What Is It Known For?
Area I Plumbers Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee (JATC) focuses on helping individuals build a long-term career in plumbing. Established in 1976, this program operates as an open shop. This means it is non-union, which allows for a direct relationship between you and your employer. Marianne Carley and Ashley McMahon currently manage the administration. The organization does not publish specific enrollment numbers online. If you want to know how many trainees join each year, you should contact the office directly.
Degrees & Certifications
The Area I Plumbers apprenticeship is a comprehensive four-year program that combines on-the-job training with classroom education. Apprentices complete approximately 7,700 hours of paid on-the-job training, gaining experience across a wide range of plumbing applications.
Students receive instruction in plumbing codes, plumbing math, water conservation, backflow prevention, and municipal systems, among other core topics.
Class Schedules
The schedule splits time between working in the field and learning in a classroom. The required academic training happens at Clackamas Community College. You might attend the Oregon City campus or the Wilsonville location. These sessions take place during the fall, winter, and spring terms. Your daily work on job sites fulfills the practical training requirement. The school does not list specific times for morning or evening classes online, so asking them for the current timetable is the best way to find out.
Is It a Good School?
Yes. The U.S. Department of Labor sets federal rules for apprenticeships. In this state, the Oregon State Apprenticeship and Training Council handles oversight.
Acceptance Rate
All apprentices are selected through a state-approved selection process. Algebra is a minimum requirement, and applicants must have completed the course with a passing grade.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Tuition and book fees are charged per term based on course load. Costs typically range from $450 to $690 per term, with additional fees for extended classes. A grade of “C” or higher is required to pass, or the class must be repeated.
Programs & Courses
Skilled Trades
- Plumbing
Campus Locations
Lake Oswego 15800 Boones Ferry Rd Suite B-3 Lake Oswego, OR 97035
Reviews
Based on reviews in Google, the Area 1 Plumbers JATC (Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee) is a non-union apprenticeship program based in Lake Oswego. It serves as a critical pathway for individuals looking to enter the plumbing trade in the Portland metropolitan area and Southwest Washington.
Overall Score: 3.7/5 Stars
Common Praises
Strong Career Foundation: Many reviewers highlight that the organization has a “solid history of integrity” and has successfully “changed lives for the better” by providing a stable, high-paying career path.
Earn While You Learn: The “open shop” (non-union) model is praised for allowing apprentices to build direct relationships with their employers while earning a wage that increases as they progress through the four-year program.
Effective Technical Training: The curriculum, which includes evening classes at Clackamas Community College, is noted for its dedication to producing future trade professionals who are well-versed in state codes and safety.
Legacy and Experience: Long-term associates of the program emphasize its decades of experience in administering apprenticeship standards in Oregon.
Common Criticisms
Administrative Friction: Based on local Google reviews, a significant point of frustration involves the office staff. Some applicants and students have described interactions as “rude” or “mean,” specifically mentioning long-time administrators.
Logistical Hurdles: Several reviews point out that the office is often difficult to access, with reports of doors being locked during business hours and a lack of parking at the Lake Oswego location.
Application Disorganization: Prospective apprentices have noted that the application process can feel “disorganized,” with poor directions for those trying to submit their paperwork in person.
Momentum
The momentum for Area 1 Plumbers JATC is technically robust but administratively challenged in 2025. The program remains highly competitive, with the 2025-2026 application window opening in June 2025 for a limited time. As of late 2025, the average journeyperson wage for this program has reached approximately $49.74 per hour, making it one of the most lucrative technical paths in the state. While the program continues to boast a 95% employment rate for its apprentices, the persistent public complaints regarding “poor customer service” suggest a disconnect between its high-quality technical output and its front-end student relations.