Plumber/Pipefitter at Waco Plumbers & Pipefitters JATC
at Waco Plumbers & Pipefitters JATC in Waco, TX
About This Program
Waco Plumbers & Pipefitters JATC in Waco, Texas offers a five-year union Plumber/Pipefitter apprenticeship administered through its Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee. This JATC program provides paid, structured training for individuals in the Central Texas region looking to build a career in the mechanical construction trades.
The apprenticeship includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices develop skills in water distribution, drainage, gas systems, commercial and industrial pipefitting, welding, blueprint interpretation, and Texas plumbing code requirements — advancing through a structured curriculum over the five-year program.
Graduates earn journey-level designation through the United Association, with Local membership providing access to negotiated wages, health and retirement benefits, and continued training. Waco's expanding residential and commercial construction market supports consistent demand for skilled plumbers and pipefitters throughout the region.
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 Texas
Plumber/Pipefitters in Texas are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners.
View full Texaslicensing requirements →Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
See something wrong? Help us improve this page.