How do UA plumber and pipefitter apprenticeships work in Texas?

Answer

1. UA locals in Texas, such as Local 100 in Dallas and Local 286 in Austin, run five-year apprenticeships. At Local 286 that means 10,000 hours of paid work on the job plus 1,225 hours of class. At Local 100 you must be at least 18, have a high school diploma or GED and a valid Texas driver's license, and be able to register as an apprentice with the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. Classes are at night after work. Local 100 holds class two or sometimes three nights a week, 5 to 9 PM. You are paid while you learn. At Local 286, pay starts at 55% of the journeyman rate and goes up twice a year if you keep up. Each local has its own steps to apply, so check the program's page for current dates.

   Sources: local286.org, ualocal100.org

   • “The apprenticeship program requires five years and includes two distinct parts: (1) 10,000 hours of on-the-job training and (2) 1,225 hours of classroom instruction in subjects related to the trade.” local286.org ↗
   • “The only basic criteria is that a person be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or a GED, a valid Texas driver's license and be able to obtain an apprentice registration with the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners.” ualocal100.org ↗
   • “Classes are two nights (possibly three) a week from 5:00 P.M. through 9:00 P.M.” ualocal100.org ↗
   • “They start at 55% of the journeyman rate for the first year, and increase twice each year for the remaining four year period provided the apprentice maintains satisfactory progress in his/her development.” local286.org ↗

   Answered by SkillsTradeJobs team · October 28, 2026

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