How long does it take?
The Plumbing Registered Apprenticeship Program takes up to 4 years, with 144 hours of training each year and at least 6,375 hours of employment (on-the-job-learning). However, credit may be given for previous plumbing experience and/or plumbing training, reducing these requirements by up to 50%.

How much will I make?
The Department of Labor requires a plumbing apprentice to make at least 55% of what a journeyman plumber earns in your specific market, increasing to 85% by the end of the program. Local employers can pay more and usually do because of the high demand for plumbers. Your value can rise quickly with the added advantage of this formal plumbing education.

What is the program like?
Our program utilizes a unique hybrid model that includes self-study reading, online videos, hands on practice, and supervised experience to engage every possible learning style while incorporate flexibility and pursuing the end goal of competency in every topic (see program outline). The program components include:

How much does it cost?
The cost of our program is $900 per year (across 4 years). Participants who have at least two years of broad experience may apply to begin in Year 3 (Level 3), in which case the cost is $1,000 annually over 2 years (we still provide the written materials from all 4 years/levels).

What if I already work in plumbing?
That’s great! If your employer agrees, we can evaluate your experience and grant credit for up to 50% of the program. In that case, you would begin in Level 3 (Year 3) rather than revisit material you already know and you are on the super fast-track to certification. However, because the program assumes participants have direct supervision at all times, it is not available for someone who already has a Journeyman plumbing license.

What if I don’t already work in plumbing?
Not to worry. That’s basically the point of an apprenticeship program. We will help match you with an employer in your area who wants to (or already does) participate in the program. In fact, you must become employed full-time in the plumbing industry to fully participate in the apprenticeship process. You may begin the training portion of the program without being employed, but the full benefit and credit doesn’t materialize until you are employed in the industry.

What if I am still in high-school?
Full apprenticeship registration requires you to be at least 16. However, younger high-school students can begin this journey as a pre-apprentice in two ways, both of which would allow us to grant advanced placement in the program upon graduation:

What if I don’t live in Texas?
Anyone can participate in our programs, but they must confirm reciprocity with our Texas program. We will soon be launching this model in other states, but that will likely come later in 2020.

Is the program recognized by Texas?
Our program is approved by the US Department of Labor, which is then automatically recognized by the State of Texas. This can be seen in the following Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiner’s rules:

The references above specifically include any plumbing program approved by the US Department of Labor. Our approval from the US Department of Labor is also on file with Executive Director of the TSBPE.

How do I get started?
Simply register at the bottom left of this page to access the application packet. No payment is due and this does NOT commit you to the program, it simply registers your interest and allows you to review the full program details. If you aren’t concerned about Department of Labor Registration and simply want to learn, you may register for any level of the program immediately. If you have general questions, email Apprenticeship@iccsafe.org.