Plumber/Pipefitter at Area I Plumbers JATC
at Area I Plumbers JATC in Lake Oswego, OR
About This Program
Area I Plumbers JATC sponsors this union plumber/pipefitter apprenticeship in Lake Oswego, Oregon, serving the greater Portland metro area. As one of Oregon's established JATC plumbing programs, it offers apprentices a direct route to journeyman status with full pay from the first day of training.
The apprenticeship runs five years and combines 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job training with 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work on commercial and residential projects under the supervision of experienced journeymen, learning pipe layout, installation, and system testing. Technical coursework includes plumbing codes, pipe materials, drainage and venting systems, and safety standards.
Upon completing all requirements, graduates hold journeyman plumber credentials recognized across the industry. Union membership through the JATC supports apprentices with steadily increasing wages throughout the program and access to full benefits at the journeyman level, making this a strong investment in a long-term skilled trades 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.
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 Oregon
Plumber/Pipefitters in Oregon are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Oregon Building Codes Division.
View full Oregonlicensing requirements →Reviews
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