Plumber/Pipefitter at UA Local 342 Plumbers & Pipefitters JATC
at UA Local 342 Plumbers & Pipefitters JATC in Concord, CA
About This Program
UA Local 342 Plumbers & Pipefitters JATC sponsors this union apprenticeship program based in Concord, CA. As a Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC) program, it combines employer-backed field experience with structured classroom instruction, offering apprentices a clear pathway into the plumbing and pipefitting trade while earning a paycheck from day one.
The program runs for five years, with apprentices completing 8,000 hours of on-the-job training alongside 576 hours of related technical instruction. On the job, apprentices work with pipes, fittings, and fixtures used in water supply, drainage, and industrial piping systems. Classroom coursework covers blueprint reading, pipe layout, safety codes, and system design principles.
Graduates of this program earn journeyman status as a Plumber/Pipefitter, qualifying them for skilled work across residential, commercial, and industrial job sites throughout the Contra Costa County area and beyond. Union membership through UA Local 342 provides access to negotiated wages, benefits, and continued professional development opportunities.
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
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
See something wrong? Help us improve this page.