Plumber/Pipefitter at Mike the Plumber Inc.
at Mike the Plumber Inc. in Bull Shoals, AR
About This Program
Mike the Plumber Inc., based in Bull Shoals, AR, sponsors this registered plumber/pipefitter apprenticeship for individuals ready to enter the plumbing trade in the north Arkansas lake region. This non-union, small business-based program offers personalized, hands-on training under direct supervision of an experienced plumbing professional.
The program runs for 5 years and includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training alongside 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices gain experience in residential and light commercial plumbing, including water supply and drain systems, gas line installation, fixture setting, pipe joining techniques, troubleshooting, and compliance with Arkansas plumbing codes and safety requirements.
Graduates complete the apprenticeship as journey-level plumbers ready to work independently across a variety of project types. Paid training throughout the five-year program means apprentices can build trade expertise without taking on educational debt.
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.
Trade School vs. Apprenticeship for Plumber
Apprenticeship
Trade School
Licensing in Arkansas
Plumber/Pipefitters in Arkansas are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Arkansas Department of Health, Plumbing and Natural Gas.
View full Arkansaslicensing requirements →Reviews
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