Plumber/Pipefitter at Tim the Plumber Inc formerly TA Gardiner Plg & Htg Inc

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipPaid Training

at Tim the Plumber Inc formerly TA Gardiner Plg & Htg Inc in Bristol, RI

About This Program

Tim the Plumber Inc, formerly TA Gardiner Plumbing & Heating Inc, sponsors a five-year Plumber/Pipefitter apprenticeship based in Bristol, Rhode Island. This employer-sponsored, non-union program offers paid, practical training for those entering the plumbing and pipefitting trade in the East Bay region of Rhode Island.

Apprentices complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training working directly with experienced plumbers, along with 576 hours of classroom-based related technical instruction. The curriculum covers water distribution, drain systems, heating equipment installation, pipe joining techniques, blueprint reading, and adherence to applicable plumbing codes and regulations.

At the conclusion of the five-year program, apprentices are prepared to work as journey-level plumbers, taking on independent project responsibility. The hands-on nature of this employer-based program means graduates have real-world experience in the types of jobs they will encounter throughout their careers.

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.

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 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 →

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