*** Source: Trades Notebook for Skilled Trades Occupations in the Willamette Valley

Median Salary: $70,000/year

Are you always tinkering with objects? Do people ask for your help with fixing mechanical things? Plumbers do much more than fix sinks and toilets in residential homes. They design and install piping systems that distribute water and remove waste from buildings and connect heating and cooling systems.

Skills:

  • Repair/Maintenance
  • Hand/Power Tools
  • Schematic Diagrams
  • Customer Service
  • Communication

Job Titles:

  • Plumbing Professional
  • Plumbing Technician
  • Licensed Plumber
  • Journeyman Plumber

Primary Tasks:

  • Fabricate parts or components.
  • Cut metal components for installation.
  • Create construction or installation diagrams.
  • Measure materials or objects for installation or assembly.
  • Inspect plumbing systems or fixtures.
  • Plan layout of construction, installation, or repairs.
  • Install plumbing or piping.
  • Weld metal components.

Wages & Jobs

Training

Training available through our local apprenticeship training facility (Area II Plumbers JATC) and Chemeketa Community College. Earn 13 credits over Fall, Winter and Spring Terms taking classes two evenings/week combined with on-the-job training. Optional: Credits can be applied toward an Associate’s Degree.

High School/College Courses:

  • Algebra I & II, Geometry
  • Construction/Trades/Welding
  • Drafting & Blueprint Reading
  • Industrial Arts/Graphic Design/Arts

Apprenticeship:

Requirements:

  • Be 18 years old (need proof of age).
  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • Get “C” or better in High School Algebra, or college course MTH 60 or higher.
  • Resume with proof of previous employment.

Length of time:

The apprenticeship is a four-year program consisting of:

  • Classroom time: 144-216 hours per year.
  • On-the-job training: 7,700 – 8,000 hours (may receive 40-50% of journeyman wages).

Cost:

You will have to pay for your classes. Contact Area II Plumbers JATC or Chemeketa Community College.

To apply:

  • Contact Area II Plumbers JATC to see if they are taking applications.
  • Women, Veterans and minorities are encouraged to apply.
  • Successful applicants are ranked based on points they received with their application and sent to employers in order. Visit www.area2app.com to see the list.
  • Apply to Chemeketa Community College.

Contact:

Area II Plumbers JATC
www.area2app.com
2475 Lancaster Dr. NE B-9
PO Box 7106
Salem, OR 97303
(503) 991-5203
officeadmin@area2.com

Chemeketa Community College Apprenticeship Office
Salem Bldg. 33, Rm. 101
4000 Lancaster Dr. NE
Salem, OR 97305
(503) 399-5255
www.chemeketa.edu/programs-classes/program-finder/apprenticeship/plumber/

Links for more information: