Plumber/Pipefitter at Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 357
at Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 357 in Schoolcraft, MI
About This Program
Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 357, located in Schoolcraft, Michigan, offers a union JATC plumber/pipefitter apprenticeship serving the southwestern Michigan region. This employer-sponsored program is affiliated with the United Association and trains apprentices through a proven combination of field work and classroom instruction. Apprentices receive pay from their first day of training.
The five-year program includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work on plumbing and pipefitting systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings, developing skills in pipe installation, system testing, and maintenance. Classroom instruction covers Michigan plumbing codes, pipe materials, safety standards, blueprint interpretation, and mechanical system fundamentals.
Graduates complete the program as journey-level plumbers and pipefitters and become full members of Local 357. Union membership provides access to collectively bargained wages, health and retirement benefits, and job placement through a network of signatory contractors across southwestern Michigan.
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
Licensing in Michigan
Plumber/Pipefitters in Michigan are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Construction Codes.
View full Michiganlicensing requirements →Reviews
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