beginning of employment with a signatory contractor.

    For more information regarding the application process, please contact Local Union 597 Training Fund Admissions Director.

Back to Top