How To Become a Plumber Apprentice in Michigan (Step-by-Step Guide)

Dreaming of a stable, hands-on career with strong earning potential? You’re not alone—many Michiganders are turning to skilled trades like plumbing for job security and growth. If you’re wondering how to become a plumber apprentice in Michigan, you’ve come to the right place. This guide walks you through every step, from meeting basic requirements to landing your first apprenticeship—no prior experience needed.

What Is a Plumber Apprentice?

A plumber apprentice is someone learning the trade under the supervision of a licensed master plumber. In Michigan, apprenticeships typically last 4–5 years and blend on-the-job training with classroom instruction. During this time, you’ll earn a wage while mastering skills like pipe installation, drain cleaning, blueprint reading, and local plumbing codes.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), plumbers in Michigan earn a median annual wage of $62,410 (as of May 2024), with strong job growth projected through 2032.

Step 1: Meet Michigan’s Basic Eligibility Requirements

Before applying, ensure you meet these state-mandated criteria:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Hold a high school diploma or GED
• Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
• Pass a drug screening (required by most programs)
• Have a valid Michigan driver’s license (often needed for job sites)

💡 Tip: Some programs prefer candidates with basic math, mechanical aptitude, or shop class experience—but it’s not mandatory.

Step 2: Choose Your Apprenticeship Path

In Michigan, you have two main routes to start your plumbing apprenticeship:

A. Union Apprenticeship (Through UA Local 525 or Similar)

• Sponsored by the United Association (UA)
• Paid training through joint labor-management programs
• Includes 144+ hours of classroom instruction per year
• Often includes health benefits and pension plans

B. Non-Union (Open Shop) Apprenticeship

• Offered by private plumbing contractors
• More flexible start dates
• May have fewer classroom hours but more field time
• Pay scales vary by employer

📊 Comparison: Union vs. Non-Union Apprenticeships in Michigan

For more on trade unions in the U.S., see Wikipedia’s overview of the United Association .

Step 3: Apply to an Approved Apprenticeship Program

Michigan does not require state registration for plumbing apprentices, but completing a state-recognized program is essential for future licensing.

Top Programs in Michigan:

• Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) – Michigan Chapter
• UA Local 525 (Detroit)
• Grand Rapids Community College – Plumbing Apprenticeship Partner
• Michigan Works! Agencies (connects job seekers to local opportunities)

✅ Action Step: Visit Michigan.gov’s Apprenticeship Page to search for registered programs near you.

Most applications require:

• Resume (even if minimal experience)
• High school transcript or GED
• Interview with a selection committee
• Possible aptitude test (basic math/mechanical reasoning)

Step 4: Complete Your Apprenticeship Hours

To qualify for Michigan’s Journeyman Plumber License, you must complete:

• 6,000 hours of hands-on work (≈300 weeks full-time)
• 500+ hours of classroom instruction

Track every hour meticulously—your employer and training provider will verify them. Missed hours can delay your licensing.

🛠️ Real Example:
Jamal, 22, from Lansing, started as a UA apprentice in 2021. By 2025, he’d logged 6,200 field hours and passed his journeyman exam on the first try—now earning $32/hour.

Step 5: Pass the Journeyman Plumber Exam

Once you’ve completed your apprenticeship, apply to take the Michigan Journeyman Plumber Exam through the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).

• Exam fee: $105 (as of 2025)
• Format: 100 multiple-choice questions
• Passing score: 75%
• Topics: Plumbing codes (based on the 2021 Michigan Plumbing Code), safety, venting, drainage, fixtures

📚 Study Tip: Use the International Plumbing Code (IPC) and Michigan-specific amendments. Many apprentices prep with PSI Exams or Plumbers Training Institute materials.

How Much Do Plumbing Apprentices Earn in Michigan?

Apprentice wages increase yearly as you gain skills:

Many employers also offer overtime (1.5x pay after 40 hours/week)—a great way to boost income early on.

FAQs: How To Become a Plumber Apprentice in Michigan

Q1: Do I need a license to be a plumbing apprentice in Michigan?

A: No. Michigan does not require a license to work as an apprentice. However, you must work under a licensed master plumber, and your hours must be part of an approved training program to count toward your journeyman license later.

Q2: How long does it take to become a licensed plumber in Michigan?

A: Typically 4–5 years as an apprentice, followed by passing the journeyman exam. After 3 more years as a journeyman, you can pursue a Master Plumber License.

Q3: Can I start an apprenticeship without any experience?

A: Yes! Most programs welcome beginners. What matters more is reliability, willingness to learn, and physical stamina (you’ll be on your feet, lifting pipes, and working in tight spaces).

Q4: Are there plumbing apprenticeships near me?

A: Yes—major hubs include Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Flint, and Traverse City. Use the Michigan Apprenticeship Finder or contact local unions and trade schools.

Q5: What’s the difference between a journeyman and a master plumber?

A: A journeyman can work independently on residential and commercial jobs but cannot pull permits or own a plumbing business. A master plumber can do all that—and supervise apprentices.

Q6: Is plumbing a good career in Michigan?

A: Absolutely. With aging infrastructure, new construction, and a shortage of skilled tradespeople, demand is high. The BLS projects 11% job growth for plumbers nationwide through 2032—faster than average.

Conclusion: Start Your Plumbing Career with Confidence

Now you know exactly how to become a plumber apprentice in Michigan—from meeting basic requirements to earning your journeyman license. It’s a path that offers job security, competitive pay, and the pride of mastering a vital trade.

If you’re ready to turn wrenches into wages, apply to a program today. And if this guide helped you, share it with a friend who’s looking for a rewarding career without student debt!

🔧 Your future in plumbing starts now—no college degree required.