The United Association of Plumbers, Steamfitters, HVAC Service Technicians Local 166 out of Fort Wayne, Indiana is thriving. Local 166 heads into its second year of offering pre-apprenticeship programs to the youth of one of the14 Northeast Indiana counties it oversees.
Manager Briana Murawski has a front row seat, watching the newly minted pipeline of future journeymen and Journeywoman. While the programming is new to Local 166, it was years in the making.
“This is our second year with the Pre-Apprenticeship Program,” Murawski said. “This Department of Labor and Department of Workforce Development approved program is offered to High School students from Carroll and Homestead High School who are in the Facility Maintenance Program. Our partnership with Northwest and Southwest Allen County schools was a partnership that took years in the making.
Last year we had one class, that included 10 students from Carroll and 10 students from Homestead. This year the Industrial Maintenance class consists of two classes – 20 students in the morning from Homestead and 20 students in the afternoon from Carroll. The students are chosen by their respective school counselors and can be Juniors or Seniors. Those who are juniors can continue the pre-apprenticeship as a Senior by participating in our internship program.”
While the pre-apprenticeship program prepares participants for Registered Apprenticeship Program in general it also teaches life skills. Students may find their pathway to specific apprenticeships while other students may select different paths forward into the workforce.
“Pre-apprenticeship matters because these High School students are learning facets of all the trades that not only will help them if they decide to go into the Registered Apprenticeship Program, but will help them in life down the road,” Murawski said. “These students are learning how to do basic electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and simple welding. All these things will come in handy when they are adults and need to fix something in their own home or to help family and friends.”
Murawski offers one simple piece of advice to those considering an Apprenticeship.
“Don’t be afraid to try something new,” Murawski said. “Just because you haven’t touched a wrench, fixed a lighting fixture, never even seen a welding machine - don’t think you won’t succeed. Many that go into the trade have no prior background. The apprenticeship will teach you everything you need to know to be a successful Journeyperson.
The Local 166 Union Center and Training Center is located in Fort Wayne, Indiana and oversees 14 Northeast Indiana counties. If your student has interest in participating in the Apprenticeship program you can visit UALocal166.org to learn more or call 260-490-5690. Enrollment is year-round, and applications are currently being accepted for 2025.
