Plumbing trade schools are institutions where skills are acquired within a specific time and in this article, we have discussed the best institutions, requirements, and the cost to attend a trade school.
Professional plumbers are essential workers when it comes to construction. Plumbers are there to fix anything from a water supply system to connecting gas lines.
Plumbing trade schools are institutions designed to train and educate individuals who want to become successful and well-trained plumbers. The job of a plumber involves working in commercial, residential, and industrial sectors.
If you want to become a professional plumber, there are certain trade-specific skills, training, and certification you need to acquire. There are other requirements as well and we will be looking at them in this guide.
What Is the Job of a Plumber?
Generally, a plumber is a trained worker with skills to fix anything from a water supply system to connecting gas lines. Plumbers are the worker you call when you have a leakage of water or gas in your home.
The skills of plumbers are needed in construction settings, as well as residential and commercial. Plumbers are equipped with a set of skills to perform installations of water supply systems and water treatment systems.
A plumber has the skills to properly install residential and commercial systems such as hot tubs, spas, and swimming pool lines. Their job also includes working in the sewage system and any other kind of wastewater removal.
In manufacturing companies where water is used in the production process, plumbers install the entire water cooling system. So you see the importance of having plumbers in the industrial sector.
In homes, plumbers install and repair the household plumbing system. With their tools and set of skills, they know how to handle that leakage in your home. Your gas line connection problem will be taken care of once you call a skilled plumber.
Additionally, a plumber needs to understand building codes and work in an appropriate manner that is consistent with the laws and regulations within a locality.
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What Are the Requirements for Plumbing Trade Schools?
Every institution has its standard requirements that an applicant must satisfy before gaining entry into that institution.
Although plumbing apprenticeship programs and trade schools have no standard or national e of requirements, an applicant is required to present at least a high school diploma.
To get into a plumbing trade school, applicants are required to present a high school diploma, GED, or any other equivalent proof of education. Also, there are other plumbing programs with additional requirements.
Applicants to any plumbing trade school must be 18 years or above or have parental consent. Now, there is something you should know if you want to stay ahead of other competitors.
If you have a strong background and aptitudes in science, you have the advantage to get into a plumbing trade school. Plumbing programs focus on lecturing students to understand the concept of material science, fluid dynamics, and mathematics.
To excel as a plumber, you must understand topics like the effect of heat and expansion. You must also understand how heat and cold affect plastics and metals, and the plumbing code.
At trade schools, they teach the behaviour of materials under the application of heat and cold. The repairing and maintenance process is also something you will learn in plumbing trade schools.
Plumbing trainees with intentions to work on new installations need to learn and understand how to read piping layouts.
What Is the Cost to Attend a Plumbing Trade School?
Generally, the cost to attend a plumbing trade school varies based on the standard of a specific institution.
An institution like Penn Foster offers plumbing programs for $868, while Ashworth College offers similar courses for $800.
The average cost to attend a plumbing trade school in the United States ranges from $1,250 to $3,000. The cost to obtain an associate degree ranges from $3,000 to $15,000 per year.
What Is the Cost to Attend an Online Plumbing Trade School?
The cost to attend any plumbing trade school vary based on the institution’s standards. The average cost to earn an online associate degree in plumbing technology from any community college is between $3,000 to over $20,000.
The average tuition fee to attend community colleges is around $3,000. Most community colleges provide low or no-cost tuition options specifically for residents of a state, city or county.
Steps on How to Become a Plumber
There are steps involved when it comes to acquiring the skills to become a professional plumber.
Generally, it’s not compulsory that every plumber must start as an apprentice, but owning a college degree or an adequate training program can give you the advantage to stand out from other applicants.
With their skills, plumbers can repair and maintain anything from HVAC systems to gas lines, water supply systems in residential or commercial settings, and more.
Plumbers can start up their businesses if they feel the industry is not good enough for them. Of course, plumbers can work in manufacturing companies, and working independently is something they can also do as well.
Want to become a professional plumber, here are a few steps to achieve that.
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Obtain a High School Diploma/GED
A high school diploma or its equivalent is the minimum requirement you must present to apply to plumbing trade schools.
Why is a high school diploma an important requirement?
Going through high school gives you the opportunity to acquire basic knowledge in science, math, technical drawing and thermodynamics.
You need to have a strong background and aptitude in science and math to understand how the blueprint works. It’s also important you possess these qualities because you will be making technical and financial calculations.
Becoming a professional plumber requires innovative ideas to initiate an effective repair and maintenance plan.
Pursue an Apprenticeship Program
A plumbing apprenticeship program offers skills to apprentices. Through this program, apprentices understand concepts such as expansion and the effect of heat or cold on plastic and metals.
The apprenticeship programs also teach the concepts of fluid dynamics and material science.
Before you apply for apprenticeships, ensure that the program is associated with a legitimate company registered with the U.S. Department of Labor.
Additionally, you will also learn about Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety guidelines, codes and standards, and different plumbing pipes.
You will also learn about the plumbing system design as it is part of the apprenticeship program.
Start as a Journeyman Plumber
Once you have passed the licensing examination, it’s easier to obtain your Journeyman license. As a licensed journeyman, you can work independently in residential and commercial settings.
As a licensed journeyman, you need to renew your license annually or every 3 to 5 years based on your state’s requirements. You will be eligible to apply for the master plumber licensing examination, once you have spent a specific amount of time as a journeyman.
