Start Your Plumbing Career with Hallway Apprenticeship Program
How Apprenticeships Are Shaping the Next Generation of Pros
The plumbing trade is at a pivotal moment. As experienced professionals retire and fewer young workers enter the field, the demand for skilled plumbers is skyrocketing. In fact, a recent Bloomberg News report highlights a projected shortage of 550,000 plumbing professionals in the U.S. by 2027. With such a significant gap on the horizon, now is an ideal time for young people to consider a career in plumbing—and programs like the Hallway Apprenticeship Program are leading the way.
Bruce McGrew, Vice President of Commercial Operations at Hallway Plumbing, is no stranger to the trade. As a second‑generation plumber, he’s committed not only to the craft itself but to ensuring its future. His dedication reflects a broader industry mission: to sustain and strengthen the plumbing workforce for generations to come.
How RWC Is Supporting the Future of the Trades
Reliance Worldwide Corporation (RWC) is deeply invested in the long-term success of plumbing professionals. Through funding, materials, and hands‑on product training, RWC empowers apprentices with the tools and knowledge they need to excel. This partnership ensures that students in programs like Hallway’s aren’t just learning the basics—they’re gaining practical, real‑world experience with the products and solutions used across the industry.
Inside the Hallway Apprenticeship Program
The Hallway Apprenticeship Program offers a comprehensive, five‑year path into the plumbing field. Unlike traditional education routes, apprentices earn while they learn, gaining hands-on experience on both commercial job sites and in residential service. This model allows students to:
- Avoid student debt
- Develop real-world plumbing skills
- Earn a journeyman’s degree
- Step into a high‑earning career
Graduates of the program can expect to make close to $80,000 per year starting out, with the potential to reach $100,000 within five years. For many, this program is more than a job opportunity—it's a life-changing career path.
Training with Purpose
Through RWC’s involvement, apprentices receive specialized product training, ensuring they understand the full lineup of RWC solutions and how to use them effectively in the field. This hands-on support builds confidence, strengthens skillsets, and prepares apprentices for long-term success in a constantly evolving trade.
Voices from the Field: The Impact of Apprenticeship
The program’s success is best told through the experiences of its participants. Over the past eight years, Hallway Plumbing has trained seven journeyman plumbers and three master plumbers, all of whom started as apprentices in the program.
Current apprentices appreciate the artistic and technical nature of plumbing. One first-year apprentice describes plumbing as “an art form that requires continuous mastery,” underscoring the dedication and craft behind the trade.
Master Plumber Clem Ledesma, who has spent six years at Hallway, shares his commitment to growth and leadership:
“Every day, I’m going to try to be better—not just for myself, but for people coming into the trade. Hopefully, they can learn from me as I learn from people I’ve been on sites with.”
His journey reflects the heart of apprenticeship: learning, growth, and giving back.
Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Start a Plumbing Career
With rising demand, competitive salaries, and robust training programs backed by industry leaders like RWC, there’s never been a better moment to join the plumbing profession. Apprenticeships like Hallway’s ensure new plumbers enter the workforce skilled, confident, and ready to build a fulfilling, long-lasting career.
If you're looking for a career path that offers stability, growth potential, and a meaningful way to impact your community, plumbing may be the perfect fit.