Plumber/Pipefitter at Ingalls Pipefitter JATC
at Ingalls Pipefitter JATC in Pascagoula, MS
About This Program
Ingalls Pipefitter JATC sponsors a union plumber/pipefitter apprenticeship program in Pascagoula, MS. This Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee program is affiliated with Ingalls Shipbuilding, one of the region's largest industrial employers, and trains pipefitters to work in demanding marine and industrial environments.
The five-year apprenticeship includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices learn to install, fabricate, and maintain complex pipe systems used in shipbuilding and industrial facilities, developing skills in welding, pipe bending, blueprint reading, rigging, and compliance with marine and industrial piping codes. Technical instruction covers pipefitting theory, safety regulations, and materials science.
Completing this apprenticeship earns participants journeyman pipefitter status, with a specialized background that is particularly valuable in shipbuilding and heavy industrial sectors. The JATC structure provides union-affiliated benefits and a clear framework for wage progression throughout the five-year program, making it an excellent opportunity in the Pascagoula 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
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