Plumber/Pipefitter at Acadiana Plumbers Association
at Acadiana Plumbers Association in Lafayette, LA
About This Program
The Acadiana Plumbers Association offers a non-union, employer-sponsored plumber/pipefitter apprenticeship based in Lafayette, Louisiana. This program is designed for individuals seeking a structured, paid entry into the plumbing trade in the Acadiana region, with training delivered through a combination of field experience and classroom instruction.
The apprenticeship is five years in length and requires 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work alongside experienced plumbers to install, repair, and maintain water supply, drainage, gas, and mechanical piping systems. Classroom sessions cover Louisiana plumbing codes, safety standards, blueprint interpretation, and pipe materials and joining methods.
Graduates are qualified to work as journey-level plumbers in residential, commercial, and light industrial settings. Louisiana's active construction market and energy industry create sustained demand for skilled pipefitters and plumbers, making this apprenticeship a practical investment in a durable trade career.
Wage & Training
Journeyman Wage
$30
OJT Hours
8,000
RTI Hours
576
Duration
5 years
Wage data is the national median for this occupation (BLS, May 2023), not specific to this program.
Plumber Career Outlook
National Median
$30.46/hr
~$63,356.8/yr
Apprentice Start
$15/hr
Earn while you learn
Job Outlook
Plumber employment is projected to grow steadily, driven by new construction, building renovation, and the need to replace aging water infrastructure. Water efficiency regulations and green building standards are creating additional demand for skilled plumbers. The trade consistently ranks among the hardest positions for employers to fill, indicating strong job security.
What to Expect as a Plumber/Pipefitter Apprentice
Duration
5 years of combined on-the-job training and classroom instruction
On-the-Job Training
~32 hours/week of hands-on work under journeyman supervision (8,000 total hours)
Classroom Instruction
576 hours of related technical instruction (~115 hours/year)
Paid Training
You earn a wage from day one, starting at a percentage of the journeyman rate and increasing as you progress
Time-based program: You'll progress through the program based on completing a set number of hours in both on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
Trade School vs. Apprenticeship for Plumber
Apprenticeship
Trade School
Licensing in Louisiana
Plumber/Pipefitters in Louisiana are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by State Plumbing Board of Louisiana.
View full Louisianalicensing requirements →Reviews
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