Plumber/Pipefitter at Plumber & Steamfitters Lu # 7 JATC
at Plumber & Steamfitters Lu # 7 JATC in Latham, NY
About This Program
The Plumber/Pipefitter Apprenticeship sponsored by Plumber & Steamfitters LU #7 JATC is a union-affiliated program located in Latham, NY. As a Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee program, it delivers structured, employer-sponsored training that combines union resources with rigorous hands-on instruction. Apprentices are paid throughout the entire training period, making this an accessible path into the skilled trades without taking on student debt.
The program runs for five years and includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training alongside 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work under experienced journeymen to learn piping layout, installation, and system testing for plumbing and steam distribution systems. Classroom coursework covers trade mathematics, codes and standards, safety practices, and system design principles relevant to both residential and commercial work.
Graduates of this program achieve journeyman standing, a recognized credential that supports career advancement throughout New York State and beyond. Union membership through LU #7 provides apprentices with access to negotiated wages, healthcare benefits, and a pension — offering long-term stability in a trade with consistent regional demand.
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
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