Plumber/Pipefitter at Morgantown Plumbers JATC
at Morgantown Plumbers JATC in Morgantown, WV
About This Program
The Morgantown Plumbers JATC sponsors a union Plumber/Pipefitter apprenticeship in Morgantown, WV. Backed by the United Association, this Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee program offers apprentices a structured, union-supported path into the plumbing and pipefitting trade. Apprentices receive wages throughout the entire five-year program, with pay rates increasing as they build experience and advance through each stage.
The program includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Working under experienced journeymen, apprentices gain hands-on skills in residential and commercial plumbing, industrial pipefitting, medical gas systems, and mechanical installations. Classroom coursework covers plumbing codes, blueprint reading, pipe system design, trade mathematics, and safety standards.
Graduates achieve journey-level status in the United Association and are well-positioned for employment in Morgantown's expanding construction and institutional sectors, including work tied to the university and healthcare industries. UA membership through the JATC offers competitive wages, benefits, and a recognized professional credential that travels with you throughout your career.
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 West Virginia
Plumber/Pipefitters in West Virginia are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by West Virginia Division of Labor.
View full West Virginialicensing requirements →Reviews
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