Applications openings

Sign-up at the Area II Plumbing JATC's website for application openings

Area II Plumbers JATC
503.991.5203
officeadmin@area2app.com

Applying for the Plumber Apprenticeship program?

Do not take the WorkKeys test. 

Contact placement@chemeketa.edu  to take the online math placement test

After you complete your apprenticeship, take the Journeyman Plumber test:

Call the Oregon Building Codes Division at 503.378.4133 - 

• Select and pay for the Journeyman Plumber test
• Have your test sent to the Chemeketa Testing Center 

Next, contact the Chemeketa Testing Center to schedule your test at the Chemeketa Salem Campus -  

• email testing@chemeketa.edu
• call 503.399.6556
• Chemeketa Testing is in Bldg. 3, Rm. 267

Working conditions

Plumbing work is done indoors and outdoors -

• in newly constructed and existing buildings (homes, businesses, commercial areas, and factories)
• in all kinds of weather
• around noise, dirt, and mud
• often working in cramped areas and awkward positions  

Plumbers assemble, install, and repair according to specifications and plumbing codes - 

• Pipes
• Fittings
• Medical gas systems
• Heating and water fixtures
• Water and drainage systems
  • Sinks
  • Toilets
  • Bathtubs
  • Showers
  • Water heaters
  • Hot water tanks
  • Garbage disposal units

Plumbers also clean drains, remove obstructions, repair, and replace broken pipes or fixtures.

How much can you earn? 

Select the link for the full Area II Plumbers wage scale. 

As a successful plumber apprentice, you may qualify for state licensure and earn your journey-level card.

Minimum Qualifications

• Proof of age--18 years or older
• High school diploma or GED Certificate
• Math (Classes qualify with a grade "C" or higher).  Choose one or more of the following - 
  1. High School transcript with one-year Algebra or equivalent 
  2. OR - one post high school algebra course
  3. OR - place into Math 60 or higher on the Chemeketa math placement test

Note: If you need to take a placement test, see instructions in the Placement Testing section above.

Training

• This is a four-year program that combines 7,700 hours of on-the-job training with concurrent related-training credit courses.
• Apprentices earn 13 academic credits per year and attend classes in the fall, winter and spring.
• Classroom instruction is two evenings per week combined with on-the-job training to provide the most comprehensive course of study for an apprentice in the plumbing trade.

Additional training & degrees

Additional Training and Degrees Credits can be applied to a Certificate or AAS degree and can transfer to OIT for a BS degree.

While waiting for an opening, you may compile a portfolio of documentation required for program entry.

• Diploma or GED certificate
• Transcripts from high school and college
• Placement test scores
• Work experience documented on letterhead with the tasks listed and years of service (construction related)
• Trades and safety certificates
• For Veterans, a copy of the DD224 long form

Suggested high school and college classes to prepare for your career

Trade

• Blueprint Reading
• Construction Classes
• Drafting/CAD
• Electrical Theory
• Electronics
• Residential Wiring
• Trade Skills Fundamentals
• Welding

Math

• Algebra I & II
• Calculus
• Geometry
• Trigonometry

Other

• CPR/First Aid

Visit these websites for more information.

• Area II Plumbing JATC
• Oregon Apprenticeship
• Bureau of Labor and Industries Apprenticeship and Training Division
• Oregon Tradeswomen