Plumber/Pipefitter at Montgomery Plumbers JATC
at Montgomery Plumbers JATC in Montgomery, AL
About This Program
The Montgomery Plumbers JATC, based in Montgomery, AL, sponsors this union plumber/pipefitter apprenticeship serving the central Alabama region. As a Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee program, it delivers training under union standards and provides apprentices with a professional foundation in the plumbing trades.
The apprenticeship spans 5 years and includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training alongside 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices learn to install and service water supply, drainage, gas, and hydronic systems; weld and solder pipe connections; interpret construction blueprints; and follow OSHA safety regulations on commercial, industrial, and residential job sites.
Graduates earn journey-level status as plumbers and gain access to union membership benefits and UA-affiliated employment opportunities. Apprentices receive increasing wages throughout the five-year program, making it a financially sustainable way to enter a high-demand trade.
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 Alabama
Plumber/Pipefitters in Alabama are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board.
View full Alabamalicensing requirements →Reviews
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