Plumber/Pipefitter at Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties Plumbers, Pipe and Refrigeration Fitters Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC)
at Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties Plumbers, Pipe and Refrigeration Fitters Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC) in Castroville, CA
About This Program
The Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties Plumbers, Pipe and Refrigeration Fitters Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (J.A.T.C.) offers a registered apprenticeship program based in Castroville, CA. This employer-sponsored program trains workers across plumbing, pipefitting, and refrigeration fitting disciplines, with apprentices earning wages throughout the entire training period.
The five-year program includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices gain hands-on experience installing and maintaining water, gas, drain, and refrigeration piping systems. Classroom coursework covers trade theory, system design, safety regulations, and applicable plumbing codes for California.
Graduates complete the program as journey-level Plumbers/Pipefitters, ready to work independently on a wide range of commercial, residential, and industrial projects throughout Monterey and Santa Cruz counties. This program provides a solid foundation for a long-term career in the mechanical trades.
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
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