Plumber/Pipefitter at Area V (Rogue Valley) Plumbers JATC
at Area V (Rogue Valley) Plumbers JATC in Springfield, OR
About This Program
The Area V (Rogue Valley) Plumbers JATC offers a union-sponsored plumber/pipefitter apprenticeship based in Springfield, Oregon, serving apprentices in the Rogue Valley region. This JATC program provides a structured path into the plumbing trade with both on-the-job training and formal classroom instruction.
The five-year apprenticeship includes 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices gain hands-on skills in pipe installation and repair across residential, commercial, and light industrial settings. Coursework covers plumbing codes, pipe materials, water supply and drainage systems, safety practices, and blueprint reading.
Graduates earn journeyman plumber status and are eligible for union membership benefits. The JATC structure ensures apprentices receive consistent, high-quality training while earning competitive wages that increase with each year of the program, building both skill and financial stability throughout the apprenticeship.
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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