Plumber/Pipefitter at North Coast Plumbers JATC
at North Coast Plumbers JATC in Astoria, OR
About This Program
North Coast Plumbers JATC offers a union plumber/pipefitter apprenticeship based in Astoria, Oregon, serving the Oregon coast region. This JATC-sponsored program provides apprentices with the combination of paid field experience and technical education needed to become qualified journeyman plumbers.
The program runs five years and includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work on local plumbing projects — including residential, commercial, and light industrial work — under the direction of skilled journeymen. Technical instruction covers plumbing codes, pipe installation and joining, drainage systems, gas piping, and workplace safety.
Upon completion, graduates hold journeyman plumber credentials and access union benefits through JATC membership. Wages increase with each year of the apprenticeship, allowing apprentices to build financial stability alongside their trade skills. For those on Oregon's north coast, this program offers a practical and rewarding entry into a high-demand skilled 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 Oregon
Plumber/Pipefitters in Oregon are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Oregon Building Codes Division.
View full Oregonlicensing requirements →Reviews
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