The apprenticeship system of the United Association, the union representing plumbers, pipefitters, sprinkler fitters, steamfitters, welders and HVACR technicians. Apprenticeships are registered with the U.S. Department of Labor and with Canadian authorities, combine paid on-the-job training with related classroom instruction, and typically run five years to journeyman status. Career tracks are plumbing, sprinkler fitting, pipefitting, HVACR, steamfitting and welding. Apprentices work alongside journeymen on installation, maintenance and repair of piping and mechanical systems in residential, commercial and industrial settings, and train at UA training centres; the union presents the route as a path to a licensed trade without student debt.