Plumber

Apprenticeship

Why Plumber?

Plumbers are essential professionals who keep homes, businesses, and industries functioning safely and efficiently. In this apprenticeship, you’ll gain the hands-on skills needed to install, repair, and maintain the critical systems that deliver clean water, remove waste, and support heating and gas services.

You’ll learn to work with pipes, fixtures, and plumbing codes while developing the technical expertise required for a reliable, in-demand career. Plumbers play a vital role in protecting public health, ensuring comfort, and supporting modern infrastructure.

  • Assemble, install, and repair pipes, fittings, and fixtures for heating, water, and drainage systems.
  • Follow specifications and plumbing codes to ensure safe, compliant installations.
  • Install sanitary facilities such as toilets, tubs, showers, sinks, and bathroom fixtures.
  • Set up kitchen and laundry fixtures, drinking fountains, and other essential plumbing equipment.
  • Troubleshoot plumbing issues and complete repairs to maintain dependable water and waste systems.
  • Prepare for a stable, hands-on career that supports communities and growing construction needs.

How Apprenticeship Works

Registered Apprenticeships combine structured on-the-job training with related classroom instruction, giving you access to careers that typically require experience. To complete an apprenticeship, you’ll start by partnering with a sponsor who offers paid on-the-job training. Apprenticeships often take several years to complete and are based on hours earned on the job and in the classroom.

Apprenticeship Details

Take a closer look at what the Plumber apprenticeship offers and what to expect.

Plumbing work can be indoors or outdoors in existing and newly constructed buildings, in various weather conditions, and around noise, dirt, and mud. The work requires physical strength and stamina with prolonged standing, lifting heavy pipes and equipment, and working in cramped, awkward, or uncomfortable positions. Training in safety practices prevents the risk of dangers. Potential risks include falls from ladders, cuts from sharp tools, and burns from hot pipes or soldering equipment.

  • 5-year program
  • 8,000 hours of on-the-job learning
  • 572 hours of paid related instruction
  • 260 hours of unpaid related instruction

Meet our instructors.

Josh Stacy
Josh is a licensed Master Plumber by the State of Wisconsin with over 20 years of industry experience. He completed his initial apprenticeship training through Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, followed by seven years of experience working in a large commercial shop. Later he completed his Journeyman and Master’s licenses, each opening up new opportunities, including union employment, subcontracting to other plumbing companies to work on large commercial projects, and running his own plumbing business specializing in residential service and repair.

“The plumbing profession is critical to the health and welfare of the people of Wisconsin. In my teaching I strive to help students understand the importance of their work and provide the full picture of what it takes to be successful, including a focus on customer skills.”

To qualify for this apprenticeship opportunity, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Age: 18 or older
Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Aptitude Testing: Meet required norms on an aptitude test (if required)
Physical Ability: Be physically able to perform trade.
License: Have valid driver's license or reliable transportation.
Other: Take and pass a drug test prior to employment, if required by sponsor

If you meet the application requirements listed above, do the following to get started:

  • Visit Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development and select Central Wisconsin Area Plumbing JAC or Marshfield Area Plumbing JAC to learn more.
  • Obtain direct employment through a company that operates an apprenticeship program or a similar sponsorship

Contact Raquel Nowak to learn about the application process:
Raquel Nowak
Apprenticeship Training Representative
Bureau of Apprenticeship
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
715-323-6322
Email

Contact Cole Schmidt for questions or to request additional information about this apprenticeship:
Cole Schmidt
Apprenticeship Advisor & Pathways Navigator
Mid-State Technical College / AMETA® Center
5000 Coye Drive
Stevens Point, WI 54481
715-997-6731
Contact | Schedule Appointment

“Mid-State’s hands-on learning, convenient scheduling, updated technology, and instructors who can relate to the field have all helped me become successful and even advance in my career in under a year.”
- Stephanie B.
Mid-State Grad
“I value my experience at Mid-State tremendously. Even with a disability my education gave me the opportunity to join the workforce before I even graduated. Education equals opportunity.”
- Jake A.
Mid-State Grad
“My degree from Mid-State and the encouragement I received from my teachers gave me the skills and confidence to move forward in my life and excel in my career.”
- Sharon R.
Mid-State Grad
“The education I received at Mid-State has been invaluable. It built a foundation that is endlessly improving, providing excellent growth opportunities in my career.”
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Mid-State Grad
“Most students go to college to find good-paying careers doing something they enjoy. Mid-State gave me that and so much more, as I discovered my passion and achieved more than I ever could have anticipated.”
- Bryce C.
Mid-State Grad
“I couldn't have asked for a better education. My instructors were some of the most incredible people, and they were willing to do whatever was necessary to help everyone.”
- Leslie T.
Mid-State Grad

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