Plumber/Pipefitter at Plumbers & Gasfitters Local #360
at Plumbers & Gasfitters Local #360 in Collinsville, IL
About This Program
Plumbers & Gasfitters Local #360 sponsors a registered union apprenticeship program in Collinsville, IL. This JATC-affiliated program focuses on training skilled plumbers and gasfitters through a structured combination of employer-based field experience and classroom education. Apprentices earn wages throughout the full five-year training period.
The program requires 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices gain expertise in gas line installation and testing, water piping systems, and code-compliant repair work. The gas fitting specialty makes this program particularly relevant for both residential service and commercial construction projects. Classroom instruction covers Illinois codes, gas system safety, and mechanical trade fundamentals.
Graduates complete the program as journeyman plumbers/gasfitters, a credential with strong demand across southern Illinois and the greater St. Louis metro area. Union membership through Local #360 provides ongoing career support and access to union-scale wages and benefits.
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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