Plumber/Pipefitter at Denver Pipefitters JATC
at Denver Pipefitters JATC in Denver, CO
About This Program
Denver Pipefitters JATC sponsors a union apprenticeship program in Denver, CO, training industrial and commercial pipefitters for one of the Rocky Mountain region's fastest-growing construction markets. This JATC-administered program connects apprentices with union employers, providing paid field experience alongside structured classroom training throughout the five-year program.
Apprentices complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Field assignments cover the installation of high-pressure piping, steam systems, process lines, and mechanical systems in commercial and industrial facilities. Classroom coursework addresses hydraulic systems, welding basics, pipe stress analysis, code requirements, and safety standards.
Graduates earn journeyman Pipefitter status, qualifying them for complex mechanical piping work across the Denver metro area and throughout Colorado. Union membership through this JATC provides access to negotiated wages, healthcare, retirement benefits, and long-term career development opportunities.
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
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 →Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
See something wrong? Help us improve this page.