Plumbing/Piping Apprentice
Job Title: Plumbing/Piping Apprentice
Department: Operations
Reports To: Field Operations Manager
Type: Full-Time
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Hours: 40 hours per week
Pay Range: $20.00 – $28.00/hour
About VHV Company:
VHV is a full-service mechanical construction contractor specializing in high-quality plumbing, piping, and HVAC systems for commercial, industrial, and institutional clients across Vermont and New Hampshire. Headquartered in Winooski, VT, we’ve been building trusted relationships and delivering innovative solutions for over 75 years.
At VHV, you’re not just an employee—you’re an owner. As a 100% employee-owned company, we value teamwork, integrity, safety, continuous improvement, and treating each other with respect. Join a team committed to excellence, collaboration, and growth.
Our Core Values:
- Know & Do What’s Right
- Committed to Improvement
- Team Focus
Our Core Focus:
Hire, Promote, Reward, Repeat
Position Description:
The Plumbing/Piping Apprentice will install and/or replace plumbing/piping and related systems in industrial and commercial applications as directed and in accordance with industry standards and local and state codes.
Desired Character Traits:
Team player, integrity, dependability, detail-oriented, solid decision-making skills, driven, approachable, punctual, high standards for quality and excellence, good customer service skills
Competencies:
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent
- 0 – 2 plus years’ experience in mechanical and HVAC industry
- Develop proficiency through the Plumbing apprenticeship program by both attending all applicable classes and learning the necessary skills through OJT as outlined in the Sheet Metal Apprenticeship Skills Matrix (see attached)
- Ability to work in extreme weather/temperature conditions
- Develop strong practical problem-solving skills
- Use and maintain company provided tools in a safe and proper manner
- Work in conformance with all company, customer, and government safety regulations
- Ability to read, analyze and interpret technical specifications, architectural drawings and construction documentation
- Ensure all applicable codes and standards are being met regarding installation
- Ability to recognize and report unsafe working conditions
- Knowledge of related machines and tools, including their use, and maintenance
- Knowledge of basic mathematics and ability to read and use various measuring devices
- Understand the use of relevant safety equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to meet company, VOSHA and OSHA standards
- Obtain OSHA 10 certification
- Show up on time and ready to work each day
- Adhere to VHV’s policies and procedures while representing and promoting the Company in a professional manner
Essential Roles and Responsibilities:
Develop the knowledge and ability to competently perform the following:
- Adhere to all company safety policies and procedures
- Adhere to established VHV productivity and quality standards
- Assemble and install equipment, fixtures, pipe sections, tubing and fittings using a variety of industry recognized methods with the use of hand or power tools
- Pressure testing of assembled systems using gauges and different mediums to detect and locate leaks
- Locate and mark the position of pipe installations, connections, penetrations or fixtures in structures, using a variety of measuring instruments and techniques
- Measure, cut, or thread pipe using hand or power tools such as pipe cutters, or pipe threading machines
- Review blueprints, building codes, or specifications to determine work details or procedures
- Work in a team environment
How We Work: EOS + Continuous Improvement:
VHV operates on the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), with a focus on:
| Vision | Process | People |
| Issues | Data | Traction |
This framework helps our team stay aligned, accountable, and continuously improving.
Career Growth:
This position will receive on the job training from experienced Journeymen on the numerous procedures used in the installation of plumbing, piping and equipment relating to HVAC and mechanical applications in new or existing buildings across a wide variety of construction.
Opportunities for advancement exist for high-performing team members. We live our core value of being Committed to Improvement, offering access to education, training, and cross-functional growth. At VHV, we don’t just fill roles—we grow careers.
Physical Requirements & Work Environment:
This is a field-based position. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- Ability and willingness to travel to local as well as remote locations (out of town, out of state)
for short and/or extended periods of time.
- Ability to hear and verbally communicate effectively.
- Ability to stand or walk for extended periods of time.
- Workers must be able to see well (either naturally or with correction).
- Use hands, fingers, arms, and legs to safely manipulate objects.
- Lift and carry tools and materials weighing up to 75 lbs (average lift less than 50 lbs).
- Climb up and down, balance and work safely on a minimum 30-foot ladder and scaffolding 15 feet or more in the air.
- Requires ability to walk, climb, stand, carry materials, stoop, kneel, bend at waist.
- The employee regularly works outside and is occasionally exposed to cold, wet and/or humid conditions.
- Work regularly occurs at jobsites where exposure to construction related hazards exists, including working near moving mechanical parts, working in high and precarious places and confined spaces.
- Wear the proper PPE: safety boots that cover at least the ankle, clean denim or appropriate work pants without tears or rips, safety glasses, gloves, and your hand tool bag.
Additional Information:
Disclaimer: This job description outlines the general nature of the role and may not include all tasks or responsibilities. Team members may be asked to perform duties outside of their primary responsibilities as needed.
Employee Benefits
VHV offers industry-leading pay. Benefits packages include:
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Accrued Paid Time Off
- Paid Holidays
- Profit Sharing
- Gym Membership Discount
- Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
- 401(k) Plan, with Company Match
- Employee Owned Company (ESOP)
- Ongoing Employee Training
- Accident and Critical Illness Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- HSA Employer Contribution
Equal Opportunity Employer
VHV provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.



