UA Local 123 – Plumbers Apprenticeship
Trade Schools and Apprenticeships in Florida / UA Local 123 – Plumbers Apprenticeship
UA Local 123 – Plumbers Apprenticeship (Dover, FL)
Program Information
UA Local 123 offers one of the most respected and comprehensive apprenticeship programs in the skilled trades, providing individuals with the opportunity to train as a Journeyman Plumber, Pipefitter, or HVAC-R Technician. All apprenticeship applications must be submitted in-person at the Local 123 Training Center, where candidates receive initial guidance on program expectations, required documentation, and available training pathways. This apprenticeship is part of the United Association’s nationally recognized training system, which invests millions annually to ensure its members receive the highest level of instruction and hands-on experience in the industry.
Apprentices benefit from a combination of structured classroom education and extensive on-the-job training. Throughout the five-year program, students typically complete over 2,000 hours per year of combined training, pairing real-world field experience with in-depth technical instruction. Training is delivered at the Local 123 state-of-the-art facility, equipped with welding booths, rigging stations, and full-scale piping and HVAC system setups. Instructors are active professionals within the trade, ensuring apprentices learn current industry standards, modern installation methods, and advanced safety practices.
Plumbing apprentices learn to install, maintain, and repair potable water systems, sanitary sewer systems, stormwater piping, and modern specialty systems including medical gas, heat pumps, hydronics, solar components, and cross-connection controls. Pipefitter apprentices gain experience with industrial piping layouts, high-pressure piping, mechanical systems, and advanced technologies used in commercial and industrial facilities. HVAC-R apprentices learn to install and service heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration systems across residential, commercial, and institutional environments.
Upon completing the program, apprentices become fully qualified UA Journeymen, equipped with industry-recognized credentials and the specialized skills needed for long-term, high-paying careers in the construction, industrial, and mechanical trades. The program emphasizes continuous learning, offering skill-upgrade courses for members even after reaching journeyman status.
Program Length
Five-year apprenticeship including over 2,000 hours per year of combined classroom instruction and on-the-job training.
Program Requirements
- Apply in person at 3601 McIntosh Road, Dover, FL 33527
- Valid driver’s license
- Social Security card
- Valid birth certificate
- High school diploma or GED
- High school transcripts
- DD214 for military applicants
- Dependable transportation
Training Center Highlights
- Modern classrooms with advanced instructional technology
- Dedicated welding booths for hands-on metal fabrication and pipe welding
- Rigging stations for load handling and mechanical lifting training
- Live system setups for plumbing, piping, and HVAC-R applications
- Experienced instructors actively working in the trade
- Ongoing skill-upgrade courses for current members
Apprenticeship Cost & Career Outlook
UA Local 123 – Plumbers Apprenticeship 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.