Job Description
Plumbers assemble, install and repair pipes, fittings, medical gas systems and fixtures of heating, water and drainage systems, such as sinks, commodes, bathtubs, water heaters, hot water tanks, garbage disposal units, dishwashers and water according to specifications and plumbing codes. They locate and mark the position of pipe, pipe connections and passage holes for pipes in walls and floors using ruler, spirit level and plumb bob. They cut openings in walls and floors to accommodate pipe and pipe fittings, using hand tools and a threading machine. Plumbers also bend pipe using a pipe-bending machine or by placing pipe over a block and bending it by hand, assemble and install valves, pipe fittings and pipes composed of various metals or glass, vitrified clay, and plastic, and use hand tools and power tools. Plumbers may weld holding fixtures to structures.
 
Working Conditions
The 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 in cramped areas and in awkward positions.
 
Wages
Beginning apprentices start at 50 percent of the journey-level wage. Upon successful completion of required class work and on-the-job hours, wages increase usually every six months, until the journey-level rate is achieved.  
 
Length of Apprenticeship
This apprenticeship lasts four to five years. Apprentices must complete a minimum of 144 to 216 hours per year of related training and at least 8,000 to 9,500 hours of on-the-job training. Journey worker plumbers are required to hold a license. Upon completion of the program, apprentices are referred to the Oregon Building Codes Division for the licensing exam.
 
Minimum Qualifications
Apprenticeship applicants must be at least 18 years of age. In addition, they must provide proof of high school graduation or general education development (GED) equivalent.
 
Local apprenticeship committees may require additional qualifications.
 
Apprenticeship Committees 

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MA# 1033	Tillamook/Clatsop County TAC 503-344-6473	Area 1
MA# 1038	Area I Plumbers JATC 503-675-0548 www.areaonejatc.com	Area 1
MA# 1070	OR SW-WA NW-CA Plumbers JATC Tualatin:  503-691-1997  Eugene: 541-726-1131 Redmond: 541-419-5128 Medford: 541-821-1282 Eureka: 541-821-1282 Toll Free: 1-800-452-2912 www.ua290.org	Statewide
MA# 2015	Area II Plumbers JATC 503-991-5203	Area 2
MA# 3015	Area III Plumbers JATC 541-636-3592	Area 3, 4
MA# 4015	Area IV (Coos Bay) Independent TAC 541-344-6473	Area 4
MA# 5012	Area V (Rogue Valley) Plumbers JATC 541-344-6473	Area 5
MA# 5025	Klamath Basin Plumbers JATC 541-880-2249 www.klamathcc.edu	Area 5
MA# 6008	Ontario TATC 541-889-7355	Area 6
MA# 6011	Blue Mountain TATC 541-278-5854	Area 6, 7
MA# 6021	NE Oregon Plumbers and Steamfitters TATC 509-547-6480	Area 6, 7
MA# 7005	Area VII Plumbers JATC 541-390-3401	Area 7
MA# 7010	Burns-Hines TATC 541-255-5240	Area 7

 
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