Plumber/Pipefitter at Memphis Plumbers Jac
at Memphis Plumbers Jac in Memphis, TN
About This Program
Memphis Plumbers JAC in Memphis, Tennessee administers a five-year union Plumber/Pipefitter apprenticeship through its Joint Apprenticeship Committee. This JATC program provides a rigorous, structured path into the plumbing trade for residents of the greater Memphis area, with apprentices earning wages throughout the entire program.
The apprenticeship consists of 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work through training in water supply, drainage, gas systems, pipe joining methods, blueprint reading, and Tennessee plumbing code requirements, gaining real-world experience on commercial and residential jobsites.
Graduates complete the program as journey-level plumbers, recognized through the Joint Apprenticeship Committee structure. Union affiliation provides access to negotiated wages, fringe benefits, and continued professional development, offering a well-defined career path in the Memphis construction and mechanical trades industry.
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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