Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 344 Apprenticeship – Oklahoma City
Trade Schools and Apprenticeships in Oklahoma / Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 344 Apprenticeship – Oklahoma City
Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 344 Apprenticeship – Oklahoma City, OK
Program Information
Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 344 Apprenticeship operates a comprehensive apprenticeship program that trains individuals for skilled careers in the plumbing and pipefitting trades. The program covers a wide range of piping systems, including residential and commercial plumbing, industrial pipefitting, hydronic heating systems, medical gas installation, and process piping used in large-scale facilities.
Unlike classroom-only programs, the Local 344 apprenticeship is built around real jobsite experience. Apprentices work alongside licensed journeymen on active construction and service projects throughout Oklahoma City and nearby areas. This structure allows apprentices to apply classroom concepts directly to installation, repair, and maintenance work, reinforcing skills through daily hands-on repetition.
Classroom instruction supports jobsite training by covering technical theory, safety standards, and trade-specific knowledge. Topics commonly include blueprint reading, piping layout, code requirements, backflow prevention, system troubleshooting, and HVAC-related piping applications. Together, this combination prepares apprentices for the technical demands and responsibilities of journeyman-level work.
Program Length
The apprenticeship is a five-year program consisting of more than 8,500 hours of paid on-the-job training and approximately 1,080 hours of classroom instruction. Classroom sessions are typically held in the evenings, allowing apprentices to maintain full-time employment during the day while progressing through the program.
Programs Offered
- Plumbing Apprenticeship
- HVAC & Refrigeration Systems
- Industrial Pipefitting
Certifications & Career Opportunities
As apprentices advance through the program, they build eligibility for industry-recognized credentials. Graduates may qualify for state journeyman licensing, OSHA 30 safety certification, medical gas installer credentials, and welding endorsements, depending on their work assignments and specialization.
Completion of the apprenticeship opens doors to a variety of union career paths, including licensed journeyman plumber or pipefitter, foreman or general foreman roles, estimating and project coordination positions, service technician work, or instructional roles within union training programs.
Program Requirements
- Minimum age of 18
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid driver’s license
- Ability to pass a mechanical aptitude assessment
- Drug screening and background requirements
Compensation & Benefits
Apprentices begin earning wages at approximately 50% of the journeyman rate, with scheduled increases as skill level and classroom milestones are completed. Wage progression typically occurs every 6 to 12 months.
In addition to hourly pay, apprentices receive union benefits that often include healthcare coverage, retirement pension plans, and annuity contributions. This structure allows apprentices to earn income, receive benefits, and complete training without taking on student loan debt.
Apprenticeship Cost & Career Outlook
Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 344 Apprenticeship – Oklahoma City is a Registered Apprenticeship Program — meaning you can earn while you learn through paid on-the-job training in Plumbing.
Compensation & Benefits Snapshot
Apprentices begin earning wages at approximately 50% of the journeyman rate, with scheduled increases as skill level and classroom milestones are completed. Wage progression typically occurs every 6 to 12 months.
In addition to hourly pay, apprentices receive union benefits that often include healthcare coverage, retirement pension plans, and annuity contributions. This structure allows apprentices to earn income, receive benefits, and complete training without taking on student loan debt.
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.