Plumber/Pipefitter at Mid-Valley Steamfitters/Pipefitters JATC
at Mid-Valley Steamfitters/Pipefitters JATC in Albany, OR
About This Program
The Mid-Valley Steamfitters/Pipefitters JATC sponsors this union plumber/pipefitter apprenticeship based in Albany, Oregon. This Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee program is designed to train the next generation of skilled pipefitters and steamfitters through a combination of supervised field work and structured classroom study.
The program is five years in length, comprising 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work alongside journeymen on active job sites, gaining practical experience with piping systems used in steam, hydronic heating, industrial processes, and more. Technical instruction covers pipefitting theory, welding, rigging, safety, and applicable codes.
Upon graduation, apprentices earn journeyman status and are well-prepared for careers in commercial, industrial, and power generation sectors. Union membership through the JATC supports apprentices with competitive wages that increase as they advance through the program, along with access to union benefits upon reaching journeyman status.
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 Oregon
Plumber/Pipefitters in Oregon are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Oregon Building Codes Division.
View full Oregonlicensing requirements →Reviews
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