Plumber/Pipefitter at Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 101
at Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 101 in Belleville, IL
About This Program
Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 101 sponsors this registered JATC Plumber/Pipefitter apprenticeship program in Belleville, IL. Backed by a union Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee, the program delivers structured, standardized training that meets the demands of the modern plumbing and pipefitting industry.
Over five years, apprentices complete 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Work-site training covers pipe system installation, repair, and maintenance across a variety of settings, while classroom coursework addresses blueprint reading, pipefitting calculations, safety standards, and state and local plumbing codes. Apprentices are paid throughout the entire program.
Graduation from this Local 101 JATC program leads to journey-level status in the plumbing and pipefitting trade. Union membership can provide access to established wage scales, healthcare coverage, and pension benefits, supporting not just a career but a stable, long-term livelihood in the construction and mechanical trades.
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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