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Plumbing Technology/Plumber

Program Description

Just the Facts

Plumbing Technology/Plumber. A program that prepares individuals to practice as licensed plumbers by applying technical knowledge and skills to lay out, assemble, install, and maintain piping fixtures and systems for steam, natural gas, oil, hot water, heating, cooling, drainage, lubricating, sprinkling, and industrial processing systems in home and business environments. Includes instruction in source determination, water distribution, waster removal, pressure adjustment, basic physics, technical mathematics, blueprint reading, pipe installation, pumps, welding and soldering, plumbing inspection, and applicable codes and standards.

This program is available in these options:

  • Certificate / Diploma
  • Associate degree
  • Bachelor's degree

High School Courses

See the high school courses recommended for programs in this career cluster:

See the high school courses recommended for programs in this pathway:



Related Programs

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Additional Information

Simply knowing how to use a wrench is not enough to succeed at plumber training. Plumbing students are learning to install systems that are increasingly complex. Many systems are also more environmentally friendly than in the past.

Typically, students enroll in programs that last six months to two years and lead to apprenticeships. Oftentimes, high schools offer seniors part-time studies in trades like plumbing while they're still in high school. This gives them a head start on courses after graduating from high school.

Apprenticeship programs are normally four years long. Part of the year is spent in the classroom, but most of the year is spent working alongside experienced plumbers.

In the U.S., plumbing apprentices spend time in a classroom a few weeks of each year. The rest of the time, they're working in the field, gaining hands-on experience.

Fortunately, students are paid during their apprenticeships.

"That's one of the best benefits of being in a trade -- it's not nearly as expensive as going to university, and it has a little more instant repayment, moving up the ladder," says plumbing instructor Bill Evans. "In four years, they're getting up to journeyperson's pay, which is fairly good."

Apprenticeship wages vary, but they're typically 50 to 60 percent of what a journeyperson earns. (A journeyperson is someone who has finished his or her apprenticeship and is licensed.)

Upon completion of the apprenticeship, an apprentice plumber can become a licensed journeyperson. This typically involves an exam.

"There's a certain amount of courses you need to take... to become a journeyman," says Karen Freidenberger. She's a plumbing instructor at Los Angeles Trade Technical College, and a plumber. "It's just up to you how fast you get through it. And then you take your journeyman's exam after about four years in the trade. You've got to show you've had that experience before you can take it.

"To be a knowledgeable journeyman and excel at this profession, classes along with on-the-job training is a must," she adds. "There are plumbers out there that didn't go to school, but they won't excel."

The main costs of plumber training are tuition and books. Tools are often provided by contractors in apprenticeship programs.


Links

Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see Plumbers, Pipelayers, Pipefitters and Steamfitters

United Association
Union of plumbers, fitters, welders and HVAC service techs in the U.S.

Toiletology 101
A free course in toilet repairs