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Pipe Apprentice Jobs in Durham, NC (NOW HIRING)

The Apprentice Lineman will knowhow to set up a Safe Work Zone set-up upon arrival at the job site ... Know proper handling, storage and transporting of conduits, wire, pipe and materials. Know proper ...

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Pipe Apprentice information

See Durham, NC salary details

$10

$19

$29

How much do pipe apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for pipe apprentice in Durham, NC is $19.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $22.07 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 Durham, NC are hiring for Pipe Apprentice jobs?

Cities near Durham, NC with the most Pipe Apprentice job openings:

URD Lineman Apprentice

Burlington, NC

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

This is an entry-level position to craftwork. The Apprenticelineman is required to assist inperforming tasks for Line work with a qualified Lineman. The Apprentice Lineman will knowhow to set up a Safe Work Zone set-up upon arrival at the job site and know other SafetySystems. Apprentice Lineman will be responsible to spot all utilities when necessary by diggingthem up so that they can be verified, and safely dig adequatepits, approximately 4 1/2 feet deep,and trenches to be worked in. In conjunction with other members of the crew, the ApprenticeLineman will prepare materials to be installed, handle wireto be installed and other materialsneeded for the job. As with all crewmembers, an ApprenticeLineman will maintainhousekeeping and do general clean up. When the work is complete, the Apprentice Lineman willassist in correctly backfilling pits and holes, know how to safely do stub-ups and tie-ins, as welllay sod, and do site restoration.

Essential duties:

Follow safety rules and practices (Wearing PPE, Set-upWork Zone, Proper DiggingTechniques)

Dig pits and trenches as directed by supervision.

Know the tooling for line work and how to use, adjust and calibrate them.

Safely spot utilities in the bore path.

Know what safety equipment is used in line work and how to test and examine it before use.

Know proper handling, storage and transporting of conduits, wire, pipe and materials.

Know proper methods of safely splicing conduits and stubbing up pipe and wire in toenclosures

Know Lockout I Tag-out and tagging procedures.

Know how to read and understand a print for the system(s) they are working on.

Site clean-up.

Understand the terminology use in line work.

Know electric Safety and how electricity works. (Static, AC, DC, Grounding, Phases, Step

potential)

Restoration and landscape disturbed areas of the job site.

Know and understand the operation of support equipment; digging equipment, vac-units, reeltrailers, etc.

Know Transformer safety and the parts of a Transformer.

Know and understand the different types of electrical equipment used on a system. (Hand hole,pedestal, pull through cabinet, Switch Gear).

Know proper cable pulling procedures.

Understand and demonstrate the proper methods for determiningif a line is energized or not.

Know the proper materials used for making terminations andproper crimping standards.

Know and demonstrate the proper methods and standards for making Secondary Terminations.

Know and demonstrate the proper methods and standards for building and elbow.

Know and demonstrate the proper methods and standards for making a splice on Secondarycables.

Know and demonstrate the proper methods and standards for making a splice on a Primarycable.

Demonstrate an aptitude to learn the duties required in theLineman position.