Plumber/Pipefitter at Plumbers & Pipefitters Lu 45 St. Joseph
at Plumbers & Pipefitters Lu 45 St. Joseph in St. Joseph, MO
About This Program
PLUMBERS & PIPEFITTERS LU 45 ST. JOSEPH sponsors a plumber/pipefitter apprenticeship program located in St. Joseph, MO. This employer-sponsored program provides a structured five-year training path for individuals interested in joining the plumbing and pipefitting workforce in northwest Missouri.
Apprentices complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction over the course of the program. Field work covers pipe installation, system layout, joint connections, welding, and the installation of water, gas, and drainage systems in residential and commercial buildings. Technical instruction includes plumbing codes, trade mathematics, safety practices, and blueprint reading.
Upon completion, apprentices earn journeyman credentials in the plumbing and pipefitting trades. This program provides a solid foundation for careers across construction, maintenance, and service sectors. Apprentices are paid throughout the program, making it an accessible entry point for those looking to build a long-term trade career in the St. Joseph area.
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.
Trade School vs. Apprenticeship for Plumber
Apprenticeship
Trade School
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