Among union apprenticeship programs, Plumbers and Steamfitters Local Union 33 has gained a reputation over many years as being the gold standard, setting an example for others to follow. Now there is a twist. The Des Moines-based program is offering a pre-apprenticeship program that could lead the undecided into a career in the skilled trade and at the very least will provide trained job-site helpers for journeymen. “It all started with our vision to find the best candidates for careers in skilled trades and set them up for lifelong success,” Eric Smith, Local 33 training director, said in a statement. “This is an opportunity for students, or those looking for a career change, to obtain training and employment in this high-demand field with exceptional opportunities for advancement.” Local 33 is pitching the program as being of postsecondary quality. Students admitted to the pilot will receive a scholarship to cover the cost of the program. As part of the program, students will receive 160 hours of classroom training and 320 paid on-the-job training hours at an hourly wage between $11.75 and $15.14. They will also be offered employment after successful completion of the pre-apprenticeship program and have a direct connection to contractors and the registered apprenticeship program at Local 33. Apprentices earn about $15 an hour; journeymen earn $33.65, plus benefits. The pre-apprenticeship program will operate as a pilot this summer, with classroom hours scheduled to being June 11 and end July 11, followed by field hours. Applications are available here and should be filled out by April 30. For more information, contact Smith at 515-244-1346 or esmith@ualocal33.org.