What a Plumbing Union Apprenticeship Program Entails

If you want to become a plumber, there are a few possible routes you can take. You can work at a company that provides you on-the-job training or attend a trade school. But the most coveted and difficult path is a plumbing union apprenticeship. These programs combine classroom instruction with on-the-job training, preparing apprentices for a stable, well-paying career in the trade.

Keep reading to learn more about why a plumber union apprenticeship is such a great path to becoming a plumber.

What Is a Plumbing Union Apprenticeship?

A plumbing union apprenticeship is a structured training program that provides hands-on experience and classroom education. These programs are typically run by local plumber unions and are designed to produce skilled, licensed professionals.

Unlike non-union apprenticeships, a union program offers standardized training, competitive wages, and job security. Union apprenticeships are also more selective, with a tougher application process and limited openings. If you’re truly considering a career as a plumber, a local plumbers union apprenticeship is the way to go.

What to Expect in a Plumbing Union Apprenticeship Program

A plumbing union apprenticeship typically lasts between four to five years, during which apprentices receive a mix of classroom instruction and on-the-job training under journeymen plumbers. The program covers a wide range of topics, such as:

• Basic plumbing skills
• Safety regulations and codes
• How to read blueprints
• Industry best practices
• Installation, maintenance, and repair of plumbing fixtures

When you complete the program, you’ll officially be a member of your local plumbing union. 

Classroom Training

Most apprenticeship programs offer around 500 hours of classroom learning. In the classroom, you will learn skills like drafting and blueprint reading. You will also learn some math, physics, and chemistry and how you can use this knowledge in your plumbing work.

Perhaps most importantly, you will learn the plumbing code and regulations in your state and receive general OSHA safety training.

The goal of this classroom training is to teach a wide variety of skills so apprentices will be ready for any type of plumbing job that may be available to them.

On-the-Job Training

A classroom can never truly simulate how a real job would go, so apprenticeship programs include job-site training. Apprentices get practice under real plumbers on real jobs, where the demands and pressures are identical to what they will face when they finish their apprenticeships (minus the supervision). You may get experience in:

• Installing and repairing pipes, fixtures, and water systems
• Identifying and troubleshooting plumbing issues
• Working with various materials, including copper, PVC, and cast iron
• Operating industry-standard tools and machinery
• Applying real-world problem-solving skills on job sites

Apprentices are paid for their work on job sites, which means they actually make money while receiving their training (rather than incurring large amounts of debt like many college students).

Benefits of a Union Plumbing Apprenticeship

Choosing a local plumbers union apprenticeship to become a plumber offers several advantages, including:

• Paid training: Apprentices earn wages while learning, with structured pay increases over time.
• Health and retirement benefits: Many union programs provide healthcare, pensions, and other benefits.
• Job security: Unions advocate for their members, ensuring fair wages and reliable employment opportunities.
• Higher earning potential: Union plumbers often earn more than their non-union counterparts due to collective bargaining agreements.
• Top-tier training: Union apprenticeships follow rigorous training standards, ensuring well-rounded education and skills development.

Challenges of a Plumbing Union Apprenticeship Program

A plumbing union apprenticeship also comes with challenges:

• Physical demands: Plumbing involves heavy lifting, working in tight spaces, and handling tools for long hours.
• Long workdays: Apprentices often work full-time while attending evening or weekend classes.
• Limited flexibility: Union apprentices must follow a strict schedule and meet training milestones.
• Competitive entry process: Many applicants are denied due to the high demand for union apprenticeships.

How Union Apprenticeships Compare to Other Plumbing Career Paths

If you’re considering a plumbing career, you have several training options. All will help you become a plumber eventually, but the route may be a bit different. Here’s a quick look at how they all compare:

• Union apprenticeship: Offers structured training, strong wages, and benefits but requires a selective application process.
• Non-union apprenticeship: May provide hands-on training, but pay and benefits vary widely.
• Trade school: Provides classroom-based learning and certification opportunities but may lack immediate job placement.

Each path has its pros and cons, but a plumbing union apprenticeship is often the most secure and financially rewarding choice in the long run.

Is a Plumbing Union Apprenticeship Right for You?

A plumbing union apprenticeship offers a strong career foundation with excellent pay, benefits, and job security. However, it requires commitment, physical endurance, and the ability to handle a structured training program.

If you're ready to start your plumbing career, explore your options with Roto-Rooter. We provide training, job placement, and industry-leading opportunities for aspiring plumbers. Contact us today to learn more about career openings!