Plumber/Pipefitter at Colorado Springs Plumbers/ Pipefitters JATC

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipUnionPaid Training

at Colorado Springs Plumbers/ Pipefitters JATC in Colorado Springs, CO

About This Program

Colorado Springs Plumbers/Pipefitters JATC sponsors a union apprenticeship program in Colorado Springs, CO, preparing skilled tradespeople for the plumbing and pipefitting industry in southern Colorado. This JATC program places apprentices with union employers throughout the region, with paid training from the first day of the apprenticeship.

Over five years, apprentices complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Field work includes installing and maintaining water supply, drainage, gas, and steam systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Classroom instruction addresses Colorado plumbing codes, trade mathematics, system design, and safety requirements.

Graduates complete the program as journey-level Plumbers/Pipefitters, ready to work on the full range of projects in Colorado Springs and the surrounding region. Union membership through this JATC provides access to negotiated wages, benefits, and a community of skilled trade professionals.

Wage & Training

Journeyman Wage

$30

BLS 2023

OJT Hours

8,000

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

RTI Hours

576

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

Duration

5 years

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

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

Cost$0 (earn while you learn)
Duration5 years
Starting wage$15.00/hr
Journeyman wage$30.46/hr
CredentialJourneyman card

Trade School

Cost$5,000–$20,000+
Duration6–24 months
Starting wageEntry-level
ExperienceHands-on labs
CredentialCertificate / diploma

Licensing in Colorado

Plumber/Pipefitters in Colorado are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Colorado State Plumbing Board.

View full Coloradolicensing requirements →

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