Local 5 Union Member Training
2025/2026 School Year
Please contact the Training Facility (301) 552-3505 or email Maria Vasquez at mvasquez@plumbersualocal5training.com to register for classes.
All training courses will take place at the Local 5 Training Facility located at 5000 Forbes Blvd. Lanham, MD 20706. All classes begin at 4:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
All class materials and exam fees are payable via cash, credit card, or money order (made payable to Plumbers and Pipefitters Apprenticeship Fund). Payments are accepted Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at 5000 Forbes Blvd., Lanham, MD 20706. Credit card payments can be processed via phone (301) 552-3505 or in-person. Please submit payment before the first night of class. If paying via cash, exact change is appreciated.
Most classes are for Local 5 Union Members only. Class sizes are limited to a 16-person maximum unless otherwise noted. A waitlist will be established for each class. You will be notified via phone and email when space is available.
Updates effective September 2022:
-Helpers may only take Helper Class, OSHA 10/30 and classes held on Saturdays.
Updates effective August 1, 2025:
-The $100 deposit requirement for evening classes is no longer required.
-The Training Facility will continue TREEO based Backflow re-certification. All new Backflow certifications will use the ASSE model, testing, and fees. Full ASSE certification requires a fee of $150 (effective 1/1/2025) will be required. Subsequent ASSE re-certification ASSE fees are lower, in a range of $75-$100 (effective 1/1/2025). Journeymen/DJs will be required to submit the fee within the first few weeks of the course.
Updates effective November 2025:
-The Training Facility will no longer offer TREEO based Backflow re-certification. All Backflow certifications will use the ASSE model, testing, and fees. Full ASSE certification requires a fee of $150 (effective 1/1/2025) will be required. Subsequent ASSE re-certification ASSE fees are lower, in a range of $75-$100 (effective 1/1/2025). Journeymen/DJs will be required to submit the fee within the first few weeks of the course.
2025/2026 Available Courses:
*You must contact the Training Facility to register.*
Advanced Plan Reading – Union Members only
Date: Tuesdays, starting Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 4:00 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., Classroom # 132
Course Length: 11 weeks
Instructor: Michael McKenzie
Class Materials: Adv. Plan Reading book ($60)
*This class is considered approved continuing education for those classified as a Divisional Journeyman.
In this course, students will develop and enhance their teaching skills in drawing interpretation. The course’s focus will be on understanding the basics of plan and elevation drawings, as well as developing grading criteria and exceeding the time length for each assignment. Students will explore the UA’s Interactive Curriculum App as it is designed to take pages of the textbooks and overlay Augmented Reality (AR) above a live view world utilizing the camera on your phone or tablet.
Backflow Full Certification (Install and Repair) – ASSE (Available to non-members with course fee)
Date: Tuesdays and Thursdays, beginning Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 4:00 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., Classroom #118
Course Length: 11 nights
Instructor: To Be Determined
Class Materials: Backflow Manual ($120)
Required Exam Fee: $160
Completers of Backflow Full Certification class will become ASSE 5110 certified backflow testers of ASSE 1013, 1015, 1020, and 1056 devices.
Backflow Re-Certification – ASSE (Available to non-members with course fee)
Date: Mondays, beginning Monday, February 23, 2026, 4:00 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., Classroom #118
Course Length: 5 weeks
Instructor: Willie Banks
Class Materials: Backflow Manual, 4th edition
Required Exam Fee: $110
Once certified through ASSE individuals must recertify within the date of expiration. Certifications expired beyond their certificate’s date of expiration do not qualify for recertification and the individual must therefore complete the full Backflow Certification course and exam.
Braze Certification/Re-Qualification
Date: TBD per Need
Course Length: 1 session
Instructor: Scott Caudill
Required Fee:
Braze BTS 15 (Required with Medical Gas Installer Certification): $75
Braze BTS 15 Re-Qualification (Vertical up-flow): $50
Payment must be submitted at the time of confirming class. Payment is accepted by credit card, cash or money order made payable to the Plumbers and Pipefitters Apprenticeship Fund.
CAD/BIM/VDC Level 1 – Union Members only
Date: Mondays, starting Monday, September 8, 2025, 4:00 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., Classroom # 133
Course Length: 22 Weeks
Instructor: Christina Fullwood
OR
Date: Tuesdays, starting Tuesday, September 9, 2025, 4:00 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., Classroom # 133
Course Length: 22 Weeks
Instructor: Steven Hedrick
The CAD/BIM/VDC (Building Information Modeling/Virtual Design and Construction) program is nearly 300 hours over three years. Students start with the basics of Autodesk design programs, PDF management software, modeling pipe and equipment, and work towards advanced understanding of all software and hardware tied to project design and coordination. *Apprentices who opt to specialize in BIM/VDC complete the same classroom coursework as all apprentice plumbers but attend an extra evening for the elective during the second, third, fourth, and fifth years of the program.
