Plumber/Pipefitter at Fairbanks Area Plumbers & Pipefitters JATC
at Fairbanks Area Plumbers & Pipefitters JATC in Fairbanks, AK
About This Program
The Fairbanks Area Plumbers & Pipefitters JATC, located in Fairbanks, AK, sponsors this union plumber/pipefitter apprenticeship. As a Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee program, it operates under collectively bargained standards and prepares apprentices for one of the most in-demand skilled trades in Alaska's demanding climate and infrastructure environment.
This 5-year program includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices develop skills in pipe layout and installation, welding, soldering, brazing, steam and hydronic systems, medical gas, blueprint reading, and safety practices suited to Alaska's unique industrial and residential construction needs.
Graduates earn journey-level status as plumbers and pipefitters, with access to union employment and reciprocity throughout the UA network. Apprentices are paid throughout the program, with wages increasing progressively across the five years of training.
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 Alaska
Plumber/Pipefitters in Alaska are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Mechanical Inspection Section.
View full Alaskalicensing requirements →Reviews
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