Plumber/Pipefitter at Minneapolis Plumbers Jac

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipUnionPaid Training

at Minneapolis Plumbers Jac in Maple Grove, MN

About This Program

The MINNEAPOLIS PLUMBERS JAC sponsors a union plumber/pipefitter apprenticeship based in Maple Grove, MN. This Joint Apprenticeship Committee program provides structured, paid training for individuals entering the plumbing trade in the greater Minneapolis area through a combination of field work and formal instruction.

This five-year program requires 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work on residential and commercial plumbing systems, learning pipe installation, system troubleshooting, fixture installation, soldering, and code compliance. Classroom sessions build knowledge in plumbing theory, state and local codes, safety standards, and blueprint reading.

Upon completion, apprentices earn journeyman plumber status — a credential that supports careers across a wide range of employers, from residential contractors to large commercial and industrial projects. Union membership through the JAC offers incremental wage increases throughout training and access to a well-established employer network in the Twin Cities metro.

Wage & Training

Journeyman Wage

$30

BLS 2023

OJT Hours

8,000

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

RTI Hours

576

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

Duration

5 years

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

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

Cost$0 (earn while you learn)
Duration5 years
Starting wage$15.00/hr
Journeyman wage$30.46/hr
CredentialJourneyman card

Trade School

Cost$5,000–$20,000+
Duration6–24 months
Starting wageEntry-level
ExperienceHands-on labs
CredentialCertificate / diploma

Licensing in Minnesota

Plumber/Pipefitters in Minnesota are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.

View full Minnesotalicensing requirements →

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