Plumber/Pipefitter at Ft Smith/Van Buren Plumber Atc
at Ft Smith/Van Buren Plumber Atc in Fort Smith, AR
About This Program
The Ft. Smith/Van Buren Plumber Apprenticeship Training Committee, located in Fort Smith, AR, sponsors this employer-based plumber/pipefitter apprenticeship for individuals entering the plumbing trade in the Arkansas River Valley region. This is a non-union program with a practical focus on trade skill development.
The program runs for 5 years and includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training along with 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices learn pipe installation, water and gas systems, drain and sewer work, fixture installation, blueprint reading, code compliance, and safety practices across residential and commercial plumbing projects in and around Fort Smith.
Graduates complete the program as journey-level plumbers ready to work independently on a full range of plumbing projects. Paid training throughout the five-year apprenticeship means apprentices can earn a living as they build the skills needed for a lasting trade career.
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.
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 Arkansas
Plumber/Pipefitters in Arkansas are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Arkansas Department of Health, Plumbing and Natural Gas.
View full Arkansaslicensing requirements →Reviews
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