Plumber/Pipefitter at Plumbers & Pipe Fitters UA Local 99
at Plumbers & Pipe Fitters UA Local 99 in Bloomington, IL
About This Program
Plumbers & Pipe Fitters UA Local 99 offers a registered union apprenticeship program in Bloomington, IL. This JATC-affiliated, employer-sponsored program provides a structured pathway for individuals entering the plumbing and pipefitting trade in central Illinois. Apprentices receive wages throughout their training, making the program accessible without the need for prior savings or student loans.
The five-year program is built on 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work on commercial and industrial job sites in the Bloomington-Normal area, learning pipe installation, system testing, welding, and mechanical maintenance. Classroom coursework addresses Illinois plumbing codes, safety, trade mathematics, and system design fundamentals.
Program graduates earn journeyman status as plumbers/pipefitters and carry the credentials of the United Association. Union membership through Local 99 connects graduates to employment, competitive compensation, and benefits across central Illinois.
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 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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