As an apprentice, perform work to assemble, install and repair piping, fixtures and equipment used in the distribution and drainage of water and water-carried wastes, air, gas, steam, heating water, and chilled water, under low or high pressure.

Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally.  Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.

Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world?s most distinguished academic health systems.  In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.

Perform the following duties as an apprentice:

• Install, inspect and repair water mains, service lines, sewer lines, air and gas lines, valves, gauges, pumps and fixtures, including sinks, dishwashers, water heaters, toilets, urinals, footbaths and disposals. 
• Install, inspect and repair steam, condensate, and water lines, equipment, radiators, traps, valves, pumps, gauges, controls, fittings and accessories. 
• Cut pipe and thread, using threading machine or other mechanical method, and bend pipe by hand or with pipe-bending machine. 
• Assemble and install pipe and pipefittings of brass, cast-iron, copper, lead, glass, plastic and other materials. 
• Join piping by means of threaded, caulked, wiped, soldered, brazed, fused, pressed, cemented or welded joints. 
• Cut or bore through walls, ceilings or partitions. 
• Test piping systems for leaks using gauges. 
• Secure pipes to structures with clamps, brackets and hangers. 
• Unplug clogged drains, pipes and fixtures using a drain snake. 
• Install and maintain boilers, and refrigeration and air-conditioning systems. 
• Read and interpret blueprints, diagrams, sketches and job specifications. 
• Install, repair and maintain fire protection systems. 
• Prepare records and service reports of materials and time expended. 

• Excellent work performance history.
• Desire and aptitude for working in the Plumber-Pipefitter trade.
• Willingness and ability to attend classes outside of work time without compensation, and successfully complete a course to study for up to 5 years.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills and ability to follow the directions of a Skilled Trades Journeyperson are required.
• Graduation from high school or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to excercise tact and discretion in relationships with others.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the classification in areas that can be located at high elevations; behind or beneath obstacles; in confined spaces; subject to high heat; underground; in walls or floors; inside or outside buildings.
• Ability to observe safety precautions in the operation of tools, power equipment, and machinery.
• Must meet the necessary requirements to drive a University vehicle.
• Cover letter and resume are required.

• Considerable knowledge of tools, equipment, and processes used in one or more of the Mechanical, Architecture, or Electricial Trades.
• Considerable knowledge of construction and or maintenance processes.
• Work experience in a maintenance or construction related field.
• Work experience with a computerized work management system.
• Coursework in college-level algebra, geometry, science, mechanical or trades-related instruction.
• Ability to read blueprints, sketches, wiring diagrams.
• Work experience with the safe use of hand and powered tools.

The Apprenticeship Program includes rotations to different work areas to allow for more opportunities for training experiences.  Hours may vary depending upon job assignment.

Prior to completion of the apprenticeship program, the shift and work location of the apprentice will be determined by management.  

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

This posting is for one open position.  Salary:  Skilled Trades Apprentice Pay Grade A7

The University of Michigan is in partnership with U.A. Local 190 for training its Plumber-Pipefitter Apprentices.  U.A. Local 190 requires substance abuse screening of all Apprentices.  University of Michigan employees selected for the Apprenticeships will be required to undergo substance abuse screening through U.A. Local 190.  This includes substance abuse screening at the beginning of the Apprenticeship program, along with random substance abuse screenings throughout the five (5) year Apprenticeship program.  

Michigan Medicine conducts pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer.  Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including transfers from other U-M campuses.  

Michigan Medicine requires employees to comply with their Mandatory Influenza Vaccination Policy.

All employees who work for Michigan Medicine must comply with a federal COVID-19 vaccination mandate.

This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the U-M Skilled Trades Union, Inc., which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.