Plumber/Pipefitter at Ne Pa Pipefitters JATC
at Ne Pa Pipefitters JATC in Scranton, PA
About This Program
NE PA Pipefitters JATC sponsors this union plumber/pipefitter apprenticeship based in Scranton, Pennsylvania. As a Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee program, it provides a structured, employer-backed training pathway for individuals seeking journeyman-level pipefitting skills in northeastern Pennsylvania's commercial and industrial construction sector.
The program spans five years and includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work on live projects alongside journeyman pipefitters, gaining hands-on experience with industrial piping systems, HVAC, steam and process piping, and welding. Classroom instruction covers pipefitting codes, blueprint reading, rigging, safety, and welding theory.
Graduates earn journeyman pipefitter credentials and become members of the union, gaining access to collectively bargained wages and benefits. Wages increase progressively throughout the apprenticeship, and journeyman status provides access to consistent work opportunities across northeastern Pennsylvania's construction and industrial markets.
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
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