Our Apprenticeship Program
The men and women who are accepted into our apprenticeship program will learn our trade through a mix of classroom instruction and on-the-job training. During the entire five-year period, they’ll work for an experienced contractor and get paid for their work.
Apprentices take core courses in mathematics, mechanical drafting, and related sciences, and receive specialized training in the fields of plumbing, pipefitting, sprinkler fitting, and heating and cooling technology.
We have two training centers in Southern Illinois: Murphysboro and West Frankfort.
Upon successful completion of the program, apprentices earn an Illinois plumbing license, welding certifications, and an EPA certification that allows them to buy and work with Freon™, the cooling agent used in most air conditioning systems.
How to Apply
Applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Pay a $25 application fee
Contact Us
How Are Apprentices Chosen?
Once we receive your application, we will schedule a date for a test and interview. The certified test is provided in accordance with the Illinois Department of Labor. Applicants are ranked based on their test scores and interview, and the Association fills apprenticeships in that order.
We accept as many as 45 apprentices annually, depending on the current workforce and demand for plumbing, heating and cooling contractors in the Southern Illinois region.
Applicants are evaluated fairly without regard to race, sex, national origin or religious affiliation.
Pay and Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- The median annual wage for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters in 2018 was $53,910.
- The median annual wage for heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics and installers was $47,610.
- The job outlook continues to be bright, with plumbing, heating and cooling jobs expected to grow 15 percent by 2026, a much faster rate than average.
In Southern Illinois, plumbing, heating and cooling contractors earn “exceptionally good wages,” says Scott Stanley, president, Egyptian Association of Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors. “Even with some college degrees, you’re not going to do better than this.”
Is the Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Trade Right for Me?
Are you:
- Mechanically inclined
- A problem solver
- Team oriented
Do you enjoy:
- Being outdoors & not behind a desk
- Working with your hands and tools
- Making a difference in people’s lives
Are you seeking a career that provides:
- Head-of-household pay & great benefits
- Continuing education & growth potential
- Union membership
If those things check your boxes, then this trade would be a perfect fit for you. Start your career path today and apply for one of our apprenticeship positions!
Contact Us
How Are Apprentices Chosen?
Once we receive your application, we will schedule a date for a test and interview. The certified test is provided in accordance with the Illinois Department of Labor. Applicants are ranked based on their test scores and interview, and the Association fills apprenticeships in that order.
We accept as many as 45 apprentices annually, depending on the current workforce and demand for plumbing, heating and cooling contractors in the Southern Illinois region.
Applicants are evaluated fairly without regard to race, sex, national origin or religious affiliation.
Pay and Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- The median annual wage for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters in 2018 was $53,910.
- The median annual wage for heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics and installers was $47,610.
- The job outlook continues to be bright, with plumbing, heating and cooling jobs expected to grow 15 percent by 2026, a much faster rate than average.
In Southern Illinois, plumbing, heating and cooling contractors earn “exceptionally good wages,” says Scott Stanley, president, Egyptian Association of Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors. “Even with some college degrees, you’re not going to do better than this.”
Is the Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Trade Right for Me?
Are you:
- Mechanically inclined
- A problem solver
- Team oriented
Do you enjoy:
- Being outdoors & not behind a desk
- Working with your hands and tools
- Making a difference in people’s lives
Are you seeking a career that provides:
- Head-of-household pay & great benefits
- Continuing education & growth potential
- Union membership
If those things check your boxes, then this trade would be a perfect fit for you. Start your career path today and apply for one of our apprenticeship positions!
Contact Us
“I’ve been blessed to be in this trade. It’s reliable. The pay is great. You get to meet – and help – a lot of people. And you have the satisfaction of not just helping people, but problem solving. I love problem solving.” – Scott Stanley, president, Egyptian Association of Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors
