Plumber/Pipefitter at Plumbers and Pipefitters JATC of Eastern Ia & Western Il Local 25
at Plumbers and Pipefitters JATC of Eastern Ia & Western Il Local 25 in Rock Island, IL
About This Program
The Plumbers and Pipefitters JATC of Eastern IA & Western IL Local 25 offers a registered union apprenticeship program for aspiring plumbers and pipefitters based in Rock Island, IL. This Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee program serves a bi-state region, providing a structured and union-backed path into the skilled trades.
The five-year program involves 8,000 hours of on-the-job training paired with 576 hours of classroom instruction. Apprentices learn to install, maintain, and repair pipe systems that carry water, steam, gas, and other fluids in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Technical instruction covers pipefitting theory, blueprint reading, safety procedures, trade mathematics, and applicable plumbing codes.
Completing this JATC program earns apprentices journey-level status recognized across the region. Union affiliation through Local 25 can provide access to competitive wages, health benefits, and retirement plans, making this program an excellent long-term career investment for motivated individuals entering the 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.
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 Illinois
Plumber/Pipefitters in Illinois are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Illinois Department of Public Health.
View full Illinoislicensing requirements →Reviews
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