Plumber/Pipefitter at Los Angeles & Vicinity Steamfitters & Industrial Pipefitters JATC
at Los Angeles & Vicinity Steamfitters & Industrial Pipefitters JATC in Gardena, CA
About This Program
Los Angeles & Vicinity Steamfitters & Industrial Pipefitters JATC administers a union apprenticeship program in Gardena, CA, focused on industrial pipefitting and steamfitting for the greater Los Angeles area. As a JATC-administered program, apprentices are placed with union contractors on commercial and industrial projects, earning wages from day one of the program.
The five-year program includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices learn to install and maintain high-pressure steam lines, process piping, and industrial mechanical systems. Classroom instruction covers hydraulics, system design, welding fundamentals, California codes, and safety practices relevant to industrial environments.
Graduates earn journeyman status as Plumbers/Pipefitters with specialized skills in industrial and steamfitting applications. Union membership through this JATC connects graduates to ongoing project opportunities, negotiated wages, health benefits, and retirement plans throughout the Los Angeles region.
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.
How to Apply
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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