Plumber Apprentice Training in Illinios

Plumbing apprentices in Illinois must be licensed before working on pipes.

Plumbers install and repair different types of pipe systems in residential, commercial, and public buildings. In Illinois, any individual performing plumbing work, including apprentices, must have a license issued by the local Department of Public Health.

Considerations

Applicants for a plumbing apprenticeship in Illinois must be at least 16 years old and have a minimum of two years of high school education. Apprenticeship programs include paid work experience and classroom tutoring and last between four and five years before certification can be issued. Local governments, local plumbing unions and plumbing contracting companies offer apprecenticeship programs.

Features

Apprentices will work with trained plumbers for four years and receive on-the-job instructions in pipe maintenance. The school curriculum for Illinois plumbing apprentices includes regulations, practical applications of codes and standards, blueprint preparation, plumbing theory and safety and health. At least one evening a week, students have to perform hands-on shop instructions in the classroom or participate in field trips to plumbing manufacturers or suppliers.

Certification

Illinois plumbing apprentices have to apply for a license annually at the local Department of Public Health. As of 2010, the licensing fee is $50. After a minimum of four years of training, but no more than six years, apprentices can apply for certification when passing the Illinois State Plumbing Exam. Examination fees are $100 as of November 2010.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Plumbers
• Illinois Department of Health: Plumbing Lincensing

Resources

• Building & Fire Code Academy: Illinois Plumbing Careers
• State of Illionois: Apprentice Licensing Form