Plumber/Pipefitter at UA Local # 300 of Nd & E. Sd JATC

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipUnionPaid Training

at UA Local # 300 of Nd & E. Sd JATC in Fargo, ND

About This Program

UA Local #300 of ND & E. SD JATC sponsors a union plumber/pipefitter apprenticeship program in Fargo, ND. This Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee program serves North Dakota and eastern South Dakota, offering a structured and paid path into the plumbing and pipefitting trades for candidates in the northern Great Plains region.

The five-year apprenticeship includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work with experienced journeymen on commercial and industrial piping projects, developing skills in pipe installation, welding, system layout, blueprint reading, and compliance with applicable codes. Technical classroom instruction covers pipefitting theory, safety regulations, and mechanical systems.

Graduates earn journeyman plumber/pipefitter credentials under the United Association, one of the most recognized credentials in the trades industry. The Fargo-Moorhead region's growing construction sector supports steady demand for qualified tradespeople, and UA Local 300 union affiliation provides ongoing professional resources and benefits for program graduates.

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.

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

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 North Dakota

Plumber/Pipefitters in North Dakota are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by North Dakota State Plumbing Board.

View full North Dakotalicensing requirements →

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