Plumber/Pipefitter at Ashland Plumbers & Pipefitters
at Ashland Plumbers & Pipefitters in Ashland, KY
About This Program
The Ashland Plumbers & Pipefitters apprenticeship is a non-union, employer-sponsored program based in Ashland, Kentucky, offering hands-on training for individuals looking to build a career in the plumbing and pipefitting trades. Apprentices are paid throughout the entire program, earning a wage from day one while developing professional skills on real job sites.
This time-based program runs five years and includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training alongside 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices learn to install, maintain, and repair piping systems for water, steam, gas, and other fluids in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Classroom instruction covers blueprint reading, pipe materials, safety codes, and system design principles.
Upon completing the program, graduates are prepared to work as journey-level plumbers and pipefitters in a range of construction and maintenance environments. The plumbing and pipefitting trades offer stable, in-demand careers with strong long-term earning potential in both the private and public sectors.
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 Kentucky
Plumber/Pipefitters in Kentucky are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, Division of Plumbing.
View full Kentuckylicensing requirements →Reviews
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