Imagine spending your weekend camped on the streets of Long Island City, New York, hoping to be among the lucky 1,000 to receive an apprentice application.
Earlier this year, hundreds of hopefuls braved fierce storms and blistering 90-degree heat for the opportunity to interview for an opening in a five-year program offered by the United Association (UA) Plumbers Local 1 Training Center.
Luring them to the streets was the promise of high wages and good benefits — some hope to make $40 to $67 an hour. Signs on the training center advise applicants not to camp, but those who heed the warning have little chance of scoring an application Monday morning. By Saturday, more than 1,400 were already in line — some since Thursday night.
However, there are no guarantees — even for those willing to wait. Being first in line does not secure a place on the approved ranked list.
Qualified applicants are required to take an aptitude test and go through an interview. Combined scores determine their place on the list of about 500 that will fill 200 to 250 openings over the next two years.
Applicants must be at least 18, have a high school diploma, pass a drug test and have a better-than-average grasp of math.
If accepted into the program, they must report to work, provide their own transportation to and from the job site, work under the direction of a journeyman, attend required training sessions and remain free of substance abuse.
Apprentices receive over 10,000 hours of on-the-job training and 1,070 hours of classroom education.
Alex Galicia, owner of BPI Plumbing in Chula Vista, California, and the subject of this month’s Plumber profile, says finding good people has been a key component of his company’s growth — and a challenge.
“Everybody knows there’s a labor shortage, and it’s really hard to find good plumbers right now,” he says. “The biggest thing I picked up from my uncle is a willingness and ability to train, mentor and develop our own plumbers. He basically raised his own people.”
Galicia’s Uncle Benny became involved in the Job Corps and helped teach at-risk young adults, ages 18-25, the trade, and in some cases, hired them on. As a member of the board of directors, Galicia has followed in his uncle’s footsteps.
An advocate for apprenticeships and training in general, BPI Plumbing has donated time and offered ride-alongs to Castle Park High School’s industrial arts training program — another relationship that began with Uncle Benny, a Cuba refugee who came to the United States to escape execution by Fidel Castro.
In recognition for its involvement with the Job Corps and the local high school, the South County Economic Development Council named BPI Plumbing its Outstanding Corporate Citizen.
I think you’ll enjoy learning more about Galicia, a service-disabled veteran, and the guidance he provides to the plumbers of tomorrow.
“It feels good to give back,” Galicia says.
I have to agree. Have a good day.
