Plumber/Pipefitter at Greater Michigan UA Local 190 JATC
at Greater Michigan UA Local 190 JATC in Ann Arbor, MI
About This Program
Greater Michigan UA Local 190 JATC, based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, sponsors a union plumber/pipefitter apprenticeship for the greater Ann Arbor and southeastern Michigan region. This jointly administered JATC program trains apprentices under United Association standards, blending supervised field work with comprehensive classroom instruction. Apprentices earn wages from the start of the program.
The five-year apprenticeship includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices develop skills in plumbing, pipefitting, and mechanical system installation across commercial, industrial, and institutional job sites. Technical coursework covers pipe systems design, Michigan plumbing and mechanical codes, welding, safety, and blueprint reading.
Graduating apprentices earn journey-level status and full membership in UA Local 190, one of Michigan's prominent plumbing and pipefitting unions. This provides access to union wages, healthcare, retirement benefits, and contractor placement opportunities throughout the Ann Arbor and broader southeastern Michigan area.
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.
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 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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