On April 2nd 2025 the State of Michigan will begin enforcing a plumbing ratio limit of not more than two apprentices per every journey or master license holder, otherwise known as a maintaining a 2:1 ratio. The requirement will be applied using an “on site basis” meaning this will not be measured by company but rather by the people on site when plumbing work is in process.
Per current code plumbing means the practice, materials, and fixtures, in or adjacent to a building, structure, or premises, used in the installation, maintenance, extension, or alteration of all piping, fixtures, plumbing appliances, or plumbing appurtenances, as defined in the state construction code, in connection with the sanitary drainage or storm drainage facilities, plumbing venting systems, medical gas systems, backflow preventers, and public or private water supply systems.
For years the law has required that apprentices be registered within 30 days after their hire date, and once past 6000 hours and three years of experience they are allowed to apply to test for their journey license. This test has two phases which is the formal exam and the hands-on piping portion known in the industry as “the practical exam.” After passing a journey license is issued and the clock starts ticking toward their ability to take their master exam. If an apprentice does not test within five years from their registration date they have to be re-registered and the apprenticeship period starts anew.
Interestingly many installers and helpers in the field do not have a desire to be a foreman, service technician, or license holder so many become something known in the industry as “perpetual apprentices.” Michigan has never had a ratio requirement for plumbers so the 2:1 ratio requirement is a substantial change. With the new requirement in place any contractor that has not maintained a ratio exceeding 2:1 of their own accord is likely going to find themselves short. Also the law does not have a sliding scale, meaning a fourth-year apprentice is treated the same as a first-year apprentice under the law. 2:1 is the limit regardless of years of experience.
While there is reason to believe this drastic change will limit new apprentices entering the field and there are concerns that this could bottle neck the plumbing industry in our state, we have been carefully maintaining our ratios and intend to continue serving our customers with the high level of service and quality they expect from us.
