Chemeketa's Plumber Apprenticeship Program

How to Apply

The plumbing program is open for applications based on industry need. Openings are announced 30 days before applications are accepted at the Area II JATC office. 

Area ll Plumbers JATC MA#2015 is not open for application at this time.

You can sign-up at the Area II Plumbing JATC's website to receive a notice for future openings.

For more information, please contact:

Area II Plumbers JATC
2475 Lancaster Dr. NE B-9
PO Box 7106
Salem OR 97303
503.991.5203
officeadmin@area2app.com

Successful applicants are ranked based on points they received with their application and sent to employers in order.

While waiting for an opening, potential applicants may compile a portfolio of documentation required for program entry, including –

• Diploma or GED certificate
• Transcripts from high school and college
• Placement test scores
• Work experience documented on letterhead with the tasks listed and years of service (construction related)
• Trades and safety certificates
• For Veterans, a copy of the DD214 long form

Women, Veterans and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Job Description

Plumbers assemble, install and repair according to specifications and plumbing codes –

• Pipes
• Fittings
• Medical gas systems
• Heating and water fixtures
• Water and drainage systems such as –
  • Sinks
  • Toilets
  • Bathtubs
  • Water heaters
  • Hot water tanks
  • Garbage disposal units

Successful plumber apprentices qualify for state licensure and earn their journey-level card.

How Much Can You Earn?

Average journey-level wage for 2019 is $33.81 per hour.

Working Conditions

Plumbing work is done indoors and outdoors, in existing and newly constructed buildings, in all kinds of weather, and around noise, dirt and mud. Plumbers often work cramped areas and in awkward positions.

Qualifications

• Proof of age—18 years or older
• High school diploma or GED Certificate
• High School transcript with one-year Algebra or equivalent with grade “C” or higher OR one post high school algebra course with a grade “C” or higher OR place into Math 060 or higher on the Chemeketa math placement test

Suggested High School or College Classes

• Trade
  • Blueprint Reading
  • Construction Classes
  • Drafting/CAD
  • Electrical Theory
  • Electronics
  • Residential Wiring
  • Trade Skills Fundamentals
  • Welding
• Math
  • Algebra I & II
  • Calculus
  • Geometry
  • Trigonometry
• Other
  • CPR/First Aid

Blueprint ReadingTrade

• Construction Classes
• Drafting/CAD
• Electrical Theory
• Electronics
• Residential Wiring
• Trade Skills Fundamentals
• Welding

Math

• Algebra I & II
• Calculus
• Geometry
• Trigonometry

Other

• CPR/First Aid

Training

This is a four-year program that combines 7,700 hours of on-the-job training with concurrent related-training credit courses. Apprentices earn 13 academic credits a year and attend classes in the fall, winter and spring. Classroom instruction is two evenings a week combined with on-the-job training to provide the most comprehensive course of study for an apprentice in the plumbing trade.

Spring 2021 Plumber Classes 

For Admitted Plumber Student Apprentices Only

• APR158C 74868 1st yr w/Craig Watkins-Brandt 
• APR158F 78517 2nd yr w/Steve Forbes
• APR258I 74899 3rd yr w/Frank Dyemartin
• APR258L 74901 4th yr w/Brad Duell

Spring classes are meeting remotely. Students will meet on Zoom.

 Plumber Apprenticeship Hybrid for distance learning students

• APR158C 76382 1st yr w/Steve Forbes
• APR158F 78519 2nd yr w/Steve Forbes
• APR258I 76386 3rd yr w/Steve Forbes
• APR258L 75098 4th yr w/Steve Forbes

Students must have permission from the JATC to take classes online. Classes are not open to the public. They are limited to plumbing apprentices.

Additional Training & Degrees

Additional Training and Degrees Credits can be applied to a Certificate or AAS degree and can transfer to OIT for a BS degree.

Visit the following websites for more information on apprenticeship programs

Area II Plumbing JATC

Oregon Apprenticeship

Bureau of Labor and Industries Apprenticeship and Training Division

Oregon Tradeswomen

Building Futures Magazine