Plumber/Pipefitter at Flint Plumbers JATC

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipUnionPaid Training

at Flint Plumbers JATC in Flushing, MI

About This Program

Flint Plumbers JATC, located in Flushing, Michigan, offers a union plumber/pipefitter apprenticeship serving the Flint region and surrounding areas. As a JATC program, it is jointly administered by union labor and participating employers to deliver standardized, high-quality training for apprentices entering the plumbing trade. All apprentices are paid while they train.

The five-year program includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices gain field experience in plumbing system installation and service across residential, commercial, and light industrial projects. Classroom instruction covers Michigan plumbing codes, pipe materials and joining techniques, safety practices, water system design, and blueprint reading.

Graduates complete the program as journey-level plumbers and earn full union membership, giving them access to collectively bargained wages, benefits, and job opportunities through signatory contractors in the greater Flint and mid-Michigan construction market.

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.

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 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

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!

See something wrong? Help us improve this page.