Plumber/Pipefitter at West Michigan Plumbers, Fitters & Service Trades
at West Michigan Plumbers, Fitters & Service Trades in Coopersville, MI
About This Program
West Michigan Plumbers, Fitters & Service Trades, based in Coopersville, Michigan, sponsors a non-union, employer-based plumber/pipefitter apprenticeship for individuals looking to enter the trades in the western Michigan region. This paid program allows apprentices to earn income while gaining the skills needed to work professionally in plumbing, fitting, and service trade environments.
The apprenticeship runs for five years and includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training alongside 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices develop hands-on skills in plumbing system installation, pipefitting, and service work across residential, commercial, and light industrial job sites. Classroom coursework addresses Michigan plumbing codes, pipe materials and joining methods, safety practices, and system troubleshooting techniques.
Graduates complete the program as journey-level plumbers and pipefitters ready for independent work in the western Michigan market. Coopersville's location near Grand Rapids and access to a diverse range of construction and service work provides solid employment prospects for program completers.
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.
Trade School vs. Apprenticeship for Plumber
Apprenticeship
Trade School
Licensing in Michigan
Plumber/Pipefitters in Michigan are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Construction Codes.
View full Michiganlicensing requirements →Reviews
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