Plumber/Pipefitter at JATC Plumbers & Pipe Fitters of the Carolinas
at JATC Plumbers & Pipe Fitters of the Carolinas in Concord, NC
About This Program
JATC Plumbers & Pipe Fitters of the Carolinas sponsors a union plumber/pipefitter apprenticeship program based in Concord, NC. This Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee program serves the greater Charlotte metro area and surrounding Carolinas region, providing a well-supported entry path into the plumbing and pipefitting trades.
The five-year program includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices develop skills in pipe installation, welding, system layout, blueprint reading, and the installation of water, gas, and drainage systems in commercial and industrial settings. Classroom instruction covers trade theory, applicable codes, safety practices, and mechanical systems fundamentals.
Graduates earn journeyman plumber/pipefitter credentials recognized throughout the Carolinas and beyond. The Charlotte metro region and surrounding areas represent one of the fastest-growing construction markets in the Southeast, creating strong and sustained demand for skilled tradespeople. Union membership through the JATC provides apprentices with structured wage progression and professional support.
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 North Carolina
Plumber/Pipefitters in North Carolina are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors.
View full North Carolinalicensing requirements →Reviews
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