Plumber/Pipefitter at Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 123 Apprenticeship Training Trust

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipUnionPaid Training

at Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 123 Apprenticeship Training Trust in Dover, FL

About This Program

The Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 123 Apprenticeship Training Trust offers a registered union apprenticeship program based in Dover, FL. This JATC-affiliated program is designed to train the next generation of skilled plumbers and pipefitters through a combination of paid field experience and classroom education.

Spanning five years, the program requires 8,000 hours of on-the-job training alongside 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work under journeymen on real job sites, gaining competency in piping system installation, welding, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Classroom sessions cover plumbing codes, safety regulations, trade math, and material science.

Upon graduation, apprentices earn journeyman credentials in the plumber/pipefitter trade, positioning them for reliable, well-paying work in Florida's residential, commercial, and industrial construction markets. The union trust structure supports apprentices with resources and industry connections throughout their career.

Wage & Training

Journeyman Wage

$30

BLS 2023

OJT Hours

8,000

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

RTI Hours

576

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

Duration

5 years

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

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

Cost$0 (earn while you learn)
Duration5 years
Starting wage$15.00/hr
Journeyman wage$30.46/hr
CredentialJourneyman card

Trade School

Cost$5,000–$20,000+
Duration6–24 months
Starting wageEntry-level
ExperienceHands-on labs
CredentialCertificate / diploma

Licensing in Florida

Plumber/Pipefitters in Florida are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board.

View full Floridalicensing requirements →

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