The Professionals whot drive our Union forward
Journeyman
A United Association (UA) journeyman is a highly trained, fully qualified professional who has mastered the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in a specific trade such as pipefitting, plumbing, HVACR, welding, or fire protection.
Earning journeyman status within the UA is a significant career milestone that brings increased responsibility, higher hourly wages, and expanded opportunities for advancement.
As a UA journeyman, you are recognized as an expert in your field, trusted to deliver quality workmanship, uphold the highest safety standards, and mentor the next generation of tradesmen and tradeswomen.
What Is a Journeyman?
A journeyman is a skilled worker who has completed a Registered Apprenticeship Program and demonstrated proficiency in their trade through both hands-on experience and classroom instruction. Experienced individuals organized into the UA can also reach journeyman status by testing out of the Local’s Registered Apprenticeship Program.
Journeymen are licensed or certified professionals who can independently install, maintain, and repair complex piping and mechanical systems in residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional settings.
How to Become a UA Journeyman
For most, the path to becoming a journeyman begins with the UA’s Registered Apprenticeship Program. This comprehensive, multi-year program follows the Earn While You Learn model. It combines paid, on-the-job training with structured classroom instruction to ensure apprentices develop the technical expertise, safety awareness, and practical experience essential for success.
On the jobsite, apprentices are mentored by experienced journeymen who teach them how to expertly perform quality craftsmanship efficiently.
Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship—including passing required exams and demonstrating competency in all core skills—apprentices top out and become journeymen. In most jurisdictions, this also means earning a recognized license or certification, which verifies your qualifications to employers, contractors, and clients.
The Benefits of Being a UA Journeyman
Becoming a UA journeyman unlocks a host of professional and personal advantages:
- Higher Earning Potential: Earn top wages and premium pay for specialized work.
- Job Security: Journeymen members of the pipe trades are in demand, with employment opportunities across North America.
- Career Mobility: Journeyman credentials are recognized throughout North America, opening doors to work opportunities in multiple regions and sectors.
- Opportunities for Advancement: Pursue specialty certifications, supervisory roles, instructor roles, or even start a contracting business.
- Leadership and Mentorship: As experienced professionals, journeymen often mentor apprentices, shaping the future of the trade and giving back to their union community.
- Continuous Learning: The UA supports ongoing journeyman upgrade training to keep skills sharp and ensure members stay current with new technologies, codes, and industry trends.
Lifelong Learning and Professional Growth
UA journeymen are encouraged to participate in continuing education and upgrade training throughout their careers. These programs cover emerging technologies, advanced safety protocols, green building practices, and leadership development.
Staying engaged with ongoing training not only maintains your certifications and union membership but also positions you for greater responsibility and higher earnings.