Plumber/Pipefitter at Plumbers & Pipefitters JATC, Portsmouth
at Plumbers & Pipefitters JATC, Portsmouth in Portsmouth, OH
About This Program
The Plumbers & Pipefitters JATC Portsmouth offers a union-sponsored plumber/pipefitter apprenticeship based in Portsmouth, Ohio. This Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee program prepares apprentices for a full career in the plumbing and pipefitting trades through a structured combination of hands-on work and classroom instruction.
The program runs five years and includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training alongside 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices earn wages from day one while learning to install, maintain, and repair piping systems for water, gas, steam, and process fluids. Classroom coursework covers pipe materials, blueprint reading, welding fundamentals, safety, and applicable codes and regulations.
Upon completing the program, graduates attain journeyman status in the plumbing and pipefitting trade. Journeyman plumber/pipefitters are in consistent demand across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, and union membership through the JATC provides access to established wage scales 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.
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 Ohio
Plumber/Pipefitters in Ohio are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board.
View full Ohiolicensing requirements →Reviews
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