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Modern day-to-day life wouldn’t be possible without the hard work of plumbers, so start a rewarding, high-paying career as a plumber through Gateway’s Plumbing Apprentice program. Licensed plumbers install pipes for water, gas, sewage and drainage systems. Through the program, you’ll develop a variety of skills to use both hand and power tools as well as welding equipment to install sanitary facilities such as toilets, tubs, bathroom fixtures, showers, kitchen fixtures, drinking fountains and laundry equipment.

  • Earn up to $32.42 an hour as an established plumber.
  • Over 8,000 hours of blended on-the-job and classroom training provide a solid foundation for your plumbing career.
  • Begin a rewarding career with no student debt – in fact, you’ll get paid to attend classes!

Qualifications

You must be in good physical condition, able to complete active and strenuous work. You must be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate or equivalent. You must pass an aptitude test, complete a personal interview and submit an application. 

Get started as a Plumbing Apprentice

  1. Go to the Plumbers and Steamfitters Training Center and fill out an application:
    K-R-W Plumbing Apprenticeship Committee
    14011 Spring Street
    Sturtevant, WI 53177
    ​262-732-4103
  2. Have high school transcripts sent to the Plumbers and Steamfitters Training Center. Transcript request forms are available at the Training Center. 
  3. Achieve a passing score on the algebra, arithmetic and reading portions of the Accuplacer test, which is available at Gateway’s Kenosha and Racine campuses for $15. Contact the Testing Center at 262-564-2542 to schedule an appointment. 
  4. The Plumbing Apprenticeship Committee will set up interviews for those who have high school transcripts and pass Accuplacer scores on file. Interviews are scheduled twice a year at the Plumbers and Steamfitters Training Center. 
  5. After passing the interview, your name will be placed on a list of eligible contractors when applying for apprenticeship jobs. 
  6. You will receive a letter of introduction to be presented to local contractors when applying for apprenticeship jobs. You must find a contractor to hire you before you can become an apprentice. 
  7. Once hired by a contractor, you’ll be notified that you are an apprentice and will sign a contract with the Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards. 
  8. Once your contract is in place, Gateway’s Apprenticeship Department will communicate with you regarding registration, classes and books.

If you need assistance getting started, Gateway’s Apprenticeship Department is happy to help.

Curriculum Sheet:
pdf icon  50-427-3 Plumbing Apprentice Curriculum Sheet.pdf

Career Pathway Map:
pdf icon  Plumbing Apprentice Apprentice Career Pathway Map.pdf