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Pipe Apprentice Jobs in Columbus, IN (NOW HIRING)

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Pipe Apprentice information

See Columbus, IN salary details

$10

$18

$28

How much do pipe apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for pipe apprentice in Columbus, IN is $18.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $21.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pipe apprentice?

Pipe Apprentices are individuals who are learning the trade of installing, maintaining, and repairing piping systems under the supervision of experienced journeymen or master plumbers. They typically participate in a formal apprenticeship program that combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction. The apprenticeship can last several years and covers essential skills such as reading blueprints, understanding plumbing codes, and using various tools and materials. Upon completion, apprentices become qualified to work independently as journeyman pipefitters or plumbers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pipe apprentice, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pipe Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of plumbing or pipefitting principles, mechanical aptitude, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hand and power tools, the ability to read blueprints, and OSHA safety certifications are commonly required. Strong attention to detail, willingness to learn, physical stamina, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills. These competencies are critical for ensuring safe, efficient work and successful progression toward becoming a qualified journeyman.

What are some common challenges faced by pipe apprentices during their training period?

Pipe apprentices often encounter challenges such as adapting to physically demanding work, mastering precise measurement and cutting techniques, and learning to work safely with various tools and materials. Balancing classroom instruction with on-the-job training can also be demanding, especially when learning to interpret complex blueprints or codes. However, support from experienced journeymen and a collaborative team environment help apprentices develop the required skills and confidence over time.

What is the difference between Pipe Apprentice vs Pipe Fitter?

AspectPipe ApprenticePipe Fitter
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, on-the-job training, sometimes apprenticeshipsHigh school diploma or GED, technical training, apprenticeship often preferred
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, industrial plants, plumbing installationsIndustrial, commercial, and residential plumbing systems, construction sites
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist with pipe installation, learn safety and basic skillsInstall, assemble, and repair piping systems, read blueprints

While a Pipe Apprentice is in training and gaining foundational skills, a Pipe Fitter is a skilled tradesperson responsible for installing and maintaining piping systems. The apprentice role focuses on learning and assisting, whereas the fitter performs the actual installation and repairs.

Is it hard to get a plumbing apprenticeship?

Getting a pipe apprentice position can be competitive, as many programs require a high school diploma or equivalent and may prefer candidates with basic math and mechanical skills. Applicants often need to pass an interview and may be required to obtain a valid driver's license; some programs also require a background check or drug test. Persistence and a willingness to learn are important for securing an apprenticeship in plumbing.

What cities near Columbus, IN are hiring for Pipe Apprentice jobs?

Cities near Columbus, IN with the most Pipe Apprentice job openings:

Pipe Apprentice jobs near you

at Indiana Bloomington, Indiana

Indiana University

Bloomington, IN • On-site

$39.09/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Job Title

Facility Operations Technician

Job Description

Capital Planning and Facilities works to ensure that Indiana University (IU) campuses are beautiful, functional, and sustainable supporting excellence in teaching, learning, research, and community engagement across the entire university. A unit within Capital Planning and Facilities, Facility Operations maintains our physical campus to support research, teaching, and learning at Indiana University Bloomington.

Installs, tests, maintains, and repairs electrical or electronic wiring, motors, light fixtures, electric panels; controls wall clocks, compressors, and thermostats.

Connects wires to circuit breakers, transformers, or other components, including installing low voltage and multimedia cabling.

Performs custom electronic design and installation.

Diagnoses malfunctioning systems, apparatus, and components using test equipment and hand tools to locate the cause of a breakdown and to correct the problem.

Inspects electrical systems, equipment, and components to identify hazards, defects, and the need for adjustment or repair, and to ensure compliance with codes.

Installs ground leads and connects power cables to equipment, such as motors.

Bends conduit using electric or mechanical bender and places conduit (pipes or tubing) inside designated partitions, walls, or other concealed areas, and pulls insulated wires or cables through the conduit to complete circuits between boxes.

