Plumber/Pipefitter at Missoula Plumbers JATC
at Missoula Plumbers JATC in Missoula, MT
About This Program
Missoula Plumbers JATC sponsors a union plumber/pipefitter apprenticeship program in Missoula, MT. As a Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee program, it offers a well-structured, union-supported training path for individuals entering the plumbing trade in western Montana.
This five-year apprenticeship includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices develop practical plumbing skills including pipe installation, fixture setting, water supply and drainage system layout, welding, and compliance with Montana plumbing codes. Classroom sessions provide instruction in trade theory, safety standards, blueprint reading, and applied mathematics to support field learning.
Completing this program earns participants journeyman plumber status — a recognized credential that supports careers across a wide range of plumbing contractors and project types. The Missoula area's steady residential and commercial development creates consistent demand for qualified plumbers, and JATC union affiliation provides wage progression and benefits throughout the apprenticeship.
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
Licensing in Montana
Plumber/Pipefitters in Montana are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Montana Board of Plumbers.
View full Montanalicensing requirements →Reviews
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