Practical PR: Building Futures
Launching One of the First Plumbers’ Pre-Apprenticeship Programs
By Kiley Fletcher
Journal | May/June 2024
Riverside-Brookfield THSD 208 (RB) had three students participate in the first cohort of the Chicago Plumbers Local Union 130 UA Training Pilot Program. In this 10-week program, students attended classes at the Chicago Training Center to prepare for a potential career in the plumbing trade.
According to the district’s College and Career Pathway Coordinator Ericka Kouba, this is one of the nation’s first pre-apprenticeship programs for prospective plumbers.
Recognizing the importance of careers in the trades industry, Riverside Brookfield High School has actively increased its support in assisting students pursuing careers in high-wage, high-demand professions. The pre-apprenticeship program came to fruition when District 208 Superintendent Kevin Skinkis and board member Bill Durkin introduced the Director of the Des Plaines Valley Region Educational Cooperative (DVR), Michael Kuhn, to Training Director Anthony M. Rottman from the Plumbers Local 130.
“Rather than explaining what we do at a career fair, we wanted students to experience hands-on what plumbers do at our state-of-the-art training center,” said Rottman. DVR is a consortium of six high school districts and Triton Community College that focuses on building the future for students through career and technical education partnerships with businesses, industries, and the community.
The pre-apprenticeship program was also presented to Leyden CHSD 212, a DVR cooperative member, resulting in eight Leyden students signing up for the program.
The inaugural class included approximately 30 students from Riverside-Brookfield, Leyden, and Chicago Public Schools. Students took two classes: Trade-Related Math, which applies geometry, algebra, and trigonometry toward practical use, and Intro to Tool Safety, teaching students how to be safe on the job site. In addition to classwork, students got a hands-on feel for a plumbing career. The instructors added content to the courses and expand on the material as students’ knowledge from their high school courses exceeded expectations.
The students who completed the program with a score of 80% or higher earned five points toward their apprenticeship exam, and an additional five points were awarded for having a letter of recommendation. These 10 extra points remove many barriers for students applying for their apprenticeship. The goal is to have students begin their five-year apprenticeship with the Plumbers Union after graduating high school.
“This upper hand is invaluable considering that the exam and entrance into the apprenticeship program are challenging,” said Kouba.
Additionally, students met with contractors in December and were given an opportunity to interview for intent-to-hire letters. This experience equips students with the essential skills and knowledge for a successful plumbing career, allows them to forge connections with employers and industry experts before their high school graduation, and eliminates obstacles to entering an industry with excellent pay and benefits.
“I definitely see a future in plumbing, and I don’t think I would have this opportunity if it wasn’t for this program,” said Riverside Brookfield High School student Michael Rateike.
DVR has opened up this opportunity to all six districts within the region for the Spring 2024 cohort. The Spring Program began February 26 and consists of juniors and seniors who will continue the pre-apprenticeship in Fall 2024 with two new course offerings that will expand their knowledge and prepare them even more for the exam and interviews.
Kiley Fletcher is Coordinator of Public Relations and Community Engagement for Riverside-Brookfield THSD 208.