Apprentices in the plumbing and mechanical systems trade disciplines must both be enrolled in a recognized United States Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship program AND licensed with the board. The apprentice license covers all plumbing and mechanical systems trades. In other words, only one apprentice license is needed to practice any of the trade disciplines.
Definition of Apprentice
"Apprentice" means any person, other than a helper, journeyperson, or master, who, as a principal occupation, is engaged in working as an employee of a plumbing, mechanical, HVAC-refrigeration, sheet metal or hydronic systems contractor under the supervision of either a master or a journeyperson and is progressing toward completion of an apprenticeship training program registered by the office of apprenticeship of the United States Department of Labor while learning and assisting in the design, installation, and repair of plumbing, HVAC, refrigeration, sheet metal, or hydronic systems, as applicable.
Supervision Requirements
An apprentice may only perform work covered under Iowa Code Chapter 105 under the supervision of a master or journeyperson. An apprentice shall not knowingly perform work for an unlicensed contractor.
The Department of Labor specifies a ratio of one apprentice to one journeyperson to have a registered apprenticeship program, unless a collective bargaining agreement specifies otherwise.
Apprentice Requirements
To be eligible applicants must submit an application either online or via a paper application and meet all of the following requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate or GED equivalent.
- Must provide documentation of criminal convictions related to the practice of the profession, which shall include a full explanation from the applicant.
- Pay appropriate fees.
- Must certify applicant is working under the supervision of a licensed journeyperson or master in the applicable discipline.
- Must be enrolled in an applicable apprentice program which is registered with the United States Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship and provide the department with the United States Department of Labor sponsorship agreement information found in the indenture agreement. This includes Apprentice Identification Number, Apprenticeship Start Date, Sponsor Program Number, and Sponsor Name & Address.
Fees
See the fees page for fee information.