Plumber/Pipefitter at Plumbers and Pipefitters UA Local 716
at Plumbers and Pipefitters UA Local 716 in Augusta, ME
About This Program
Plumbers and Pipefitters UA Local 716 offers a union JATC plumber/pipefitter apprenticeship in Augusta, Maine. Affiliated with the United Association, this program trains apprentices for the full range of plumbing and pipefitting work found in Maine's residential, commercial, and industrial construction sectors. Apprentices earn pay from their first day on the job.
The five-year apprenticeship includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work under licensed journey-level plumbers and pipefitters, gaining practical skills in water supply, drainage and venting, gas piping, and mechanical system installation. Classroom coursework addresses Maine plumbing codes, pipe fabrication, safety standards, and blueprint reading.
Completing the program earns graduates journey-level status and full membership in UA Local 716. This positions them for long-term employment across Maine and northern New England, with access to union wages, healthcare coverage, and retirement benefits through collective bargaining agreements with area employers.
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 Maine
Plumber/Pipefitters in Maine are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Maine Plumbers' Examining Board.
View full Mainelicensing requirements →Reviews
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