Plumber/Pipefitter at RIMPMA (Rhode Island Master Plumbers & Mechanical Association)
at RIMPMA (Rhode Island Master Plumbers & Mechanical Association) in Cranston, RI
About This Program
The Rhode Island Master Plumbers & Mechanical Association (RIMPMA) sponsors a five-year Plumber/Pipefitter apprenticeship program based in Cranston, Rhode Island. This non-union, association-sponsored program is designed to produce skilled, code-compliant plumbing and mechanical professionals for the Rhode Island market.
Apprentices in this time-based program complete 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Coursework and field training together address pipe systems, gas and fuel piping, drainage, water heating equipment, mechanical installations, blueprint reading, and safety regulations applicable under Rhode Island law.
Completing this program earns apprentices journey-level standing as plumbers and pipefitters. RIMPMA's standing in the Rhode Island mechanical trades industry provides apprentices with connections to established employers and a recognized credential upon graduation.
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
Licensing in Rhode Island
Plumber/Pipefitters in Rhode Island are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Board of Examiners of Plumbers.
View full Rhode Islandlicensing requirements →Reviews
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