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First Year Apprentice Plumber Jobs in Appleton, WI

Licensed Plumber

Neenah, WI · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Competitive salary of $80-$120k+ per year depending on experience and licensing * Company truck ... first service. To learn more, visit Renuity's About Us page. Renuity and its affiliates are ...

Licensed Plumber

Green Bay, WI · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Competitive salary of $80-$120k+ per year depending on experience and licensing * Company truck ... first service. To learn more, visit Renuity's About Us page. Renuity and its affiliates are ...

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First Year Apprentice Plumber information

See Appleton, WI salary details

$10

$19

$30

How much do first year apprentice plumber jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for first year apprentice plumber in Appleton, WI is $19.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.96 and $22.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is 27 too old for an apprenticeship?

First Year Apprentice Plumbers can start their apprenticeship at age 27, as there is no maximum age limit. Many apprentices begin later in life and benefit from prior work experience or skills that can transfer to plumbing. Age should not be a barrier to entering the trade if you meet the program requirements and are committed to learning the necessary skills.

What does a First Year Apprentice Plumber do?

A First Year Apprentice Plumber assists experienced plumbers with installing, repairing, and maintaining plumbing systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Their tasks typically include cutting and assembling pipes, cleaning work areas, carrying materials, and learning how to read blueprints and follow safety protocols. Apprentices receive on-the-job training while also attending classroom instruction to learn plumbing codes, tools, and techniques. Over time, they take on more complex tasks as they gain experience and progress toward becoming a licensed plumber.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a First Year Apprentice Plumber, and why are they important?

To thrive as a First Year Apprentice Plumber, you need a basic understanding of plumbing systems, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hand and power tools, safety protocols, and, in some regions, enrollment in a registered apprenticeship program are common requirements. Strong work ethic, willingness to learn, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help apprentices stand out. These skills and qualities ensure safe, efficient learning and prepare apprentices for advancement in the plumbing trade.

Is it hard to get hired as a plumbing apprentice?

Getting hired as a first-year apprentice plumber can be competitive, as many employers seek candidates with basic skills or related experience. Having a high school diploma, good physical condition, and a willingness to learn can improve your chances, and completing a technical training program or earning relevant certifications can also help you stand out. Job availability may vary based on local demand and industry growth.

What is the difference between First Year Apprentice Plumber vs Second Year Apprentice Plumber?

AspectFirst Year Apprentice PlumberSecond Year Apprentice Plumber
CredentialsBasic plumbing apprenticeship registrationOngoing training, more skills acquired
Work EnvironmentAssisting experienced plumbers, basic tasksPerforming more complex tasks under supervision
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level apprentice, learning phaseIntermediate apprentice, gaining independence

The main difference between a First Year Apprentice Plumber and a Second Year Apprentice Plumber is experience and skill level. The first year focuses on foundational skills and basic tasks, while the second year involves more complex work as the apprentice gains confidence and knowledge. Both roles are essential steps in becoming a qualified plumber, with increasing responsibilities as training progresses.

Is 25 too late to be a plumber?

First Year Apprentice Plumbers can start at age 25, as there is no maximum age limit for entering the trade. Many apprentices begin at different ages, and success depends on skills, training, and commitment. Age should not be a barrier to starting a plumbing apprenticeship if you meet the program requirements and are willing to learn.

What are some common challenges that First Year Apprentice Plumbers face during their initial training period?

First Year Apprentice Plumbers often encounter challenges such as adapting to physically demanding work, learning to use a variety of tools safely, and understanding complex plumbing codes and blueprints. Additionally, they must balance on-the-job training with classroom learning, which can be overwhelming at first. However, with guidance from experienced journeymen and consistent practice, most apprentices quickly gain confidence and proficiency in their daily tasks.

Is being a plumber apprenticeship worth it?

A first-year apprentice plumber gains hands-on experience, learns trade skills, and earns a wage while working under supervision. Completing an apprenticeship can lead to a licensed plumber position with higher pay and job stability, making it a valuable pathway into the plumbing trade.
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Pre-Apprentice: All Locations

Pre-Apprentice: All Locations

Bassett Mechanical

Kaukauna, WI

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Bassett Mechanical is a 3rd generation family-owned company that provides custom-built industrial refrigeration, HVAC, plumbing, metal fabricating and preventative maintenance service solutions to customers throughout the United States and the world. It is not only a great place to grow and thrive in your career. It is a place to truly belong. As a member of the Bassett  Mechanical Team, you'll enjoy a competitive compensation and benefits package and many professional growth opportunities. From the moment you're hired, to the day you retire, you're a part of our Bassett Mechanical Team. 

Pre-apprenticeship is a program or set of services designed to prepare individuals to enter and succeed in a Registered Apprenticeship program. A pre-apprenticeship program, by definition, has a documented partnership with at least one Registered Apprenticeship program. Preapprenticeships help individuals meet the entry requirements for apprenticeship programs and ensure they are prepared to be successful in their apprenticeship.

Union Affiliations and Job Opportunities

Plumbers and Steamfitters

  • Fox Cities Area - Local 400 - http://www.ua400.org/
  • Western Wis Area – Local 434 - http://www.ualocal434.org/
  • South Central/South Eastern Area - Local 601 - https://steam601.org/

Service Technicians

Field Steamfitters (system installations)

Shop Fabricators (large fabrications – piping, pressure vessels)

Plumbers (commercial and industrial, not residential)

Sheet Metal Local 18

(http://smwlu18.org/)

Field Sheet Metal (system installations)

Shop Fabricators (small and large fabrications, ductwork, etc.)

Apprenticeships:

  • Individual is hired as a pre-apprentice for a 1-2 year timeframe to assess their mechanical aptitude and work ethic. If they are interested in pursuing the trades and meet our criteria, they would be indentured into a 5 year apprenticeship program through the State of Wisconsin.
  • Candidates are required to take and pass an Accuplacer test at local technical college for reading and math in order to be eligible. They will also need a high school diploma and transcript.
  • All apprenticeship programs have a great deal of math involved. If someone has struggled with math throughout their previous education (high school or college), they will probably struggle with this through their apprenticeship.
  • During their apprenticeship, employees go to school during a normal school year (September to May). Plumbers and Steamfitter apprentices go for a full day every other week for a span of 4 years. Local 18 apprentices go for a full day every week for a span of 2 years. Apprentices are paid their wages for the days they spend in class. They are then able to bring back what they learn and apply it in their work environment.
  • There are also night classes that are required throughout the 5 year program such as OSHA 30 hour, etc. The classes for night school are often paid for by the union, but the employee is not paid wages for any night classes. For Local 18, the night school classes are only paid for by the union if the student has 100% attendance.
  • During the apprenticeship, there is also a work hour requirement for on-the-job training and experience. Apprentices usually do not have trouble meeting this requirement since they’re typically working at Bassett throughout the full apprenticeship.

OMS (Organization Management Services) is a great organization to reach out to for more information on the various apprenticeships available. They are an organization that provides coordination and administration of association activities for unionized construction contractors. Their website (http://www.omswi.com/) contains information on the various apprenticeships and also information on some of the 1st steps to take in that direction.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME