Plumbers and Steamfitters Local Union No. 486 - Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program (MATP)

“The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee has provided well-paying careers for Marylanders in the construction industry for decades,” said Labor Secretary Schulz. “Their experience and commitment to Registered Apprenticeship has helped fill these in-demand positions. In their role as apprenticeship ambassadors, they will partner with us to reach even more young people and share the advantages of what we call ‘the other 4-year degree.’”

The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Council (JATC) for the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local Union No. 486, a registered sponsor since 1962, is one of the state’s oldest and largest Registered Apprenticeship sponsors.

"At the end of our training, apprentices are making excellent money with benefits, and have earned 30 college credits without incurring student debt," said Training Director Al Clinedinst of the Local #486. "As a Maryland apprenticeship ambassador, we will continue to encourage young people to consider a career in the plumbing and steamfitting industry. We are thrilled to receive this honor from Secretary Schulz and look forward to our continued partnership with the Department of Labor in the future.”

Comprised of the Local Union 486 and the Mechanical Contractors Association, the JATC has a long history of training plumbers and steamfitters. Since the start of the program, 1,428 plumber and steamfitter apprentices have completed training.

“We are very proud to have our UA Local 486 Apprentice School recognized as an ambassador program by the state of Maryland,” said Stephen Weissenberger, executive vice president of the Mechanical Contractors Association of Maryland, Inc. “We believe our program not only prepares our students to be the best skilled labor craftspersons in the construction industry, but we also prepare our students to be contributing members of society who will make a difference and who will give back.”

(left to right): Chris MacLarion, Maryland Department of Labor Apprenticeship Program Director; Al Clinedinst, Local 486 Training Director; Stephen Weissenberger, Mechanical Contractors Association of Maryland, Inc. Executive Vice President; Kelly M. Schulz, Maryland Labor Secretary

For more information about the program and how to apply, download the Maryland Apprenticeship Ambassador Summary and the Maryland Apprenticeship Ambassador Introductory Letter, or contact Chris MacLarion, Director of the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program, 410-767-3969.