Plumbing Apprenticeship Course Description

This course of instruction prepares individuals for jobs as an entry-level plumber in the industrial, construction, and maintenance industry. Graduates may find suitable employment with construction and maintenance contractors working in industrial facilities. Students will be registered with the U. S. Department of Labor Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training (BAT) and will earn on-the-job training (OJT) hours working with sponsors of the plumbing program. Under the direct supervision of a journeyman or master plumber, students will train to install, troubleshoot, and repair internal hot and cold water pipe work, sanitary fittings and soil and waste pipe work systems, as well as, commercial and industrial gas-fired heating systems. Students will learn to install and repair pipes, fittings, fixtures and other plumbing equipment used for water distribution, waste water disposal and venting in residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings. Students who complete the required coursework and earn the required on-the-job training hours will receive a Certificate of Completion from the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, as well as, the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER).

Plumbers Should Be Able To:

  • Assemble pipe sections, tubing and fittings using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement and/or plastic solvent.
  • Fill pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observe pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks.
  • Measure, cut, thread and bend pipe to a required angle.
  • Install pipe assemblies, fittings, valves and appliances such as dishwashers and water heaters. Also for fixtures such as sinks and toilets.
  • Cut openings in structures to accommodate pipes and pipe fittings.
  • Repair and maintain plumbing by replacing or mending broken pipes.
  • Locate and mark the position of pipe installations, connections, passage holes and fixtures in structures.
  • Read and interpret blueprints.