Organization
The International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Asbestos Workers was chartered on January 2, 1901. Local Union 34 was chartered May 13, 1913.

Nature of Trade
The primary work of the trade involves the application of various insulating materials to hot and cold surfaces. Insulation work is necessary on both larger and smaller projects, including power plants, chemical plants, heavy manufacturing or processing installations including refridgeration and plumbing, heating and air conditioning insulation on schools, churches, apartment complexes, shopping centers and hospitals.

Apprenticeship Training
The term of apprenticeship shall not be less than 8,000 hours, in not less than 4 years of work experience and not less than 144 hours per year of related instruction completed under this program. The apprenticeship program consists of on the job training and classroom instruction.

Qualifications
An applicant must meet the following requirements in order to apply for the apprenticeship program:

1. Must be at least 18 years of age
2. High school diploma or GED
3. Ability to perform the required work as indicated by passing the standard medical examination as required by the industry, except that medical exam will be administered after selection from the pool of applicants and prior to admission into the program.

Application, Selection and Hiring Process
Applicants must apply as a Pre-Apprentice(Improver) Asbestos Worker at a time and place designated by the Joint Apprenticeship Committee. A provisional Pre-Apprentice must work as a Pre-Apprentice for 160 hours in the year preceding the notification of openings for Apprentice Asbestos Workers. The placement of Pre-Apprentices on the hiring list shall be by a lottery system. Selection from the pool of applicants meeting the above basic qualifications shall be by descending order of score achieved on the oral interview and rating evaluation form, beginning with the highest score and in descending order from that point.