Plumber/Pipefitter at United Association (UA), Plumbers, Local 24 JATC
at United Association (UA), Plumbers, Local 24 JATC in West Caldwell, NJ
About This Program
United Association (UA) Plumbers Local 24 JATC sponsors this registered union apprenticeship for plumbers and pipefitters in West Caldwell, NJ. As a United Association JATC program, it follows nationally recognized training standards while preparing apprentices for the specific demands of New Jersey's plumbing industry. Apprentices earn wages from the beginning, with pay increasing progressively over the course of the program.
This five-year apprenticeship includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices develop skills in residential and commercial plumbing, including supply and drainage systems, fixture installation, gas piping, and system testing. JATC classroom instruction covers plumbing codes, safety standards, pipe trade mathematics, and blueprint reading applicable to New Jersey job sites.
Graduates earn journey-level standing within UA Local 24, opening access to union contractor employment throughout northern New Jersey. Membership in the United Association comes with negotiated wages, health insurance, pension benefits, and opportunities for specialized training and career advancement.
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.
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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