Plumber/Pipefitter at United Association (UA), Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 9, JATC
at United Association (UA), Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 9, JATC in Englishtown, NJ
About This Program
United Association (UA) Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 9, JATC sponsors this registered union apprenticeship program based in Englishtown, NJ. Backed by the United Association, this JATC program holds a strong reputation for producing skilled, well-trained journey-level plumbers and pipefitters. Apprentices are paid throughout training, with wages generally increasing as each year is completed.
The program is five years long, combining 8,000 hours of on-the-job training with 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work on real job sites learning pipe systems, gas line installation, plumbing fixtures, drainage and venting, and code-compliant construction practices. The JATC classroom curriculum covers plumbing theory, blueprint reading, trade calculations, and New Jersey plumbing codes.
Graduates earn journey-level status within Local 9 of the UA, positioning them for high-quality employment with union contractors across New Jersey. Union membership through the UA includes access to negotiated benefits, pension plans, and opportunities for ongoing professional development.
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
Licensing in New Jersey
Plumber/Pipefitters in New Jersey are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by New Jersey State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers.
View full New Jerseylicensing requirements →Reviews
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