Business Details
Your Piping Trade Career Starts Here
The Pipe Trades Training Center has been empowering piping industry professionals through comprehensive apprenticeship and journeylevel training programs since its establishment. Our state-of-the-art 102,000-square-foot facility in San Jose, CA, offers five distinct apprenticeship programs in Plumbing, Steamfitting, HVACR, Residential Plumbing, and Plumbing Service & Repair. Accredited by the Council on Occupational Education and registered with the State of California and U.S. Department of Labor, we combine 1760 hours of paid on-the-job training annually with structured classroom instruction.With over 50 industry-experienced instructors and partnerships with 350,000+ UA piping professionals nationwide, we provide progressive wage increases during training and pathways to leadership roles. Our graduates receive California State-certified journeylevel status while avoiding college debt through our tuition-free model that includes all learning materials and equipment.
Services
Plumbing
Steamfitting
HVACR
Residential Plumbing
Plumbing Service & Repair
Highlights and features
- Earn $30+/hour while learning with full benefits during apprenticeship
- Receive tuition-free training with all materials and equipment provided
- Access 350,000+ UA professional network and national career opportunities
- Progressive wage increases tied to skill development milestones
- State-of-the-art training facility with industry-certified instructors
Associations and certifications
- Council on Occupational Education
What people say
Paid training with benefits
No college debt
Career advancement
Expert instructors
Industry connections
Services
Plumbing Apprenticeship
Our five-year Plumbing Apprenticeship trains professionals in installing water and wastewater systems for commercial buildings. Apprentices complete 1760 annual on-the-job training hours plus classroom instruction in plumbing codes, fixture installation, and medical gas systems. Graduates earn California journeylevel certification and qualify for associate degrees through Foothill College partnerships while joining the United Association's 350,000-member professional network.
Steamfitting Program
The Steamfitting Apprenticeship specializes in complex piping systems for semiconductor, biotech, and power generation industries. Five-year curriculum combines 1760 annual field hours with classroom training in hydronic systems, industrial rigging, and advanced blueprint reading. Training meets California State certification standards and prepares graduates for associate degrees while connecting them to the UA's national job network.
HVACR Training
Our HVACR Service Technician program trains professionals in maintaining climate control systems for manufacturing, tech, and food industries. Five-year apprenticeship includes 1760 annual on-site hours plus classroom instruction in refrigeration, electrical controls, and energy efficiency. Graduates receive California certification and qualify for associate degrees while accessing the UA's 350,000-member professional community.
Residential Plumbing
The four-year Residential Plumbing Apprenticeship focuses on water and waste systems for homes. Training includes 1760 annual field hours and classroom work in plumbing codes, gas installations, and blueprint reading. Graduates earn journeylevel status with expertise in single-family homes and multi-unit developments while qualifying for Foothill College associate degrees.
Plumbing Service & Repair
This five-year program trains technicians in diagnosing and repairing plumbing systems for residential and commercial buildings. Apprentices complete 1760 annual field hours plus classroom training in backflow certification, water quality, and building maintenance. Graduates receive California certification and qualify for associate degrees while joining the United Association's national network of piping professionals.
People
Brian Murphy
Director of Training
With decades of industry experience, Brian Murphy leads training operations at PTTC. He oversees curriculum development and accreditation processes while representing the center at national conferences like the Construction Working Minds Summit.
Matt Hajny
HVACR Curriculum Coordinator
Matt Hajny specializes in HVACR training curriculum development. He manages program updates to incorporate emerging technologies in climate control systems while mentoring apprentices through their five-year training journey.
Jonathan Clark
Plumbing Curriculum Coordinator
As Plumbing Curriculum Coordinator, Jonathan Clark develops training programs that combine traditional skills with modern piping technologies. He ensures curriculum alignment with California plumbing codes and industry standards.
Andrew Stafford
Steamfitting Curriculum Coordinator
Andrew Stafford oversees steamfitting program development, recently earning his Associate Degree in Steamfitting Technology. He specializes in industrial piping systems and certifies apprentices in Georg Fischer IR 63+ standards.
Questions
What apprenticeship programs do you offer?
We offer five registered apprenticeships: Plumbing, Steamfitting, HVACR, Residential Plumbing, and Plumbing Service & Repair. Each combines 1760 annual on-the-job hours with classroom instruction.
How much do apprentices earn?
Apprentices start at $30+/hour with medical, dental, vision, and pension benefits. Wages increase progressively as skills develop through the program.
Is there a cost to join?
Our apprenticeship programs are completely tuition-free. We provide all books, materials, and necessary equipment at no cost to apprentices.
What certifications do graduates receive?
Upon completion, apprentices earn California State journeylevel certification and qualify for associate degrees through Foothill College partnerships. Many also obtain specialized certifications in medical gas and hydronic systems.
How do I apply?
Applications are accepted through our website. Prospective apprentices must meet basic math and reading requirements and attend an information session at our San Jose training center.
What career opportunities exist after graduation?
Graduates become journeylevel workers with opportunities to advance to foreman, superintendent, or transition into roles like project manager, detailer, or service manager through the United Association network.
Reviews (1)
Alex Rodriguez
Jun 04, 2021
Report
I'm an apprentice here and absolutely love it here. Learn so much everyday and I'm looking forward to Turing out in 2 years
