Plumber (Montana Pipe Trades Educational Program)

Nature of Work

The plumber is a licensed craftsman. The plumber does any mechanical work in installation, maintenance, repair, removal and replacement of water supply and water and liquid waste removal, pipes and fixtures in buildings and on premises of buildings. The plumber makes all connections, performs all services and insures the sanitation of water intake, service discharge systems in homes, businesses and public buildings and the grounds on which they stand. The plumber installs building roof drains when they are inside the walls of the building. The plumber builds settling traps, installs septic tanks and connects them with water intake and discharge piping.

Entrance Requirements

Age: Minimum 18 years.

Health: Good health, physically able to do heavy work under all working conditions.

Aptitude: Score a qualifying score on an Industry Aptitude Test provided by a JATC Training Director.

Education: High School graduate or equivalent (GED) Transcripts of high school credits or an
official report of GED test results must accompany the application.

Term of Apprenticeship

Length of training: Five years/8500 hours.

Related classroom instruction: 1,230 hours or minimum 246 per year.

Probationary period: One year.

Working Conditions

Work is both inside and outside. When on new construction, building is often open to the weather. In repair jobs, the worker may have to crawl under buildings and work in cramped
positions or restricted areas. Building may be unheated; can be dirty, dark and damp. Hazards include falling from ladders or other elevated places, falling objects and burns from molten lead, hot pipes steam or excessive cold.

Generally work a forty-hour week. Work may be seasonal in nature when dealing with construction, but repair and maintenance are year round.

Wages

Apprentice pay is based on a percentage of journeyman wage rate beginning at 50% for the
first year. Advancement is based on satisfactory work on the job and progress in related instruction. Advancements are made each year in wage and training assignments. At the fifth year period, the apprentice has been advanced to 90% of journeyman rate. Inquire with individual contractors for journeyman rates.

Special Characteristics

Knowledge and abilities: How to work, ability to plan work sequence, mechanical aptitude,
manual dexterity.

Interests: Like mathematics and physical sciences, like to work with hands, hand tools.

Temperament: Cooperative, even tempered, can work alone.

Physical capacities: Heavy work, physical stamina, stand for prolonged periods.

Tools Used

Cutting torches	Hand and power pipe wrenches	Welding equipment
Measuring instruments	Hand and power threaders	Hoist & chain blocks
Soldering torches	Cutters	Threaders

Suggested High School Subjects

Mathematics	Blueprint reading	Mechanical drawing
Chemistry	Welding	Metal and wood shop
Basic Communication

Potential for Advancement

Apprentice: Evaluated each year for advances in wages.

Journeymen: Can become foremen, superintendents, draftsmen, estimators, shop owners,
partners, employers, or contractors.

Employment Outlook

Continuing construction provides opportunity for growing employment. Opportunities are
available with both contractors and plumbing, heating and refrigeration service shops.

How to Apply

Contact the Apprenticeship Training Office for information and job possibilities. All applications (when given out) must be accompanied by a transcript of high school grades or GED test results; proof of date of birth (copy of birth certificate or copy of a valid drivers license). Applicants will be placed on applicant list and placed to work from said list when work becomes available.

Completion Procedure

Upon successful completion of apprenticeship, the registered apprenticeship will receive a certificate of completion from the Montana Department of Labor and Industry’s Bureau of
Apprenticeship and Training recognizing him/her as a journeyman. To receive a state
plumber’s license, the individual must pass a written and performance test before the State
Licensing Board.

Program Locations and Additional Information Sources

Director of Training
Montana Pipe Trades Educational Program
P.O. Box 30616
Billings MT 59107
Phone: 406-252-9371

Local #41 Plumbing Trades JATC
P.O. Box 3172
Butte MT 59701
Phone: 406-723-6078

Missoula Plumbing Trade JATC
1026 South 5th Street West
Missoula MT 59801
Phone: 406-549-3479

Local #41-Great Falls
P.O. Box 1703
Great Falls MT 59403
Phone: 406-452-1973

Montana Department of Labor & Industry Apprenticeship & Training Program
P.O. Box 1728
Helena MT 59624-1728
Phone: 406-444-4500
wsd.dli.mt.gov/apprenticeship/apprentice.asp