BIM/VDC capable coordinators and designers are always in demand by our contractors. Apprentices and journeyworkers who choose this elective obtain a deep understanding of how our systems and ALL trades fit and function together within a given project.
CAD/BIM/VDC Level 2 and 3 – Union Members only
Date: Thursdays, starting Thursday, September 11, 2025, 4:00 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., Classroom #133
Course Length: 22 Weeks
Instructor: John Russell
Members must first successfully complete CAD/BIM/VDC level one to qualify for level two.
Members must first successfully complete CAD/BIM/VDC level two to qualify for level three.
Code Review (Plumbing Code) – Union Members only
Date: Wednesdays starting Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 4:00 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., Classroom #TBD
Course Length: 11 weeks
Instructor: Derek Morrill
Books available for purchase: International Plumbing Code (IPC 2024), International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC 2024), WSSC Code (2024) or 2021 versions.
This class is comprehensive review of ICC International Gas Code and WSSC code books to prepare for code testing in multiple jurisdictions.
Estimation Training – Union Members only
Date: Tuesdays, starting Tuesday, November 18, 2025, 4:00 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., Classroom #132
Course Length: 11 weeks
Instructor: Michael McKenzie
Class Materials required for the 1st night of class:
- Calculator
- Architectural scale rule
- Highlighters
- Red pen
- Pencil
- Paper
*This class is considered approved continuing education for those classified as a Divisional Journeyman.
This class will introduce students to the skills and tools necessary to prepare cost estimates for HVAC & Plumbing projects. The course will touch on different types of estimates along with various methods and techniques used to put together a proposal. The course will focus on the understanding of construction documents, material takeoff, labor, subcontractors, vendors, and other costs that factor in on the completion of an estimate. Students will learn through multiple lectures and have the opportunity to employ their knowledge, hands on, in the process of putting together a competitive bid.
Foreman Training – Union Members only
Date: Mondays, starting Monday, February 23, 2026, 4:00 pm – 7:15 pm., Classroom #129
Course Length: 11 nights
Instructor: Chris Reed
Class Materials: Foreman Manual ($50)
*Permission to register must come from contractor management (Superintendent/Labor Manager level or higher). This can be emailed to Maria Vasquez at mvasquez@plumbersualocal5training.com , or a formal letter on company letterhead can be submitted.
Foreman Training class is a joint creation by the United Association and the Mechanical Contractors Association, covering all the basic knowledge and positive habits needed to be a successful and productive jobsite or crew supervisor.
Green Technologies – Union Members only
Date: Tuesdays, starting Tuesday, November 18, 2025, 4:00 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., Classroom #112
Course Length: 22 nights
Instructor: Alan Nash
Class Materials: ARSCA Rainwater Manual ($35)
Optional Exam Fee: (Price TBD)
The class pace varies, but Green Technologies will introduce the student to Rainwater Harvesting Installer and Design skills, along with other cutting-edge technologies that help our engineers and contractors create sustainable plumbing systems.
Helper Class – Union Members only
Date: Wednesdays, starting Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 4:00 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., Classroom #129
Instructor: Jeff Emig
Course Length: 8 nights *Classes will not be held on Union Meeting nights.
Class Materials: Use and Care of Tools ($35)
This class is focused on giving Helpers the basic but critical knowledge of tool use, safety, and mathematics which will make the students more productive and valuable to both crew and contractor.
***Missing TWO classes will disqualify a student from completing this class
NITC Medical Gas Installer/Brazer Full Certification – Union Members only
Date(s): Tuesdays, starting Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 4:00 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., Classroom #110
Course Length: 11 weeks
Instructor: Scott Caudill
Required Class Materials: NFPA 99 book (2024- TBD) + Applicable exam fee below
Required Exam Fees:
Medical Gas Installer/Brazer full cert. exam with Braze certification: $150 exam fee
Payment must be submitted at time of confirming class. Payment is accepted by credit card, cash or money order made payable to the Plumbers and Pipefitters Apprenticeship Fund.
Medical Gas Installer full cert. exam without Brazing: $130 exam fee
*Some individuals may not desire to complete the exam with brazing, based on needs.
To Qualify:
Minimum of four (4) years of documented practical experience in the field of installation of plumbing or mechanical systems. For more information visit NITC’s website: Click Here
*This class is considered approved continuing education for those classified as a Divisional Journeyman.
NITC Medical Gas Installer Re-Certification – Union Members only
Date(s): Mondays, starting Monday, February 23, 2026, 4:00 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., Classroom #131
Course Length: 4 weeks + Exam
Instructor: Zachary Brengle
Required Book: NFPA 99 book (2024) (approximately $150)
Required Exam Fee: NITC Medical Gas Installer Re-Certification Exam fee $60 (fee is subject to change)
Payment must be submitted at the time of confirming class. Payment is accepted by credit card, cash or money order made payable to the Plumbers and Pipefitters Apprenticeship Fund.
