Plumber/Pipefitter at Plumbers & Steamfitters LU 102 JATC
at Plumbers & Steamfitters LU 102 JATC in Knoxville, TN
About This Program
Plumbers & Steamfitters LU 102 JATC in Knoxville, Tennessee offers a five-year union Plumber/Pipefitter apprenticeship administered by its Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee. This JATC program prepares apprentices for commercial, industrial, and residential plumbing and steamfitting work across the Knoxville region.
Over five years, apprentices complete 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job training alongside journeymen and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Skills covered include pipe installation and repair, steam systems, hydronic heating, welding, medical gas, water systems, code compliance, and jobsite safety — with training advancing in complexity each year.
Completion of the program results in journey-level status within the United Association. Local 102 union membership provides access to negotiated wages, benefits, and ongoing training resources, supporting a stable and rewarding long-term career in the plumbing and steamfitting 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.
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
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