SAPT is supervised by a Training Coordinator, who is supported by an Assistant Training Coordinator and office and custodial staff. Currently, there are eight full-time Apprenticeship Instructors, one full-time Veterans In Piping instructor, and over 60 part-time instructors who teach evening and weekend apprentice and journeymen classes
Contact Information
Seattle Area Pipe Trades Apprenticeship (Education Center)
595 Monster Road SW, Suite 100 | Renton, WA 98057
425.271.5900 Main Line
425.271.4985 Fax
What is Apprenticeship?
Imagine going to school, and applying what you learn to a paid job in your chosen profession. No wondering if you will find work related to your college degree.
Apprenticeship combines college and career. It’s the best of learning in a classroom, and on the job! As you advance, you earn a fantastic wage, benefits and even pensions. When you complete apprenticeship, you are considered a journeyman, who is an expert in his or her field.
Apprenticeship is a competitive and prestigious option in higher education. It is not open-ended enrollment; you must apply and be accepted, because apprenticeship IS employment. We only take and train as many apprentices as needed to fill jobs.
About Seattle Area Pipe Trades Apprenticeship
The Seattle Area Pipe Trades (SAPT) was established in 1968 as a jointly managed apprenticeship. “Jointly managed” means that workers and employers equally oversee the program.
SAPT workers are represented by United Association (UA) Local 32. The UA is an international union, and Local 32 is one of its many chapters in America and Canada.
Most of the SAPT employers are represented by the Mechanical Contractors of Association of Western Washington (MCAWW), which is a chapter of the Mechanical Contractors Association of America.
These partners strive for excellence in our industry.
Our programs are registered with the state of Washington – Department of Labor & Industries, and regulated by the Washington State Apprenticeship Training Council.
SAPT offers five programs:
• Commercial Plumbers
• Residential Plumbers
• Steamfitters
• Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)/Refrigeration Mechanics
• Marine Pipefitters
Our training center is located in Renton, Washington.
Apprenticeship is a federally regulated system in higher education. We are managed by a Training Trust. Trustees equally represent Labor and Management. They meet quarterly to insure our program and administration is in compliance with law. They are stewards of our program funding, and approve budgets and spending.
Mike Kunkel, Secretary
Joel Crabtree
TJ Riordan
Frank Leonard, Chair
Stacy Johnson
Ed Kommers
Our program design and content is guided by a Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC). The JATC members equally represent Labor and Management, or the workers' and the companies' needs. They meet monthly to review individual apprentice advancement and discipline issues.
TJ Riordan, Chair
Chris Hawes
Dee May
Ian McKnight
Corey Wilker
Jennifer Koch, Secretary
Robin Cowper
Stacy Johnson
Pat Damitio
Travis Watson
Jeff White
SAPT is supervised by a Training Coordinator, who is supported by an Assistant Training Coordinator and office and custodial staff. Currently, there are eight full-time Apprenticeship Instructors, one full-time Veterans In Piping instructor, and over 60 part-time instructors who teach evening and weekend apprentice and journeymen classes
Contact Information
Seattle Area Pipe Trades Apprenticeship (Education Center)
595 Monster Road SW, Suite 100 | Renton, WA 98057
425.271.5900 Main Line
425.271.4985 Fax
Our coordinators act as school principals for the apprenticeship, and report to the Training Trust.
They supervise instructors and staff, and develop the strategic direction of our programs.
Contact a Coordinator if you are an employer, educator or other official.
PJ Moss, Training Coordinator | | cell
Heather Winfrey, Assistant Training Coordinator | | cell
Our apprentices benefit from the expertise of nearly 70 full and part-time instructors.
These individuals develop and deliver curriculum with the input of Labor and Management.
Contact an Instructor if you are an Apprentice or Journeyman with class-related needs or questions.
Tom Barrett, Steamfitter Instructor |
Duane Bjornson, Refrigeration/HVAC Instructor |
David Gibson, Veterans in Piping (VIP) Instructor |
Jeff Holmes, Steamfitter/Welding Instructor |
William McLaurin, Refrigeration/HVAC Instructor |
Thomas Mai, Refrigeration/HVAC Instructor |
Steve Simpson, Plumbing Instructor |
Armando Villalobos, Plumbing Instructor | William Whitfield, Plumbing Instructor | Contact an office employee if you have basic program questions or need to schedule an appointment.
Please see specialty areas listed with each staff.
Ariel Chea
Amanda Shaulis
Cariane Obrovac
Lori Poythress
