Plumber/Pipefitter at Parkersburg Plumbers JATC
at Parkersburg Plumbers JATC in Parkersburg, WV
About This Program
The Parkersburg Plumbers JATC sponsors a union Plumber/Pipefitter apprenticeship in Parkersburg, WV. As a Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee program, this apprenticeship meets the standards of the United Association and provides apprentices with training that is recognized across the country. Participants earn wages throughout the five-year program, with pay scales tied to apprenticeship progression.
The program includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work alongside journeymen on plumbing systems, pipefitting, steam and hydronic systems, and mechanical installations in commercial and industrial environments. Related classroom instruction covers plumbing theory, codes, blueprint reading, math for the trades, and OSHA safety standards.
Graduates earn journey-level status in the United Association, positioning them for long-term careers in West Virginia's construction and industrial sectors. Union membership through the JATC provides access to negotiated wages, health coverage, retirement benefits, and ongoing training opportunities well beyond the apprenticeship period.
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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