Plumber/Pipefitter at Plumbers & Pipefitters Local Union #653
at Plumbers & Pipefitters Local Union #653 in Centralia, IL
About This Program
Plumbers & Pipefitters Local Union #653 sponsors a registered union apprenticeship program in Centralia, IL. This JATC-affiliated employer-sponsored program trains individuals for careers in the plumbing and pipefitting trades through a structured combination of paid on-the-job experience and classroom instruction.
The program is five years in length and includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work on commercial and industrial job sites in the region, gaining hands-on skills in pipe system installation, welding, maintenance, and system testing. Classroom sessions cover Illinois plumbing codes, safety practices, blueprint reading, and pipe joining methods.
Graduates earn journeyman status as plumbers/pipefitters, a credential recognized throughout Illinois and beyond. Union membership through Local #653 provides access to competitive wages, benefits packages, and job security throughout a graduate's career.
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.
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
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
See something wrong? Help us improve this page.