Plumber/Pipefitter at Dr. Drain dba 1-Tom-Plumber (CEU)

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipPaid Training

at Dr. Drain dba 1-Tom-Plumber (CEU) in Carlisle, IA

About This Program

Dr. Drain dba 1-Tom-Plumber (CEU) sponsors a registered plumber/pipefitter apprenticeship program in Carlisle, IA. This non-union, employer-sponsored program offers a practical, earn-while-you-learn route into the plumbing trade for individuals in central Iowa looking to build a lasting skilled trade career.

The program runs for five years and includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training alongside 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices gain real-world experience in residential and commercial plumbing, including drain cleaning, water line installation, fixture service, and emergency repair work. Classroom instruction covers plumbing fundamentals, safety, codes, and trade mathematics.

Graduates complete the program as journeyman plumbers/pipefitters, well-prepared for employment across Iowa's plumbing service and construction industries. The 1-Tom-Plumber platform provides apprentices with exposure to a range of plumbing service scenarios throughout their training.

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.

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 Iowa

Plumber/Pipefitters in Iowa are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing.

View full Iowalicensing requirements →

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