Plumbers Local 690 – Philadelphia
Trade Schools and Apprenticeships in Pennsylvania / Plumbers Local 690 – Philadelphia
Plumbers Local 690 – Philadelphia, PA
Program Information
The Plumbers Local 690 Apprenticeship Program in Philadelphia is one of the most respected training pathways in the skilled trades, offering a comprehensive and highly structured curriculum for individuals pursuing a long-term plumbing career. This program provides a deep blend of classroom instruction, hands-on shop training, and supervised field experience, ensuring apprentices become true experts in every major area of the plumbing trade. Through training centers equipped with modern technology and partnerships with hundreds of contractors across the region, apprentices gain exposure to residential, commercial, and industrial plumbing systems.
During the apprenticeship, participants learn to install and repair water supply systems, drainage and vent systems, gas piping, medical gas systems, stormwater systems, and sewage systems. Instructors teach proper material selection, including copper, PEX, cast iron, black iron, PVC, CPVC, and stainless steel. Apprentices also receive training in soldering, brazing, pipe threading, welding fundamentals, and advanced pipefitting techniques. Blueprint reading, job layout, and system design are emphasized to prepare apprentices for real-world construction planning and project coordination.
The program places significant focus on safety and regulatory compliance. Apprentices receive OSHA-aligned training and learn how to safely handle tools, chemicals, pressurized systems, confined spaces, and hazardous job site conditions. Local plumbing codes, the Uniform Plumbing Code, and state regulations are integrated throughout the curriculum, ensuring graduates are fully prepared for licensure and code-compliant work from day one.
Plumbers Local 690 also provides specialized instruction in medical gas systems, backflow prevention, hydronic heating, and advanced commercial systems often found in hospitals, high-rise buildings, research facilities, and industrial plants. This breadth of training gives apprentices the versatility to work across multiple sectors and pursue higher-paying specialty roles as they advance.
Apprentices “earn while they learn,” receiving competitive hourly wages, scheduled raises, health insurance, retirement benefits, and access to long-term union career placement. Graduates of Local 690 become Journeyman Plumbers equipped with the skills, certifications, and real-world experience necessary to excel in both service and construction environments within the greater Philadelphia region and beyond.
Program Length
5 years (includes 8,000 hours of hands-on training)
Program Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED
- Strong mathematical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work in a variety of environments, including confined spaces and heights
Apprenticeship Cost & Career Outlook
Plumbers Local 690 – Philadelphia is a Registered Apprenticeship Program — meaning you can earn while you learn through paid on-the-job training in Plumbing.
- Paid on-the-job training with step increases as you progress
- Classroom / technical instruction is part of the program structure
- Training costs are often low — but you may still pay for tools, books, or fees
- Credential earned at completion is recognized by employers in the industry
Registered apprenticeships are overseen by the U.S. Department of Labor or a State Apprenticeship Agency. Because these programs aren’t traditional colleges, College Scorecard tuition and earnings data usually doesn’t apply.
Step-by-Step Career Guides
The programs and apprenticeships listed on this page relate to hands-on skilled trades. Explore the guides below to learn about training paths, licensing, salaries, and what to expect in each career field.