The Plumbers and Pipefitters Apprenticeship Program is jointly sponsored by the Mechanical Contractors Association of Austin, Inc. and Local Union 286 of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada. The program is administered by the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 286 Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee, which is comprised of six members, three from each of the parent organizations. The program is recognized by the Texas Education Agency, the Veterans Administration, the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, and the U.S. Department of Labor, as being an established facility for the training of plumbers and pipefitters in this geographical area.
The program exists for the purpose of training capable plumbers and Pipefitters. This is accomplished through the age-old system of apprenticeship for those with little or no trade experience and through refresher courses and advanced training courses for plumbers and pipefitters who have achieved journeyman status.
The apprenticeship program requires five years and includes two distinct parts: (1) 10,000 hours of on-the-job training and (2) 1,225 hours of classroom instruction in subjects related to the trade. There is a try out probation period of 1,000 hours of employment and a review at each level of advancement.
The on-the-job phase of training means employment by a qualified contractor and enables an apprentice to earn his/her way while learning the trade. The training committee has the authority and responsibility of transferring the apprentice from one shop or job to another, if necessary, to insure that he/she receives a wide range of experience in the trade.
Apprentice wage rates are based on standard set percentages of the journeyman rate. They start at 55% of the journeyman rate for the first year, and increase twice each year for the remaining four year period provided the apprentice maintains satisfactory progress in his/her development.
The following is a table showing the wage rates. An average work week amounts to forty hours employment.
Journeyman Plumbers or Pipefitters – $36.15 per hour
BTJ = Building Trades Journeyman
| Employee Classification |
Base Wage |
Total Package |
| Gen. Foreman |
$42.66 |
$58.84 |
| Level II Foreman |
$40.49 |
$56.67 |
| Level I Foreman |
$38.32 |
$54.50 |
| Journeyman |
$36.15 |
$52.33 |
| 5th Yr App (2nd 6 mo.) 95% |
$34.34 |
$50.15 |
| 5th Yr App (1st 6 mo.) 90% |
$32.54 |
$47.98 |
| 4th Yr App (2nd 6 mo.) 85% |
$30.73 |
$45.79 |
| 4th Yr App (1st 6 mo.) 80% |
$28.92 |
$43.61 |
| 3rd Yr App (2nd 6 mo.) 75% |
$27.11 |
$41.43 |
| 3rd Yr App (1st 6 mo.) 70% |
$25.31 |
$39.26 |
| 2nd Yr App (2nd 6 mo.) 65% |
$23.50 |
$37.07 |
| 2nd Yr App (1st 6 mo.) 60% |
$21.69 |
$34.89 |
| 1st Yr App (entire yr) 55% |
$19.88 |
$32.71 |
| Unindentured Apprentice (45%) |
$16.27 |
$23.89 |
| Pre-Apprentice 40% |
$14.46 |
$14.46 |
The related instruction as stated above, totals 1225 classroom hours and consists of two four-hour classes each week. Monday-Friday in the evening after working hours. The apprentice attends these classes on his/her own time and must also study outside of class to maintain satisfactory progress. Additional study time required varies with the individual and with the topic of study. The only expense for the Apprentice will be a minimal tuition fee one time per year to cover classroom supplies for the school year.
To qualify for an interview with the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee an applicant:
- must be at least 18 years of age
- must be a high school graduate or have obtained a GED
- must present a valid Drivers License or Identification Card, Social Security Card, Birth Certificate, service separation papers (if applicable), copy of high school diploma and final high school transcript or GED and test scores at the time of application
Applicants will be notified by certified mail of interview date.
Veterans with at least two years active duty qualify for veterans educational benefits in addition to salaries earned from employment in this program.
Applications are available 24/7 by clicking here.
You must have all documents listed above to apply.
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS – The Austin Plumbers and Pipefitters Training Trust admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
For additional information about this training program, please use the contact form below.
