Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 300 – Bismarck
Trade Schools and Apprenticeships in North Dakota / Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 300 – Bismarck
Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 300 Apprenticeship – Bismarck, ND
Program Information
Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 300, based in Bismarck, North Dakota, offers a rigorous five-year apprenticeship program designed to prepare individuals for careers in the plumbing, pipefitting, and HVAC service trades. This Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC) program is part of the United Association (UA) system and combines extensive classroom instruction with hands-on, paid field training under the guidance of licensed journeymen.
Apprentices learn critical skills including blueprint reading, pipe layout and installation, welding, soldering, brazing, backflow prevention, hydronic systems, and advanced mechanical troubleshooting. Instruction also includes code compliance, safety protocols (including OSHA standards), and modern technologies used in commercial and industrial systems.
The program places a strong emphasis on professionalism, work ethic, and technical accuracy, producing highly trained union workers capable of taking on large-scale mechanical projects across North Dakota and beyond.
Program Length
The apprenticeship runs for five years, consisting of:
- On-the-Job Training: A minimum of 8,000 hours of supervised field work.
- Classroom Instruction: Over 1,000 hours of trade-specific coursework.
Courses are typically held in the evenings or on weekends, making it possible for apprentices to work full-time while completing their studies.
Programs Offered
- Plumbing
- Pipefitting
- HVAC-R Service Technician
- Welding Certifications (SMAW, GTAW, etc.)
Certifications & Career Opportunities
Upon completion, graduates become eligible for North Dakota journeyman licensure. They may also earn industry certifications in welding, OSHA 30, confined space safety, and more. Career opportunities range from residential service to large-scale commercial and industrial installations, as well as project foreman and contractor roles.
Program Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- High school diploma or GED required
- Valid driver’s license
- Ability to pass an aptitude test and oral interview
- Physically capable of lifting, climbing, and working in varied environments
Compensation & Benefits
Apprentices begin earning 60% of journeyman scale, with raises every 1,000 hours of OJT completed. In addition, apprentices receive full health insurance, pension, annuity, and training benefits through the union. Tuition and materials are covered by the training fund, with no student debt required to complete the program.
Apprenticeship Cost & Career Outlook
This is a Registered Apprenticeship Program — meaning you will earn while you learn.
- Paid on-the-job training with increasing wages
- Classroom or technical instruction provided by the program
- No tuition costs — apprentices are paid during training
- Nationally recognized credential upon completion
Because apprenticeships are managed through the U.S. Department of Labor, College Scorecard data for tuition and earnings does not apply. Apprenticeships provide real-world experience and a direct path to journeyman-level wages without student debt.