Plumber/Pipefitter at Detroit Pipefitters
at Detroit Pipefitters in Troy, MI
About This Program
Detroit Pipefitters, based in Troy, Michigan, sponsors a non-union, employer-based plumber/pipefitter apprenticeship serving the greater Detroit metropolitan area. This program gives aspiring tradespeople a direct entry point into the pipefitting field, with pay starting from the first day of training and skill development progressing through hands-on field work.
The five-year apprenticeship includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices gain practical experience in the installation and maintenance of piping systems used in HVAC, process piping, plumbing, and mechanical systems across commercial and industrial job sites. Classroom instruction covers pipefitting theory, safety protocols, Michigan building codes, and pipe fabrication techniques.
Upon completing the program, graduates are qualified to work as journey-level pipefitters in the Detroit area and beyond. The region's industrial base and active construction market provide consistent opportunities for skilled pipefitters entering the workforce with this level of training and experience.
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.
Trade School vs. Apprenticeship for Plumber
Apprenticeship
Trade School
Licensing in Michigan
Plumber/Pipefitters in Michigan are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Construction Codes.
View full Michiganlicensing requirements →Reviews
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