For those interested in blue-collar work, there are a lot of choices to decide between within the construction industry. One of those choices is plumbing and steamfitting.
But it’s much more than just that. In Westchester, for instance, Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 21 is a craft union that tackles a variety of tasks: installation, service, estimation, computer-aided drafting, supervision, and management.
Headquartered in Peekskill, UA Local 21 dates back to 1997; however, it’s made up of seven local unions that over the last 100 years consolidated to form this union. Today, it has around 1,100 members.
Inside the Union
The plumbers and steamfitters workforce takes pride in partnering with contractors to deliver sophisticated piping systems to the end user, ultimately providing a benefit to the community at large. For example, it consistently works with medical providers in the Hudson Valley to build or expand existing facilities. The complicated medical gas installations are a vital piece of life-saving equipment, along with equally important commodities such as steam systems, potable water systems, and comfort piping systems — all necessary to support the facilities that ensure public safety.
Between industrial, commercial and residential construction, this union is busy. That’s why, year over year, it recruits more members with its apprenticeship program. As a part of the United Association (UA), it trains people to become the most highly qualified workers in the United States and Canada. The UA spends over $100 million annually on training programs, involving over 350,000 journeymen and apprentices in over 400 local training facilities at any given time.
This local is a part of that puzzle. Recruitment happens once a year, usually around June, and sees a consistent group of about 30 individuals. The five-year program prepares individuals for a path toward journeyman training and certification with continuing education opportunities.
“It’s for anyone who enjoys hands-on physical work and solving technical problems, and is detail-oriented and safety-conscious,” says Mike Sweeney, training coordinator at UA Local 21. “Rather than going the route of college, you can consider steamfitting and HVAC, where the apprenticeship doesn’t cost anything.”
The program provides an opportunity for trainees to learn technical skills like blueprint reading, isometric drawings, fabrication, welding, and other hard skills. At the same time, they learn soft skills, which are increasingly important assets today. Those include customer service, communication, troubleshooting, and estimations.
The training has been so successful that apprentices from UA Local 21 have found themselves competing on regional and national levels, where top apprentices in plumbing, pipefitting, HVAC, welding, and sprinkler fitting are showcased. That includes the New York State Pipe Trades Contest held right in Peekskill at UA Local 21, drawing all of the United Pipefitting locals. After that, winners go to a regional contest held in Connecticut before moving on to the national level. Two apprentices in 2025 and 2024 traveled to Michigan for the International Apprentice Contest.
Growth Potential in the Field
Sweeney notes that there is a projected eight percent growth in this job market over the next decade, specifically alongside the growth in the semiconductor and nuclear industries.
Careers in this field cover a range of hands-on jobs that keep buildings and industrial facilities running safely. Pipefitters and steamfitters work with the pipes that carry hot water, steam, chemicals, medical gases, and other materials in hospitals, factories, power plants, schools, and large commercial buildings. They read blueprints, measure and cut pipe, weld pieces together, and install complex systems that have to meet strict safety standards.
People who enter this trade often start by helping build or repair these systems on job sites. Over time, they can move into roles like welder, HVAC technician, foreman, estimator, project manager, or instructor. Many also choose to specialize in areas such as medical gas installation, which is critical in healthcare facilities.
“This route has upward mobility, with plenty of options through different disciplines and subject matter,” Sweeney shares.
Next Steps
To learn more about Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 21, visit the organization’s website here or fill out the contact form here.
Related: 5 Apprenticeships You Didn’t Know Existed in Westchester
