U.A. Plumbers & Pipefitters Local Union 123 - Dover, Florida

Cristopher Araya

Joining Local Union 123 has been profoundly transformative for me. I became a member as a pre-apprentice around the time of my first child's birth. Despite initially aiming to become a pipefitter, I was quickly employed in plumbing, which, though not my initial choice, provided the consistency crucial for supporting my young family. As I progressed in my apprenticeship, my appreciation for the trade grew, and I began to recognize the vast array of opportunities available to me as a Journeyman. Initially, I had a narrower vision of my future path, but the comprehensive training and guidance provided by the apprenticeship program and experienced journey workers broadened my perspective. I now understand that I had not fully grasped the breadth of possibilities within the field. I look forward to leveraging my skills and knowledge to explore these diverse avenues and make informed decisions about my future career path, knowing I have so many brothers and sisters backing me up.

The apprenticeship program offered by the union is exceptional, offering comprehensive training in plumbing, pipefitting, and welding within just five years. The instructors at Local Union 123 are truly remarkable, possessing vast knowledge and a genuine enthusiasm for imparting it. The opportunities within the union are boundless, and the relationships forged along the way last forever.

Marco Ortega

I started with this hall as a pre-apprentice almost 6 years ago. I have never been without work and have given opportunities to make myself a better tradesman. The entire local has been awesome in helping me become a better person. The experience I have gained is the best around. Instructors and staff that care for you to succeed is the reason I joined the local.

William Mothershed

I have been a member of this local for 18 years. Everything I have I owe to them. They gave me a chance when no one else would. There is an opportunity to learn and refine your skills here. The training center and welding booths are open almost every day. You get out what you put into it. But don't take my word for it. Check it out yourself!

Tyanna Cortez

If you don’t have welding certs AND experience, don’t expect to get put into a welding job off the bat. They have a lot of plumbing jobs and if you aren’t a 4-5yr, I was told you will most likely not be welding until then.

I came with 2 weld certs from military skillbridge program (certified by the UA in Washington) , and still got put into a plumbing while continuing the pipefitting classes.

Office is great and easy to work! Especially during my process using the GI bill.

The union itself needs to have better communication when bringing people into it. Like an orientation to go over paperwork/benifits/pay/ GI bill. Everything I’ve learned about what is going on or how to apply to benefits has been on my own or word from other students.

Nathan Champion

I joined the union over 3 years ago after moving into the Tampa area. I wasn’t sure what to expect and didn’t understand much about the union. I had a very mixed view of it at first until I met Zac Holland and Mark Viggiano. Both of them have been very influential in my life as I have been navigating the school process and my first layoff(company closed). The brotherhood that I’ve seen from them is what I’m convinced the local is supposed to look like. I’m convinced that there will be significant changes within the union that will bring expansion and competent members.

William Holland

I've been a member for almost 20 years. I received a awesome education from local 123's apprenticeship. I've made great friends, been a part of amazing construction projects, and look forward to a comfortable retirement.

chad Scar

Great 5 year HVAC apprenticeship program if you enjoy instructors who show up less often than the students and let's the class goof off all day and go home before lunch. Anyone can pass this class. The only instructor worth anything is Jason. The others show up just for a check. The union overall is terrible at managing investments. Pension was endangered my entire 10 years of service. They pay the organizer a 6 figure salary and he hasn't got a new contractor to join in 15+ years. This place is a joke.

Rich

It amazes me that someone who hasn't been a member since 2012 will post a negative review in 2019 about dues. And someone who was kicked out in 2020 because he couldn't show-up to work or school on time will just make up lies about the instructors and pension in 2022. Our Pensions are doing great by the way. And someone who lives in Washington DC will post a negative review about the location of our Hall in Dover, FL. It also amazes me that people will put the lack of work in Florida on the Hall. Obviously, if the Hall controlled the work nobody would be out of work. I have flagged all those reviews in an effort to get them removed and I encourage everyone who knows us to do the same, it took about 2 minutes of my time.