Plumber/Pipefitter at Plumber and Pipefitters, Local Union 538 JATC
at Plumber and Pipefitters, Local Union 538 JATC in Johnson City, TN
About This Program
Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 538 JATC in Johnson City, Tennessee administers a five-year union Plumber/Pipefitter apprenticeship serving the Tri-Cities region of northeastern Tennessee. This JATC program provides apprentices with paid, union-backed training on commercial, industrial, and residential plumbing and pipefitting projects.
Apprentices complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. The curriculum covers pipe installation, water and gas distribution systems, steam and process piping, welding, code compliance, and safety — with each year building on the skills developed in previous stages of the program.
Graduates achieve journey-level status and full union standing through Local 538, part of the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters. Union membership comes with negotiated wages, health benefits, and retirement contributions, forming the basis for a secure, long-term career in the mechanical trades.
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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