Plumbing Program
Our Plumbing Apprenticeship Program
ABCNM plumbing apprentices earn competitive wages and benefits while working on the job. Depending on the training period, an apprentice’s wages are based on a percentage of the journeyperson rate for public works projects or a wage survey for non-public works jobs.
The ABCNM Plumbing Apprenticeship Training Program encompasses a minimum of four years and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training. Applicants, who can document prior experience, may be eligible to take a placement test and could potentially begin their apprenticeship training program at a higher class year.
A normal workweek is 40 hours. However, due to the nature of this industry, hours may be more or less depending on weather conditions, other trades, job delays, or other unforeseen situations. Apprentices should be prepared to travel to job sites. Dependable transportation and a valid driver’s license are required.
ABCNM apprentices attend school two nights a week, two semesters a year (Fall and Spring) for 4 years. Apprentices may also be required to attend scheduled Saturday classes throughout the year. In class, ABCNM instructors teach practical application and theory. In addition, demonstrations and hands-on instruction are conducted on safe and proper methods.
After completing ABCNM’s apprenticeship program, graduates receive certificates of completion from the State of New Mexico and the US Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship. More importantly, they will have the skills and credentials necessary to succeed in today’s competitive workforce.
Because of the length of the program, commitment to the classroom, and on-the-job performance requirements, one should be passionate about and dedicated to their chosen trade. When making selection decisions, ABCNM looks for candidates who want to become career plumbers.
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) developed the apprenticeship programs to help meet construction industry demands for skilled craftspeople. The ABCNM Plumbing Apprenticeship Program is accredited by the State of New Mexico, and the US Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship. ABC’s apprenticeship programs help contractors maintain a safe and skilled workforce. With competition as stiff as it is today, quality performance is critical in order to bring construction projects in on time and under budget.
About The Trade
Consistent with applicable code, specifications and safety standards, assembles, installs and repairs pipes and valve fittings composed of metals (e.g., iron, steel, brass or lead) and nonmetals (e.g., glass, vitrified clay or plastic) using hand and power tools.
Install and repair plumbing fixtures (e.g. sinks, commodes, bathtubs, water heaters, hot water tanks, garbage disposal units, dishwashers and water softeners). Study building plans and working drawings to determine work aids required and sequence of installation.
Inspect structures to ascertain obstructions to be avoided to prevent weakening of structure resulting from installation of pipe.
Locate and mark position for pipe and pipe connections and passage holes for pipes in walls and floors, using ruler, spirit level and plumb bob. Cut openings in walls and floors to accommodate pipe and pipe fitting using hand and power tools.
Cut and thread pipe, using pipe cutters, cutting torch, and pipe-threading machine. Bends pipe to required angle by hand or using pipe-bending machine.
Join pipes by use of screws, bolts, fittings, solder, plastic solvent or caulk joints. Weld holding fixtures to steel structural members.
Fill pipe system with water or air; reads pressure gauges to determine whether systems are leaking.
Repair and maintain plumbing systems by replacing washers in leaky faucets, mending burst pipes and open clogged drains.
Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. New Mexico Chapter will not discriminate against apprenticeship applicants or apprentices based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, genetic information, or because they are an individual with a disability or a person 40 years old or older. Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. New Mexico will take affirmative action to provide equal opportunity in apprenticeship and will operate the apprenticeship program as required under Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations, part 30 and 11.2.2 NMAC.