About UA Local 246

The Local 246 team
From left: standing - Bob Jennings, Tom Avila,
and seated - Brenda Ralfe and Rae Ann Johnson

     In 1942, the Division of Apprenticeship Standards approved the Fresno Area Plumbers, Pipe and Refrigeration Fitters Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee to train apprentices for the Piping Industry. Through the years, the Training Program has seen many changes in the industry and has always provided training in the latest methods used in the industry. Even though the Program would be considered small by some, only 40 apprentices, this has not stopped the advancement of training covering the latest in technology.
The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee is made up of three representatives from management representing the Mechanical Contractors Association and three members from UA Local 246 representing labor. In addition, the Committee has a director of training who carries out the business of the Committee on a day to day basis.

    Over the years, the Committee has developed a very strict set of Rules and Regulations which are followed and enforced to the fullest. The Rules and Regulations are required because it is not cheap to provide training at no cost to apprentices and this insures that only those who will be an asset to the Local Union and the Industry will receive the benefits of serving an apprenticeship in the Program.