Trades Apprentice

Job Summary

Work of a training nature assisting a journeyman plumber, steamfitter, electrician, carpenter, vehicle maintenance or other tradesman. Apprentices perform tasks of increasing complexity as they progress in terms of skill and experience. In addition, this hands-on training is supplemented by specialized classroom instruction one weekday each week. Continuation in the four-year program is dependent upon satisfactory attendance and the passage of periodic tests and reviews, to be administered by the School District. Apprentices will receive incremental pay increases every six months until they reach the top step of the applicable pay grade, as long as they meet attendance and grade requirements. Successful completion of the Apprentice Program results in automatic classification as an "A" mechanic in the relevant trade on the first pay step of the applicable pay grade.

Essential Functions

Learns trade practices and skills involved in one of the following, or other major trades, by assisting a journeyman who performs the following duties:

Plumbing

• Loads, unloads and distributes tools and materials
• Cleans and maintains tools in good operating condition
• Installs and repairs toilets, drains, sump pumps and showers
• Repairs drinking fountains
• Replaces broken water mains
• Repairs and replaces valves and meters
• Cleans floor drains and unclog stoppages
• Cuts and threads pipe

Steam Fitting

• Loads, unloads and distributes tools and materials
• Cleans and maintains tools in good operating condition
• Cuts and threads pipe
• Repairs and replaces steam lines, radiators, valves, pumps and traps
• Re-tubes boilers
• Welds pipes and fittings
• Repairs boiler refractories
• Installs insulation on pipes and boilers

Electrical Work

• Troubleshoots and repairs all power failures involving electrical circuits, switches, circuit breakers, motors, pumps and other electrical parts and equipment
• Maintains and repairs master and secondary clock systems, bell circuits and house phone circuits
• Installs and repairs fire alarm systems
• Maintains and repairs elevators
• Installs conduit and wiring

Carpentry

• Surveys work sites and orders necessary materials
• Loads, unloads and distributes tools and materials
• Cuts, shapes, or joins lumber, cork, or other project materials
• Installs and repairs windows, doors, door closers and floors
• Installs partitions
• Erects and repairs gymnasium, athletic field and graduation stands
• Cleans up work areas upon completion of projects

Vehicle Maintenance

• Observe, learn and assist mechanics who are overseeing major repairs of vehicles
• Assist mechanics in conducting preventive maintenance work on vehicles
• Receives orientation on basic work operations, receives training in the work processes of the trade
• Accompanies journey-level workers and supervisors on the job
• Performs progressively more difficult, responsible, and skilled assignments

Other Functions

• All apprentices receive regular classroom training and perform related work as required

Minimum Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Some familiarity with the materials, tools and procedures used in the area of trade specialization

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Some knowledge of the methods, materials, tools and procedures used in the area of trade specialization
• Some knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions of the trade
• Ability to perform tasks requiring mechanical aptitude
• Ability to make arithmetic computations as may be required in trade work
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to lift and carry objects associated with the applicable trade and to perform related manual labor

Certificates/Licenses

• Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license
• Each Plumbing Apprentice must also possess a valid journeyman plumbing license, as issued by the City of Philadelphia, prior to appointment as a Plumber "A"
• Each Vehicle Maintenance Apprentice must be able to lift 50lbs
• Must obtain a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
• Must obtain a valid Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Inspection Mechanic Certificate