March 2019
Apprentice News & Updates
TOP STORY: Instruction Schedules for 2019-2020

The questions are starting: Do we know when classes begin next fall? Am I in the same roster?

We're finishing first drafts of 2019-2020 schedules now, but expect some curricular revisions as we build out 1st floor labs. This could likely lead to changes before we release final schedules.

You will receive a schedule before the end of spring, so you can plan your time accordingly. With record numbers of apprentices to train, and historic work hours for all Pipe Trades members, preparing schedules can be a particular challenge. Thanks for your patience.

Here are schedule details we can provide now:
Orientation for 2019-2020 Instruction Year
  • First, Second and Third Year CP, HVACR and SF Apprentices, and First Year RP Apprentices, will have orientation on their first day of class. This day of class will begin at 6am, and end at 4:30pm. Pizza will be provided!

  • Second Year RP Apprentices and Fourth Year CP/HVACR/SF Apprentices will have evening orientation on Wednesday, September 11, 2019 - time will be determined, and food provided.

  • Third Year RP Apprentices and Fifth Year CP/HVACR/SF Apprentices will also have evening orientation on Wednesday, September 11, 2019 - time will be determined, and food provided.
2019-2020 Rosters
We are trying to keep ,most of this year's cohorts together. However, there will be some changes, based on large group sizes, and which pathway the apprentice is assigned to take. We expect rosters AND schedules to be finalized at the same time.
2019-2020 Commercial Plumber, Steamfitter & HVAC-Service Controls Tech/Refrigeration Mechanics Schedules:
First Year Apprentices: This year, due to time and space constraints, we are considering enrolling all First Years into OSHA 30 and First Aid/CPR evening classes over the summer. Fall daytime classes for Zero/First Years will begin either Wednesday, September 18 or Thursday, September 19, 2019.

Second Year Apprentices : You will have daytime classes every other week, and nighttime classes. Fall daytime classes for Second Years will begin either Monday, September 16 or Tuesday, September 17, 2019.

Third Year Apprentices: You will have daytime classes every other week, and nighttime classes. Fall daytime classes for Third Years will begin either Monday, September 23; Tuesday, September 24; or Wednesday, September 25, 2019.

Fourth & Fifth Year Apprentices: When you reach 4th & 5th Year, all of your classes will run in the evening. Your class start times will vary, but could begin as early as September 9, 2019
2019-2020 Residential Plumbers Schedules
First Year Residential Apprentices: This year, due to time and space constraints, we are considering enrolling all First Years into OSHA 30 and First Aid/CPR evening classes over the summer . Your first daytime fall class begins on Monday, September 21, 2019. You will also have nighttime classes.

Second & Third Year Residential Apprentices: All of your classes will run in the evening. They will be starting as early as September 21, 2019.
2019-2020 Training Center Holidays
These are the dates the Training Center will not be holding classes. The Apprenticeship Office will still be open most days listed here.

This does not mean you have a holiday from work! Vacation dates must be approved by your employer.

Veterans Day - Monday, November 11, 2019
Thanksgiving Week - Monday, November 18 through Friday, November 22, 2019
Christmas & New Year Weeks - Monday, December 23, 2019 through Friday, January 3, 2020
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - Monday, January 20, 2020
Memorial Day - Monday, May 25, 2020

DO NOT schedule vacations during other times in the instruction year - it will impact your grades and ability to progress!
Loan Deferment News & Process
ATTENTION ALL APPRENTICES WHO REQUEST LOAN DEFERMENTS!

Our partner, Bates Technical College, expects anyone who wants to defer school loans to submit a request quarterly. This means if you have not signed a deferment with Heather Winfrey since 2018, you need to do so by April 15, 2019 to maintain your deferment.

Loan deferment is a straightforward, but time-sensitive, request. If you are not taking classes this summer, we cannot submit a deferment for you. Next year, we'll have due dates in fall, winter and spring for request submittal.

Also, you no longer need to see Heather Winfrey to complete the submittal. You can fill out a form at the front counter and leave it with our office. It will be submitted officially to Bates, and they will review and approve it. All approved and completed forms will be sent back to you, and it is your responsibility to submit the document to your lender.

If you have questions, contact Heather Winfrey.
Veterans: Chapter 31 Benefits - Monthly Progress Reports
ATTENTION ALL VETERANS!

We had a great presentation on March 5 regarding Chapter 31 (Disability) Entitlement from the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs. Many of you are opting to move from Chapter 33 GI Bill Benefits to this Entitlement. Approval for this change must be done with a DVA counselor.

Because the numbers of apprentices using Chapter 31 are increasing, the Apprenticeship Office is now scheduling a monthly date to prepare your Chapter 31 Monthly Certification forms. If you are a veteran apprentice, you should have received a calendar invite from Ariel Jones for the t hird Tuesday of every month. You can drop in between 3:30pm and 5pm on that date with the following documents:

  • Completed and signed monthly certification form
  • Copies of your pay stubs for the month
  • Copy of your monthly evaluation

We will begin this monthly drop-in date for Chapter 31 paperwork on Tuesday, April 16, 2019.
If you are having issues with the reporting, questions with DVA, or other issues, contact Heather Winfrey.
Resources On Our Website
Schedules, Evals, Records & More
If you haven't checked out the Members page of our website, you should! Here are the resources that we offer:

  • Updated schedules
  • Login to Blackboard
  • Secure link to see your grades, attendance
  • Apprentice Handbook