Plumber/Pipefitter at Plumbers and Steamfitters L.U. 184 JAC
at Plumbers and Steamfitters L.U. 184 JAC in Paducah, KY
About This Program
Plumbers and Steamfitters L.U. 184 JAC sponsors a union-affiliated plumber/pipefitter apprenticeship in Paducah, Kentucky. This JATC program provides apprentices with a structured pathway into the mechanical trades, combining employer-site work experience with formal classroom education. Apprentices receive pay from the start of the program.
The five-year program includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices develop skills in installing, testing, and maintaining piping systems used in plumbing, heating, cooling, and industrial operations. Technical coursework covers pipe fabrication, welding fundamentals, code requirements, system design, and workplace safety.
Completing the program qualifies graduates for journey-level work across a variety of construction and industrial sectors. Union affiliation with Local 184 supports ongoing career development and provides access to collectively bargained wages, benefits, and job placement resources throughout western Kentucky and beyond.
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 Kentucky
Plumber/Pipefitters in Kentucky are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, Division of Plumbing.
View full Kentuckylicensing requirements →Reviews
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