Plumber/Pipefitter at St Paul Plumbers Jac

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipUnionPaid Training

at St Paul Plumbers Jac in St Paul, MN

About This Program

The ST PAUL PLUMBERS JAC offers a union-affiliated plumber/pipefitter apprenticeship in St. Paul, MN. This Joint Apprenticeship Committee program is designed for individuals ready to enter the plumbing trade through a structured, employer-supported training path that pays apprentices from day one.

Spanning five years, the program delivers 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices learn pipe installation and repair, system layout, soldering, threading, welding, and the installation of water, gas, and drainage systems. Technical coursework covers plumbing codes, safety practices, trade math, and blueprint reading to complement field experience.

Completing this apprenticeship earns participants journeyman plumber status — a credential recognized across Minnesota and beyond. The union affiliation provides apprentices with access to competitive wages, benefits, and a professional network in the St. Paul and broader Twin Cities construction market.

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.

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

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 Minnesota

Plumber/Pipefitters in Minnesota are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.

View full Minnesotalicensing requirements →

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