Plumber/Pipefitter at Plumbers Local #63 & J A T C Peoria
at Plumbers Local #63 & J A T C Peoria in East Peoria, IL
About This Program
Plumbers Local #63 & JATC Peoria sponsors a registered union apprenticeship program based in East Peoria, IL. This JATC-affiliated program delivers paid, structured training in the plumbing and pipefitting trades for individuals in the central Illinois region, drawing on a long history of union trade education in the Peoria area.
The program runs for five years and requires 8,000 hours of on-the-job training combined with 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work on commercial and industrial projects throughout the greater Peoria area, building skills in pipe system installation, welding, code-compliant repair, and mechanical maintenance. Classroom instruction covers Illinois plumbing codes, trade safety, blueprint reading, and pipe joining techniques.
Graduates earn journeyman credentials as plumbers/pipefitters upon completion. Union membership through Local #63 provides access to competitive wages, benefits, and job placement support in one of central Illinois's established construction markets.
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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