What Is It Known For?
The Pipe Trades Training Center, established in 1961, is the training arm of UA Local 393. It started small but now occupies a modern 102,000-square-foot facility in San Jose.
The center offers high-quality apprentice and journeylevel courses, combining paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction.
As an apprentice, you’ll join UA Local 393, which has over 100 years of history in Santa Clara and San Benito Counties. This membership connects you to a national community of more than 350,000 piping professionals. For current enrollment numbers, contact the school directly.
Degrees & Certifications
The Pipe Trades Training Center offers four different apprenticeship programs to suit various career paths in the trades. Students can pick from:
- Plumbing
- Sreamfitting
- HVAC/R
- Residential Plumbing
Class Schedules
The Pipe Trades Training Center offers a balanced approach to learning.
Apprentices gain real-world experience through paid on-the-job training during the day. This hands-on work is complemented by evening classes, where students learn the science and theory behind their trade. The night classes also focus on practical applications, which reinforces what apprentices see in the field.
This work-and-study combo helps students build a strong foundation in their chosen trade.
Is It Legit?
Yes, the Pipe Trades Training Center is a legitimate institution with solid credentials. It’s recognized as a registered apprenticeship program by both the State of California and the U.S. Department of Labor.
The center has also earned accreditation from the Council on Occupational Education, which validates its educational quality. Additionally, the center has partnered with Foothill College, which further strengthens its academic standing.
Acceptance Rate
The Pipe Trades Training Center has different acceptance processes for its programs. For plumbing, steamfitting, and HVAC/R, applicants must pass an entrance exam with a score of at least 75%. Successful candidates are then placed on a waitlist that remains valid for up to three years.
However, for residential plumbing, you don’t need an application or entrance exam. Contact the school for more information.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Great news for prospective students: the Pipe Trades Training Center offers its program at no cost. They cover all expenses, including books, and lab materials, and even provide a laptop for each student.
Programs & Courses
Skilled Trades
- Plumbing
- Steam Fitting
- HVAC/R
Campus Locations
San Jose 780 Commercial Street, San Jose, CA 95112
Reviews
Overall Score: 4.8/5 Stars
Common Praises
Path to a High-Paying Career: The most emphasized benefit is the opportunity to earn a six-figure salary without a university degree (“make 100k + a year”). Reviewers celebrate it as a “Great place to learn the trade and start a career” and a path to a “supportive and high paying career.”
Strong Union and Training Affiliation: The center is the official training arm of UA Local 393 (Plumbers, Steamfitters, and HVACR Technicians). This connection is a major draw, providing apprentices with a clear career path, paid on-the-job training, and union benefits.
High-Quality Learning: Apprentices praise the program for the amount they learn, describing the experience as a chance to “Learn so much everyday.” The center is described as the “Best training center in the USA!” by a local guide.
No Tuition Cost: External information confirms that the apprenticeship program is offered at no cost to the student, covering expenses like books and materials, which is a major, though implied, benefit of the union program.
Common Crticisms
COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement: One review from two years ago explicitly states that applicants who were not vaccinated with the COVID vaccine would be denied, advising others not to “wasting your time.” This indicates that, at least for a period, there was a strict vaccine requirement for entry, which was a barrier for some applicants.
Limited/Competitive Entry: The process for the main trades (Plumbing, Steamfitting, HVACR) requires applicants to pass a written entrance exam (basic math and mechanical reasoning) with a score of or better and be placed on a waitlist. This competitive barrier is mentioned implicitly by applicants wishing each other luck on the entrance exams.
Non-Training Observations: A few reviews are not about the training itself but offer random observations, such as noting the “Tons of feral cats, like 30.”
Momentum
The momentum remains extremely positive. Recent reviews (within the last few months to two years) maintain the highest ratings and focus on the current journey of applying for or completing the apprenticeship. The core message of the center providing a superior, high-earning career path remains consistent. The isolated criticism regarding the COVID vaccine requirement appears to be a point of friction for one specific time period rather than a systemic flaw in the educational program’s quality.