Become a Master Plumber
The final step you have to take in this career path is to become a master plumber. Generally, the prerequisite to gain the status of master plumber varies based on local laws.
There are some states that require additional courses or training. Obtaining the master plumber status gives you the opportunity to apply for the highest-paying jobs in the industry.
With a master plumber license, you can work as a contractor, oversee apprenticeship training, and provide advanced services.
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Trade Schools for Plumbing
Here are some of the best plumbing trade schools in the United States.
#1. Saint Paul College, Minnesota
Located in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Saint Paul College is a public community college that is part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System.
Saint Paul College provides one of the best practical training in a conducive plumbing laboratory. Training at this college is supervised by experts.
The curriculum at Saint Paul College focuses on teaching plumbing technologies and set skills to handle repairs and maintenance in commercial, residential, and industrial settings.
Saint Paul College is an institution where students learn how to use tools in the field. The college also teaches students the importance of understanding the blueprint for repair and maintenance.
The degree offered at Saint Paul College can be completed within two years.
Get more information on the degree offered at Saint Paul College, Minnesota by visiting their official website.
#2. Arizona Western College
Arizona Western College has an in-state tuition fee of $2,900. This is a public community college located in Yuma, Arizona that offers associate degrees, transfer degrees, and occupational certificates.
AWC offers an opportunity for students in the plumbing course to acquire additional skills. They provide plumbing courses alongside HVAC electricity, drawing, and welding.
#3. Northern Maine Public College
Northern Maine Public College is one of the top plumbing trade schools. It has a student-faculty ratio of 12 to 1, which allows students to learn in a comfortable environment.
The student-faculty ratio is not the only reason you should attend this college. Northern Maine Public College offers a low tuition fee and a diverse curriculum.
The instructors at this college ensure that the students learn about plumbing and understand the concepts of the effects of heat and cold on materials.
Graduates of Northern Maine Public College are licensed to work for the state of Maine.
#4. Salt Lake Community College
Salt Lake Community College is a public college with an in-state tuition fee of $4,086. SLCC is one of the plumbing trade schools in the United States that offers a 50% tuition discount to eligible students.
SLCC expects students to be already employed in the plumbing industry or secure employment within the first year of study.
It’s challenging to create a balance between work and school. However, those who can achieve this feat will benefit from it and create proper training suitable for the plumbing profession.
#5. Atlanta Technical College
Atlanta Technical College is a public college located in Atlanta, Georgia and part of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG).
ATC has an instate tuition fee of $3,164 and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. ATC offers certifications and diploma programs in plumbing.
This is one of the plumbing trade schools that offers diploma plumbing and maintenance, as well as plumbing services and systems.
#6. Cleveland Community College
Located in Cleveland County, North Carolina, Cleveland Community College is a public college with an in-state tuition fee of $2,602.
Cleveland Community College provides the options for students to pursue a certificate in plumbing. Studying at Cleveland gives you the opportunity to acquire specific skills to work in residential and commercial settings.
The college teaches students how to handle water supply systems in homes, sewage, and ventilation systems.
Cleveland Community College offers a more intensive diploma that covers a wide range of topics like waste disposal, water supply, codes and standards, and pipe and pump installations.
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#7. Macomb Community College, Michigan
The south campus of Macomb Community College is an institution that offers a program which focuses on the technical parts of plumbing.
At Macomb Community College, the instructors teach pressure, pipe selection, and template assembly.
Macomb is one of the top plumbing trade schools where students acquire specific skills through a program.
#8. Ivy Technical School
This college is the best option for those who intend to acquire basic skills in plumbing. It’s also the best option for water supply degree seekers.
Ivy Tech Community College has a large student body. The Indiana-based community college has an in-state tuition fee of $4,637.
The average income of graduates from this community college is about $43,492, which is above the national average for plumbing and water supply majors.
#9. Elizabethtown Community and Technical College
In-state tuition at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College is $4,488.
The program offered at his college is designed to develop an individualized learning pattern and education experience.
Elizabethtown Community and Technical College is one of the top plumbing trade schools you can attend.
#10. Texas State Technical College
Texas State Technical College offers plumbing and water supply programs. TSTC spreads across ten campuses in the state of Texas.
The Waco campus receives about 10,000 students annually.
Here are plumbing and water supply degrees available at Texas State Technical College.
- Certificate for basic plumbing: Less than 12 months
- Bachelor’s Degree in plumbing: One year to four years
Frequently Asked Questions on Plumbing Trade Schools
Here are frequently asked questions regarding plumbing trade schools.
What is the highest qualification in plumbing?
The highest qualification in plumbing is master plumber status.
How long does it take to become a plumber in the United States?
Generally, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in the United States acquire basic skills through a four-year or five-year apprenticeship.
What are the number of levels in plumbing?
Generally, we have three different levels of plumbing. First, you must start as a journeyman to pursue to fulfil your dream of becoming a business owner.
How much do plumbers earn per hour in the US?
Plumbers in the United States earn an average of $28.79 per hour according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average income for the entire year is about $59,800.
Conclusion
Trades schools are institutions where basic skills are acquired through intense training. There are requirements to satisfy before an applicant can gain entry into a trade school.
The minimum requirement is a high school diploma or GED, then you can apply to any plumbing trade school of your choice.
