Plumber/Pipefitter at Plumbers & Pipefitters Local #551 JATC
at Plumbers & Pipefitters Local #551 JATC in West Frankfort, IL
About This Program
Plumbers & Pipefitters Local #551 JATC sponsors this registered union apprenticeship program based in West Frankfort, IL. This Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee program provides union-affiliated training to individuals pursuing a career in the plumbing and pipefitting trade in southern Illinois.
The program spans five years and includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices receive paid, hands-on experience installing and maintaining pipe systems for water, gas, steam, and process fluids across residential, commercial, and industrial job sites. Classroom instruction introduces and reinforces topics such as pipe layout, blueprint reading, trade mathematics, and safety and code standards.
Completing this JATC program earns apprentices journey-level recognition in the trade. Through Local #551, union affiliation can bring access to competitive wages, health and retirement benefits, and the support of an established labor organization, giving graduates a strong footing for a long and successful career in the 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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