Plumber/Pipefitter at Steamfitters Local Union 420 - JCB
at Steamfitters Local Union 420 - JCB in Philadelphia, PA
About This Program
Steamfitters Local Union 420 – JCB sponsors this union plumber/pipefitter apprenticeship based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As a JATC-affiliated program, this apprenticeship trains steamfitters for sophisticated pipefitting work in the commercial, industrial, and institutional sectors throughout the Philadelphia region.
The apprenticeship is five years long and includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training paired with 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work under journeyman steamfitters on active projects involving steam, HVAC, hydronic, and process piping systems. Classroom training covers welding, rigging, pipe fabrication, code requirements, and occupational safety standards.
Completing the program earns graduates journeyman steamfitter credentials and full membership in Local Union 420. Union membership includes access to collectively bargained wage scales that increase throughout the apprenticeship, plus health insurance, retirement benefits, and a strong professional network within Philadelphia's building trades community.
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.
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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