Plumber/Pipefitter at RIMPMA (RI Master Plumbers & Mechanical Association)
at RIMPMA (RI Master Plumbers & Mechanical Association) in Cranston, RI
About This Program
The RI Master Plumbers & Mechanical Association (RIMPMA) in Cranston, Rhode Island sponsors a five-year Plumber/Pipefitter apprenticeship. This association-backed, non-union program prepares apprentices to work competently across the full scope of residential, commercial, and mechanical plumbing work in Rhode Island.
The program consists of 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices gain hands-on experience in pipe systems, mechanical equipment installation, hydronic and steam heating, gas distribution, fixture installation, and state code compliance, progressing through increasingly complex tasks over five years.
Graduates complete the program as journey-level plumbers and pipefitters with the skills to handle complex mechanical systems. Sponsorship through RIMPMA connects apprentices with a network of master plumbers and mechanical contractors operating throughout Rhode Island.
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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