Plumber/Pipefitter at Plumbers & Pipefitters Lu 178 Springfield

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipPaid Training

at Plumbers & Pipefitters Lu 178 Springfield in Springfield, MO

About This Program

PLUMBERS & PIPEFITTERS LU 178 SPRINGFIELD sponsors a plumber/pipefitter apprenticeship program in Springfield, MO. This employer-sponsored program offers a comprehensive five-year training path for individuals seeking to enter the plumbing and pipefitting trades in the southwest Missouri region.

The program includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices gain hands-on experience in pipe system installation, welding, pipe threading, fixture installation, and the maintenance of commercial and residential plumbing systems. Classroom instruction covers applicable plumbing codes, safety regulations, mechanical systems theory, and trade mathematics.

Graduates of the program achieve journeyman-level standing in the plumbing and pipefitting trades, qualifying them for work across a broad range of project types. Apprentices receive pay throughout the training period, and completing the program equips them with the skills and credentials needed for a stable, long-term career in Springfield and the surrounding region.

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.

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.

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

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