*Please confirm the status of your current NITC Medical Gas Installer Certificate before confirming your space in the class. NITC Medical Gas Installer certificates are valid for 3 years, with a 1-year grace period after date of expiration (cert. is not valid during grace period). Individuals should plan to renew before the date of expiration. **If for some reason the member does not attend the initial recert. exam session scheduled; members are allowed to schedule a 2nd exam session without a fee. After a second absence (3rd scheduled date), members are required to pay the $60 exam fee. To view your expiration date on NITC’s website: Click Here.
OSHA 30 Construction Certification – Union Members only
Date: Thursdays, starting Thursday, November 20, 2025, 4:00 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., Classroom #132
Course Length: 11 weeks
Instructors: Chris Reed
Class Materials: None
*This class is considered approved continuing education for those classified as a Divisional Journeyman.
**OSHA 30 Certificate does not expire but should be renewed every five years.
***Missing Two classes will disqualify a student from receiving their certification.
The OSHA 30 Construction Certification covers standards, procedures, and policies relevant to our industry. Topics include scope and application of the OSHA Construction Standards, construction safety and health practices, and emphasis on areas in construction which are most hazardous or fatal.
Plan Reading – Union Members only
Date: To Be Determined
Course Length: 10 weeks
Instructor: Michael McKenzie
Class Materials: Adv. Plan Reading book (Price TBD)
*This class is considered approved continuing education for those classified as a Divisional Journeyman.
In this course, students will develop and enhance their teaching skills in drawing interpretation. The course’s focus will be on understanding the basics of plan and elevation drawings, as well as developing grading criteria and exceeding the time length for each assignment. Students will explore the UA’s Interactive Curriculum App as it is designed to take pages of the textbooks and overlay Augmented Reality (AR) above a live view world utilizing the camera on your phone or tablet.
Rigging Certification Class – Union Members only
Date: To Be Determined
Course Length: 16-24 hours
Instructors: To Be Determined
The Rigging Class will train members in rigging and signaling cranes and loads. Members will have the opportunity to earn their NCCCO Rigging Certs over 2-2 classes.
Service Class – Union Members only
Date: Thursdays, starting Thursday, February 26, 2026, 4:00 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., Classroom #128
Course Length: 11 weeks
Instructor(s): Eric Smith
Class Materials: Service Manual ($75)
*This class is considered approved continuing education for those classified as a Divisional Journeyman.
*Members can only miss one night of class.
The Service Class is focused on our trade’s most used tools, equipment, and troubleshooting guides. Students will gain intensive knowledge on safety, drainage and venting systems, water distribution, fuel gas systems, fixtures, equipment, appliances, traps, and interceptors, all relating to service and maintenance.
Virginia Continuing Education – Available to Members and Non-Members
The class will consist of two nights:
(3) three hour session during night #1, (1) one-hour session during night #2.
Dates: Night #1 Thursday, April 16, 2026, 4:00 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. & Night #2 Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Course Length: 2-night class
Instructor: Tom Buckley
*Class offered to non-members at no cost.
**The student must attend all available hours (3 on the first night and 1 on the second) to receive full credit.
**Effective Jan. 1, 2023, this class satisfies the plumbing and gas requirement for the State of Virginia.
Welding Class – Union Members only
Date(s): Classes Ongoing All Year, 4:00 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., Classroom #120
Beginner:
Date: Tuesdays, beginning Tuesday, September 9, 2025, 4:00 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., Classroom #120
Course Length: Continuous
Instructor: Christopher Welch
Class Materials: Welding Practices and Procedures (Price TBD), Welding Gloves (available for purchase) *Welding Hood and Jacket are provided during class
Beginner to Advanced:
Date: Thursdays, beginning, Thursday, September 11, 2025, 4:00 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., Classroom #120
Course Length: Continuous
Instructor: Paul Cruz
Class Materials: Welding Practices and Procedures (Price TBD), Welding Gloves (available for purchase) *Welding Hood and Jacket are provided during class
Additional Suggested Class Materials: Auto-Darkening welding hood, welding jacket, welding gloves.
Required: Long pants, Leather boots (or boots with boot covers), safety glasses, welding hat.
Plumbers know, but much of the public is unaware, that welding is a critical component of plumbing and gas fitting. Larger domestic water lines are run in stainless steel when the price of copper becomes cost prohibitive. While smaller commercial fuel gas piping is run in threaded steel pipe, larger sizes require welded steel pipe. The UA Local 5 JATC offers multiple welding certifications for joining pipe and is always increasing the offered certifications.
More Information?
Please contact the Training Facility (301) 552-3505 or email Maria Vasquez at mvasquez@plumbersualocal5training.com.
