Plumber/Pipefitter at Central Valley-Motherlode Plumbers, Pipe & Refrig. Fitters JATC
at Central Valley-Motherlode Plumbers, Pipe & Refrig. Fitters JATC in Modesto, CA
About This Program
Central Valley-Motherlode Plumbers, Pipe & Refrig. Fitters JATC administers a union apprenticeship program in Modesto, CA, training workers across plumbing, pipefitting, and refrigeration fitting for the Central Valley region. This JATC-backed program connects apprentices with union employers while providing both field experience and classroom education, with paid training throughout.
The five-year program includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices develop skills in installing and maintaining water, gas, process piping, and refrigeration systems. Coursework covers system design, California codes, blueprint reading, and safety protocols specific to the plumbing and pipefitting trades.
Graduates become journey-level Plumbers/Pipefitters with versatile skills applicable to residential, commercial, agricultural, and industrial projects throughout the Central Valley and Motherlode regions. Union membership provides access to negotiated wages, benefits, and long-term career support.
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.
How to Apply
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
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