Joe Cooper

Joe Cooper is the training director for the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 286 Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee in Austin, Texas. Mr. Cooper began as training director in 2013 and has been an instructor in the apprenticeship program since 2000. His experience also includes working as a field superintendent for mechanical and plumbing contractors in the Austin area and running his own plumbing company. Prior to that, Mr. Cooper completed his apprenticeship in 1999 and holds a current journeyman and master plumbing license with a medical gas endorsement. He is a member of the San Antonio chapter of Apprenticeship Training Association of Texas. He is the current president of the Central Texas chapter of American Society of Sanitary Engineering and serves as one of the southern region directors. Joe was appointed to the Apprenticeship Training and Advisory Committee of Texas in 2018.  He has a passion for education and lifelong learning, receiving a bachelor’s degree in construction management Summa Cum Laude from Rowan University in 2021. Mr. Cooper was appointed in 2017 and serves on the Workforce Solution Capital Area Board. Working with the local workforce board and Texas State Building and Construction Trades Council the team has produced twenty-four apprenticeship readiness classes in Austin. Joe started as a delegate to the Austin Central Labor council and was elected president in 2025. He has been married to his wife Montana since 2000, and has two wonderful daughters Amber and Vanessa.