The plumbing and pipefitting trades have long offered a strong career path for people who want to work with their hands, learn valuable skills, and earn a good living. From residential and commercial plumbing to large-scale industrial piping systems, this work plays a critical role in keeping communities running.
In the Oklahoma City area, members of UA Local 344 help build and maintain the infrastructure that keeps our region moving—from schools and hospitals to commercial buildings and industrial facilities.
Through a union apprenticeship, you gain real experience on the job while earning a paycheck. You’ll work alongside experienced journeymen, learn the trade from the ground up, and develop skills that are in demand across Oklahoma and across the country. At the same time, you’ll receive structured classroom instruction to build a strong foundation in safety, codes, and technical knowledge.
Instead of spending years preparing for a career, you begin building one right away—developing skills, earning income, and moving forward with a clear path.
Skip the Debt. Start Earning.
Many people take on significant student loan debt before they begin their careers. In the union pipe trades, you can start earning right away—without taking on that financial burden.
As an apprentice with UA Local 344, you will:
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Earn a steady paycheck while you train
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Work on real job sites from day one
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Receive regular pay increases as your skills grow
By the time many college graduates are entering the workforce, apprentices in the pipe trades are already:
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Earning a living wage
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Receiving benefits
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Building retirement savings
Learn Skills You’ll Use Every Day
Union apprenticeship programs in the pipe trades combine classroom learning with hands-on experience in the field.
Apprentices working through the Local 344 training program in the Oklahoma City region learn how to:
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Install and maintain piping systems
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Work on plumbing, HVAC, and industrial systems
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Read blueprints and specifications
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Perform pipefitting, welding, and system installation
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Follow safety standards and code requirements
Everything you learn is directly tied to the work you’ll be doing.
A Career, Not Just a Job
The pipe trades offer long-term, stable careers with strong benefits.
Union plumbers and pipefitters earn:
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Competitive wages
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Family health coverage
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Employer-funded retirement plans
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Opportunities to work on a wide range of projects
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The ability to travel for work if desired
Across the Oklahoma City metro area, Local 344 members work on projects ranging from commercial construction to large mechanical systems in hospitals, schools, and industrial facilities.
As experienced workers retire, there is a growing need for the next generation to step in.
Room to Grow
An apprenticeship is just the beginning of your career.
After becoming a journeyman, there are opportunities to move into roles such as:
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Foreman
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Superintendent
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Estimator
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Instructor
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Union leadership
Some choose to specialize in areas like welding, HVAC systems, or medical gas piping. Others go on to run work or manage projects across the region.
The trade offers real opportunities to advance, build new skills, and grow over time.
No Degree Required—Just Drive
You don’t need a college degree to build a successful career in the pipe trades.
What matters most is:
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A willingness to learn
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A strong work ethic
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Reliability and pride in your work
Get Started Today
If you’re interested in learning more about opportunities with UA Local 344 in the Oklahoma City region, fill out our short call-back form.
We look forward to connecting with you!