This week, Local 449 celebrates its newest class of graduates. The class of 2023 includes both Building Trades and Mechanical Equipment Services apprentices, who have completed 5 years of study and on-the-job training. These apprentices have been hard at work since June of 2017, and are now accomplished and skilled in just about anything a job site could ask of them.
Making it to graduation is a long road for apprentices, who have gone through a 10 or 18-week unpaid classroom training regime before their years in the field. Now, the class of 2023 apprentices have earned the title of Journeymen, and are fully equipped and ready to take on the work asked of them by contractors. Among them are some of the most talented young steamfitters in the nation, as this class has won praise and a state title at the Pennsylvania Pipe Trades Competition. That doesn’t mean their education is over, though, as union members are always welcome and encouraged to return to share and learn innovations in their trades with the next generation.
There will be a graduation ceremony on June 3rd, where the former apprentices will be recognized for their almost 6 years of dedication to the trade. They will receive their diploma before having the night to celebrate with their brothers and sisters as they are welcomed into the Local 449 family.
What’s next for the new journeymen of 449? Getting back into the field as fully fledged steamfitters, where their skills and certifications will take them far as the next generation of tradesmen. They can choose to stay local or travel the country, but the completion of their apprenticeship means that they’ll always be ready for the job, no matter the site. Congratulations, Class of 2023!
Celebrating the Next Generation of Local 449 Journeymen
The next generation of Local 449 journeymen has arrived. This week, Steamfitters Local 449 proudly celebrates its newest graduating class. These graduates represent the future of the skilled trades and the strength of union training in the Pittsburgh area.
The Class of 2023 includes apprentices from both the Building Trades and Mechanical Equipment Services programs. Each graduate completed five years of structured education and hands-on job training. As a result, they now enter the workforce as skilled and confident professionals.
A Long Road to Graduation
Becoming a journeyman requires commitment and discipline. Apprentices begin their journey with a 10-week or 18-week unpaid classroom training program. After that, they spend several years gaining real-world experience in the field.
Since starting their apprenticeships in June 2017, these individuals worked across demanding job sites. Along the way, they developed technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and strong work habits. Because of this training, they now meet the highest industry standards.
Proven Skill and Statewide Recognition
Many members of the next generation of Local 449 journeymen have already earned statewide recognition. This graduating class received praise and a state title at the Pennsylvania Pipe Trades Competition. These results highlight both individual talent and the strength of Local 449’s training programs.
Even after graduation, learning does not stop. Local 449 encourages journeymen to return for advanced training and continuing education. This approach helps members stay current with new tools, technologies, and safety practices.
Graduation and Brotherhood
Local 449 will host a graduation ceremony on June 3rd. During the event, graduates will receive their diplomas and recognition for nearly six years of dedication. More importantly, they will officially join the Local 449 brotherhood.
Family members, instructors, and fellow union members will celebrate this milestone together. The ceremony marks both an ending and a new beginning.
What Comes Next
So, what’s next for the next generation of Local 449 journeymen? Many will return to job sites as fully certified steamfitters. Others may travel to projects across the country. No matter the path, their training prepares them for success anywhere.
Congratulations to the Class of 2023. Steamfitters Local 449 proudly welcomes the next generation of journeymen.