Plumbing Apprenticeship | NorthWest Arkansas Community College
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Skilled Trades

Plumbing Apprenticeship

Plumber Measuring a Pipe Under a Sink

NWACC's plumbing apprenticeship program provides a hands-on educational experience by combining classroom instruction and on-the-job training. 

To participate in the plumbing apprenticeship program, you will first need to be at least 16 years of age (with parental permission), employed with a company, and placed under the supervision of another employee who holds a master plumbing license in the state of Arkansas.

Upon registering for this program, you will gain an apprenticeship license issued by the state of Arkansas.

NWACC's program lasts four years, or 640 hours of instruction and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training. Classes are held one night per week for four hours and begin in August and are in session through May.

Upon completion, you will be eligible to take the Arkansas Journeyman Plumbing Exam.

Apply to NWACC

View the How-to-Apply Help Guide 
to review the application process. 

 

Courses & Duration

  • GED or high school diploma
  • Students must be 16 years of age (with parental permission)
  • Employment under the supervision of a currently licensed Master Plumber as a W-2 employee in the state of Arkansas.

The plumbing apprenticeship program lasts four years, or 640 hours of instruction and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training. Classes are held one night per week for four hours and begin in August and are in session through May.

1st Year Initial AR Apprentice License

  • Upon entry into the plumbing apprenticeship program, apprentices will receive an plumbing apprenticeship license form.
  • Upon completion of the form, the apprentice must return the application to the NWACC apprenticeship office. DO NOT MAIL this form to Little Rock.
  • Once received and the fees are paid, an apprentice license will be ordered from the Department of Health, and will be mailed to the address of the apprentice.

*Please note, a copy of Program Registration (US DOL ETA 671) form will serve as a temporary license until receipt of license from the state of Arkansas

*Please notify the NWACC apprenticeship office of address changes and employer changes to ensure that licenses have accurate information and are sent to the right address.

Renewal AR Apprentice License

As long as your apprenticeship license remains in good standing, NWACC will process the annual renewal of your apprenticeship license on time for as long as you remain in the plumbing program.

Completion of Apprenticeship

  • Arkansas Journeyman Plumber
    Upon completion of both of the following 640 class hours AND 8,000 OJT hours, apprentices have the option of applying to test for Arkansas Journeyman Plumber license.
    Satisfaction of 640 class hours and 8,000 OJT hours automatically completes the US DOL Registered Apprenticeship for Plumbing and awards a US DOL credential recognized across the US.

 

AR Plumbing Licensing Information

 

Student Services

As an apprenticeship student, you may be eligible for a number of NWACC's student services that can help you successfully reach your academic goals.