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

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipUnionPaid Training

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

About This Program

Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 123 Apprenticeship Training Trust sponsors a registered union apprenticeship program in Tampa, FL. As a JATC-affiliated employer-sponsored program, it offers a structured route into the plumbing and pipefitting trade for motivated individuals ready to earn while they learn.

The program is five years in length, combining 8,000 hours of on-the-job training with 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices gain hands-on experience installing, testing, and maintaining water, gas, and process piping systems. Technical coursework addresses plumbing codes, construction safety, pipe joining methods, and system design.

Graduates earn journeyman status as plumbers/pipefitters and are well-positioned for employment across Tampa Bay's active construction and industrial sectors. Union membership through Local 123 provides access to benefits, wages, and professional development opportunities throughout an apprentice's 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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