Government-supported plumber apprenticeships pay up to $40 per hour, no experience required!
「Tuition Support+ High Hourly Pay + No Experience Required, Don't Wait!」
Tired of dead-end jobs or student debt? This article provides low-income people and those looking to change careers with a variety of low-cost, government-supported plumbing apprenticeship programs that not only don't require a college degree but also pay up to $40 per hour. Here are some of those opportunities and how to seize them.
Top 5 Reasons to Join a Plumbing Apprenticeship
💸 Earn While You Learn: Skip student debt! Get paid an average of $20.58 per hour during training—build your skills and fill your bank account.
🔧 Real-World Experience = Job-Ready Skills: Master hands-on work on actual job sites. Graduate with 1-2 years of experience—employers can’t resist.
🏅 Gold-Standard Certifications: Unlock OSHA 10, EPA 608, and state licenses. Boost starting pay by 30%+ with credentials employers trust.
🚀 Fast Track to $60K+ Careers Become a licensed plumber in 4-5 years, then leap to project manager or start your own biz—no limits!
🎓 Tuition is supported + Guaranteed Jobs: Unions/gov programs cover costs. Get tools + job placement—land work before you graduate!
Government supported plumber apprenticeship training program
✔ Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
Covers tuition, materials, and living costs for low-income adults.
2025 adds a Clean Energy Infrastructure Initiative, prioritizing plumbing and green trades.
Example: NYSERDA’s "Buildings of Excellence" (paid plumbing internships + green tech training).
✔ State Programs
- Example:Michigan Reconnect 2.0 (2025): Provides government-supported pipeline certification for residents 25+.
A high-paying plumber apprenticeship program that low-income families can choose blindly
🔖 SageWater
On the job training：Apprentices receive on-the-job training under licensed plumbers, performing plumbing tasks like fixture installation and pipe assembly while handling materials and cleaning job sites, with skill progression based on competency.
Certification: On-the-job paid training and work hours will count toward becoming a licensed journeyman.
Pay: $28 to $40 per hour
🏷️ Harts Services
On the job training :Work alongside licensed plumbers on large residential projects (e.g., water/sewer upgrades), assisting in installations and learning critical skills. Responsible for obtaining parts/permits to streamline operations. Goal: Master skills, pass certification tests, and advance in the field.
Testing & Certification: Complete skills tests, including code exams, to track progress toward licensing. Participate in continuing education to meet state requirements and pass assessments.
Pay: $21 to $25 per hour
🏰 United Association of Plumbers (UA)
The union apprenticeship program is the first choice for low-income families because:
Paid training: Apprenticeship starting salary: about $18-22/hour. Graduate salary: up to $32/hour (such as the salary after four years of the Navy SWRAP program)
Tuition: The training costs are borne by the union and the employer.
Employment security: Directly enter the union-signed company to work after graduation.
Certificates available: 1)Industry Certification (e.g., UA Union Apprenticeship Graduation Certification). 2)Federal or State-Level Occupational Qualification (e.g., DOL Standards Assessment)
🌈 The U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Program (DOL Registered Apprenticeships)
This program is a joint effort between the federal and state governments and covers the entire United States. Features:
Cost: The training costs are borne by the government or employer.
Paid work: Receive wages during the apprenticeship.
Priority admission: Some programs give priority to low-income, minority or veterans.
Certificates available: 1)Completion Certificate. 2)Federal & State Credentials. 3)Industry-Recognized Certifications/Licenses (if applicable)
🏫. Low-cost courses
Community Colleges — some colleges offer low-cost certificate courses and assist in arranging paid internships:
🔶 Los Angeles Trade Tech College (LATTC)
Tuition: $1,221-$1,244/year (CA residents)
Includes: Associate Degree +Plumber Technical Certificate (Certificate of Completion).
Low-Income Support:
- FAFSA grants + state tuition waivers (e.g., Tennessee Promise)
🔶 Michigan Career and Technology Center
Course direction: 3-6 months short-term training, focusing on pipeline maintenance and green energy system installation (such as solar pipeline connection).
Tuition: Tuition is supported by the state government.
Certification support: including EPA certification (refrigeration operation) and OSHA safety training to enhance employment competitiveness.
🔶 Universal Technical Institute (California)
Course content: 9-month welding and plumbing hybrid course
tuition fee：support installment payment and WIOA subsidy (covering up to 80% of the cost).
Applicable groups: Unemployed, low-income or veterans are preferred.
Success Story: From retail to $40-an-hour plumber apprenticeship
Elena Ramos, 24, left her $15/hour retail job for a plumbing apprenticeship. 5-Year Journey: Year 1: Started at $28/hour, learning through hands-on projects. Year 2: Mastered complex systems, earned $33/hour. Year 5: Licensed journeyman at $40/hour ($83k/year), leading major installations. Her Take: “I'm not just fixing pipes—I’m building security for my family.”
How to properly apply for a plumber apprenticeship program
1️⃣ Find Programs: Search local opportunities via the U.S. Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship Finder or contact unions (e.g., United Association of Plumbers).
2️⃣ Check Requirements: Ensure you meet basic criteria (high school diploma, math skills, physical fitness).
3️⃣ Submit Documents: Prepare ID, residency proof, and application forms. Some programs may require interviews or entry exams.
4️⃣ Apply Early: Submit your application promptly through the program’s portal or in person, as spots are limited.
What to Learn in the Plumber Apprenticeship Program
✅ Basics: Safety regulations, use of materials and tools, and interpretation of drawings.
✅ Practical skills: pipe installation methods, connection technology, system testing，system maintenance, troubleshooting and problem diagnosis.
✅ Specialty areas: Special systems: contact with special pipe systems such as fire sprinklers, HVAC. Environmental technology
✅ Soft skills: teamwork and customer service
✅ ndustry certification: license preparation
Future Prospects of Plumber Apprenticeships
Stable careers await certified plumbers with infrastructure demand. Start in residential/commercial work, specialize in gas, fire safety, or medical systems, or advance to management. Once you become a licensed plumber, salaries rise from entry level to a median of $61,550/year, with top earners making over $103,140.
Get ready to act—opportunities don’t wait!
Plumbing Apprenticeships in High Demand! Employers urgently need skilled pros—launch your career now! Build pipelines, not just fix them. With training and grit, join essential workers keeping communities running. Secure your spot before 2025 slots fill—turn hard work into lifelong success.
