Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 625 Apprenticeship – Charleston
Trade Schools and Apprenticeships in West Virginia / Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 625 Apprenticeship – Charleston
Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 625 Apprenticeship – Charleston, WV
Program Information
Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 625 offers a comprehensive five-year Registered Apprenticeship program through the Charleston JATC, preparing individuals for high-demand careers in plumbing, pipefitting, steamfitting, and related mechanical systems. Apprentices receive paid on-the-job training combined with structured classroom instruction, including pipe welding certification, medical gas certification, blueprint reading, plumbing fundamentals, and heating and cooling systems.
The apprenticeship is designed to develop long-term, well-rounded tradespeople capable of working across industrial, commercial, and residential settings. All applicants are evaluated once per year, and acceptance notifications are sent by U.S. mail. Applications are accepted only during designated enrollment periods, and there is a $35 application fee due at the time of application.
Residents of 14 counties in Central and Southern West Virginia are encouraged to apply: Boone, Clay, Fayette, Greenbrier, Kanawha, Mercer, Monroe, Nicholas, Pocahontas, Putnam, Raleigh, Roane, Summers, and Webster. Apprentices work during the day and attend classes at the Local 625 JATC Training Facility, located at 3601 James Street, Charleston, WV.
Local 625 participates in the STAND Program, enabling registered apprentices to earn a tuition-free associate degree from participating West Virginia community and technical colleges. Apprenticeship experience counts for up to 45 credit hours, leaving only 15 general education credits to complete. Courses are flexible and may be taken online, evenings, or weekends.
Program Benefits
- No Tuition Cost: The STAND Program covers tuition and approved academic fees for required general education coursework.
- College Credit for Apprenticeship: Apprenticeship hours translate into college credits toward an associate degree.
- Flexible Learning Options: Online, weekend, and evening classes allow apprentices to earn a degree while working full-time.
- Career Advancement: An associate degree can support advancement into supervisory roles, project management, or business ownership.
Minimum Qualifications
- At least 17 years old at application; must be 18 prior to indenture
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Physically able to perform trade-related work
- Valid driver’s license
- Passing a drug test
- Must score at the standard level on the TABE test from WorkForce WV
- Must reside in one of the eligible West Virginia counties
Required Documentation
- Birth certificate (copy only)
- High school diploma or equivalent (copy)
- Official high school transcript or GED test scores
- Valid driver’s license (copy)
- DD214 (if a veteran)
Training Facility
Local 625 JATC Training Facility
3601 James Street
Charleston, WV 25312
Contact
Apprenticeship Coordinator: Brett Matthews
Email: lu625tc1@uanet.org
Phone: 304-744-6188
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.
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.