A Respected Union

Join something bigger than yourself. Becoming a union member is one of the most effective ways to advance your career. Boilermakers Local 549—based in Pittsburg, CA—represents highly skilled craftsmen in the industrial construction industry. Through our nationally recognized apprenticeship program, we continue to lead the way in developing top-tier talent.

Our union is committed to advocating for workers’ rights, fair wages, and safe working conditions. Local 549 members are contracted across a wide range of high-demand job sites—from refineries and shipyards to fabrication shops and power plants, including nuclear facilities. These environments require precise rigging, high-pressure welding, and mechanical skill.

If you have a strong work ethic, mechanical aptitude, welding experience, or creative problem-solving abilities, we want to hear from you. Contact us today to learn how you can become part of the Boilermaker brotherhood.

More Than Just a Job

At Boilermakers Local 549, we believe that skilled tradespeople keep the world running. No matter your background or interests, a career in the trades offers a chance to make a real difference in your community. This isn’t just a job—it’s a lifelong career that allows you to build a future doing what you love.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Boilermakers National Apprenticeship Program and the Western States Joint Apprenticeship Program are committed to equal opportunity. We do not discriminate against applicants or apprentices based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, age, genetic information, or disability. We take affirmative action to ensure fairness in all aspects of our apprenticeship programs, in accordance with Title 29, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 30.

Boilermaker Apprenticeship Sign-Ups

We accept apprenticeship applications on the second Friday of every month. To apply, you must present valid photo identification. A birth certificate and high school diploma will be required during the process.

The Boilermakers apprenticeship program typically takes four years to complete, with 800+ hours of
classroom instruction and 6,000 hours of on-the-job training. Apprenticeship classes are typically held for a
two-week period two times for year (a total of four weeks of training per year) at the training facility in
Benicia, CA. The apprenticeship program is offered at no cost, other than a $250 apprenticeship fee, $250
union initiation fee, and union dues at approximately $64/month (2025).

Minimum Requirement:

• 18 years of age
• High School diploma or equivalent
• Valid driver's license/picture I.D.
• Reliable transportation & willingness to travel
• Ability to complete employer I-9 verification
• Ability to pass union and employer drug screening
• Physically capable of doing the work 

Boilermakers Local 549 offers an optional Helper program providing an introduction to the
trade and a competitive advantage in the apprenticeship application process after 500 hours
of on-the-job training. Hourly wages start at $33.65/hr and after 2,000 on-the-job hours, the
Helper will receive benefits. Interested individuals may sign up through the union. They
should be prepared to take a drug test and some classes after which they are listed as a
helper and are able to obtain work. There is also a Safety Attendant program with the same
wage as the Helper program, but it does not provide a direct path to apprenticeship.

For more information or to obtain an application, contact:

Che Rocchild - Apprenticship Coordinator
Phone: (925) 464-1612
Email: training@bmlocal549.org

Helmets to Hardhats

We proudly support our nation’s Veterans through the Helmets to Hardhats program, helping them transition from military service into rewarding careers in the construction trades. Boilermakers Local 549 provides hands-on training and guidance, including soft skills development, to help Veterans succeed and grow within the industry.