What Are the Jobs? Welder/Pipefitter A welder works in every area of the construction industry where metals and alloys are joined. They will work with plumbers, pipefitters, sprinkler fitters, and HVACR technicians. Work will include installation, mainte- nance, and repair of all types of piping systems, as well as joining struc- tural steel brackets and supports for such systems. A welder has to work in many different environments and in all types of positions. Welders will study blueprints, drawings and specifications for the job and must measure, cut and weld using various methods and tools. HVACR Service Technician A service technician's work covers the general responsibilities for heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR). This would include the installation and maintenance of all sizes of heating and cooling systems for residential, commercial, institutional, and in- dustrial applications. Some job-specific applications include complete gas piping installations, high-voltage electrical components, testing and analyzing, and startup of systems. Fire Sprinkler Fitter Sprinkler system installers, or sprinkler fitters as they are commonly known, have detailed knowledge of fire codes and the methods for in- stallation of sprinkler piping systems and a responsibility for life safety in residential, commercial, and industrial applications. They install wet, dry, pre-action, deluge, and chemical fire protection and extinguishing systems, just to name a few. As a sprinkler fitter you will install and maintain high- and low-pressure piping, equipment, and devices to supply fire protection systems with water, foam, carbon dioxide, and other materials in hospitals, commer- cial buildings, manufacturing plants, homes, and in apartment buildings. Plumber Our contractors and members are actively engaged in plumbing instal- lation, repair, service, and maintenance of piping and plumbing systems and equipment used for drinking (potable) water distribution, sanitary waste drainage, storm water systems, and gas distribution. Our plumbers also work on technical installations for medical gas in hospitals and nursing homes, hydronic in-floor heating, solar thermal panels, heat pumps, cross-connection control, and many other systems necessary for the health and safety of the general public. Our Contractor Partners We are fortunate to have forged strong partnerships with the Mechani- cal Contractors Association of America (MCAA), Mechanical Service Contractors Association (MSCA), Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Con- tractors Association (PHCC), Plumbing Contractors of America (PCA), Pipe Fabrication Institute (PFI), and the National Fire Safety Association (NFSA). Contents CAREERops Career Opportunities in Piping for Transitioning Veterans | Spring/Summer 2019 Sam Has Been Rewarded for His Love of the Outdoors 7 Embracing Her Skills as a Pipefitter/Welder 10 A Brotherhood That Creates A Foundation for Success 12 5 On the Cover Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 101, Belleville, IL, fourth-year apprentice Rachel LaBlance feels that the Marine Corps prepared her well for her job as a UA welder/pipefitter. She is making an excellent salary with good benefits working at the Prairie State Energy Campus as a welder. She said that she loves what she does and is looking forward to the numerous career opportu- nities that the UA offers.