Plumber/Pipefitter at Plumbers & Pipefitters LU #74

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipPaid Training

at Plumbers & Pipefitters LU #74 in Newark, DE

About This Program

Plumbers & Pipefitters LU #74 sponsors a registered plumber/pipefitter apprenticeship program located in Newark, DE. This employer-sponsored program provides a structured pathway into the skilled trades for individuals looking to build a career in plumbing and pipefitting. Apprentices are paid from day one, earning a wage while they develop their skills.

The program runs for five years and includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training combined with 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work alongside experienced journeymen to learn pipe installation, system maintenance, welding techniques, and code compliance. Classroom coursework covers plumbing fundamentals, safety regulations, and trade mathematics.

Graduates complete the program as journeyman plumbers/pipefitters, qualifying them to work on residential, commercial, and industrial piping systems throughout Delaware and the surrounding region. This apprenticeship provides a solid foundation for a long-term career in the mechanical trades.

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

Licensing in Delaware

Plumber/Pipefitters in Delaware are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Delaware Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners.

View full Delawarelicensing requirements →

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