Plumber/Pipefitter at Appleton Area Steamfitter JAC
at Appleton Area Steamfitter JAC in Appleton, WI
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.
About This Program
The Appleton Area Steamfitter JAC sponsors a union Plumber/Pipefitter apprenticeship in Appleton, WI. This Joint Apprenticeship Committee (JAC) program operates under union standards, providing apprentices with structured training backed by collective industry experience. As a paid apprenticeship, participants earn wages from day one while developing skills across steamfitting and pipefitting trades.
The program spans five years and is built around 8,000 hours of on-the-job training paired with 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work hands-on in steam systems, hydronic piping, mechanical rooms, and industrial process piping. Classroom and lab instruction covers steam theory, piping layouts, welding fundamentals, codes and standards, and workplace safety including OSHA requirements.
Upon graduation, apprentices achieve journey-level status and are prepared to work in commercial, industrial, and institutional settings throughout northeast Wisconsin. Union membership through the program provides access to competitive wages, health and retirement benefits, and a professional network in one of Wisconsin's strongest manufacturing and construction regions.
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.
This is a union-affiliated program. Union apprenticeships typically offer strong benefits packages, pension contributions, and structured career advancement through the local hall.
Trade School vs. Apprenticeship for Plumber
Apprenticeship
Trade School
Licensing in Wisconsin
Plumber/Pipefitters in Wisconsin are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.
View full Wisconsinlicensing requirements →Reviews
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