Sprinkler Fitter at Or & Sw-Wa Sprinkler Fitters JATC
at Or & Sw-Wa Sprinkler Fitters JATC in Portland, OR
About This Program
The OR & SW-WA Sprinkler Fitters JATC offers a union Sprinkler Fitter apprenticeship based in Portland, OR, serving apprentices across Oregon and Southwest Washington. This JATC program delivers paid, comprehensive training in fire protection system installation within a robust regional construction industry.
The apprenticeship spans five years and includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training alongside 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work under journeyman supervision installing sprinkler piping, heads, and control systems in commercial, industrial, and high-rise residential buildings. Technical classes cover NFPA fire codes, hydraulics, system design, pipefitting methods, and safety practices specific to the trade.
Graduating apprentices earn journeyman Sprinkler Fitter credentials recognized throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond. The union program provides progressively increasing wages during training, along with benefits that come with JATC membership. Portland's active construction environment creates consistent opportunities for journeyman-level fire protection professionals.
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 Sprinkler Fitter 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
Sprinkler Fitters 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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