Plans layout and installation of electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures, based on job specifications and local codes.

Participates in the training of apprentices and/or other workers as needed.

Performs other general building maintenance as assigned. Drives vehicles as needed.

Qualifications

Education

  • High school diploma or equivalent (such as HSED or GED)

Work Experience

  • 5 years of verifiable journey level experience in the electrical field

Preferred

  • CEDIA Level 1 training and certification and Siemens Control Systems knowledge; OR
  • Certificate in DOL apprenticed electrical trade

Required Licenses and Certificates

  • Valid driver’s license with the ability to be insured by Indiana University upon date of hire

Skills

  • Strong verbal communication and listening skills
  • Proficient communication skills
  • Maintains a high degree of professionalism
  • Demonstrates time management and priority setting skills
  • Demonstrates a high commitment to quality
  • Possesses flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment
  • Seeks to acquire knowledge in area of specialty
  • Highly thorough and dependable
  • Demonstrates a high level of accuracy, even under pressure
  • Excellent organizational skills
  • Ability to represent the company with external constituents
  • Ability to drive multiple projects to successful completion
  • Ability to build strong customer relationships
  • Knowledge of materials, methods, and tools involved in installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems and equipment. Equipment utilized: Craft-related hand and power tools. Examples - drills, conduit benders, drill presses, cable pullers, meters (volt, OHM, AMP, Meg), hand tools, hand drills, lathes, and hoisting equipment
  • Ability to perform routine maintenance on equipment and determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed
  • Knowledge of applicable building codes, regulations or ordinances
  • Ability to read blueprints and schematics
  • Ability to work in a safe and efficient manner
  • Ability to determine the appropriate tools and equipment needed on the job and use them safely
  • May be required to acquire and maintain abatement or OSHA required certifications
Working Conditions / Demands

This role regularly requires the ability to effectively communicate. This role frequently requires the ability to handle equipment. This role frequently requires the ability to remain stationary and ascend/descend ladders/stairs. This role requires the ability to move objects weighing up to 25 pounds. The role requires the ability to detect items in close proximity as well as far away; discern between colors; detect objects in peripheral space of self; discern items in detail; and to have good depth perception. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without an accommodation.

Location

Bloomington, Indiana

Salary

Advertised Salary $39.09 per hour Position will be receiving a supplemental payment that is not in their base pay (FYS) which will end up having about $230 per paycheck of supplemental pay on top of their base pay.

Benefits Overview

For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including:

  • Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
  • Health savings account with generous IU contributions
  • Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
  • Basic group life insurance paid by IU
  • Voluntary supplemental life, long-term disability, critical illness, and supplemental accidental death & dismemberment insurance
  • Base retirement plan with generous IU contributions, subject to vesting
  • Voluntary supplemental retirement plan options
  • Tuition subsidy for employees and family members taking IU courses
  • 10 paid holidays plus a paid winter break each year
  • Generous paid time off plans
  • Paid leave for new parents and IU-sponsored volunteer events
  • Employee assistance program (EAP)

Learn more about our benefits by reviewing the IU Benefit Programs Brochure.

Job Classification

Career Level: Mastery FLSA: Nonexempt Job Function: Engineering, Trades & Facility Job Family: Licensed & Skilled Trades

Click here to learn more about Indiana University's Job Framework.

Posting Disclaimer This posting is scheduled to close at 11:59 pm EST on the advertised Close Date. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University, but will remain open for a minimum of 5 business days. To guarantee full consideration, please submit your application within 5 business days of the Posted Date. If you wish to include a cover letter, you may include it with your resume when uploading attachments.

Equal Employment Opportunity Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information.

Campus Safety and Security The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, containing policy statements, crime and fire statistics for all Indiana University campuses, is available online. You may also request a physical copy by emailing IU Public Safety at iups@iu.edu or by visiting IUPD.

Contact Us Request Support Telephone: 812-856-1234

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