"As California's consumer watchdog, we applaud the California State Pipe Trades Council for its record of pro-consumer advocacy." - Richard Holober, Executive Director, Consumer Federation of Cailfornia
Apprentice Training
Evan McKinney
When Evan McKinney of Emerald Hills, CA, graduated from high school in 2002, he was on his way down a path that most of his 44 classmates would take from the small, private high school they attended: a career in medicine, law, or business. He enrolled in the College of San Mateo, with the ambition of eventually attending law school.
Soon after enrolling in college, Evan, who had always loved working with his hands, signed up for a welding program and picked up some part-time carpentry work with a contractor to make some extra money for school. But he soon realized he needed more work, so he applied to the California Pipe Trade Council's Local 467 apprenticeship program. When he was accepted, he left college to focus on developing his craft.
Evan quickly developed a special interest in the program's plumbing math and code regulation classes. After just two years in the apprenticeship program, he now drives his own company truck, reads blueprints, oversees jobs and manages one of the other apprentices at his shop. "I couldn't have a job where I'm trapped in an office," Evan says. "But I'd rather be working in the pouring rain then trapped at a desk job."
At just 21 years old, Evan has gone down a different professional path than his peers from high school, and has no regrets about his choice. "I got a lot of flack from people in high school who knew about my career choice," he said. "But I don't think any of my other 44 classmates has found their career path yet."
After he finishes the apprenticeship program in three years, Evan hopes to stay with his current employer, which specializes in installing plumbing systems in high-end houses. While he likes the hands-on nature of his current work, he hopes to make his way to a foreman's position - reading plans, keeping people on task, keeping material ordered, making sure all the pipes fit and working with the other sub contractors.
In many ways, Evan is living the American dream. He now has his own car and recently started looking for a house. "I have a great career instead of a just a mindless, boring job," he said. "I love the challenge that this type of work gives me and the opportunities I have now that I'm in the union apprentice program."
