5 Things To Expect From a Plumbing Program

Plumbing is an essential trade, with opportunities spanning residential, commercial, and specialized systems. For those considering a career as a journeyman plumber, or plumbing technician, enrolling in a formal plumbing program can offer a shorter pathway into this new field. Unlike apprenticeships, which are heavily reliant on hands-on job training under a mentor, plumbing programs offer a structured educational approach that combines theory with practical application.

Anticipate Learning Skills Relevant to Today’s Industry

Plumbing programs often follow a curriculum designed to teach specific skills in a certain timeframe. The skills can vary depending on the school, but it’s quite common for plumbing students to gain experience measuring, cutting, and connecting piping made of different materials. Based on the material they’re working with, plumbing technicians may switch their technique to ensure they’re creating a reliable, secure, and efficient plumbing system.

Students can also learn to install and repair valves used in water, gas, and petroleum systems. Understanding the differences between these systems and common issues they face can help a plumbing technician accurately assess and address the unique challenges of each. Throughout their studies, they also build an understanding of current plumbing codes and regulations.

Moreover, students will be trained in safety practices to prevent accidents and to protect both themselves and clients. Other skills students may learn in a plumbing program may include, but not limited to:

• Reading blueprints
• Installing private water supplies
• Calculating estimates and more

Prepare To Learn Different Plumbing Systems

Plumbing programs offer a comprehensive overview of plumbing systems and how they work. Students are taught  various types of systems, such as water supply, drainage, ventilation, and gas piping. They can also learn how to troubleshoot and repair common issues within these systems. This allows journeyman plumbers to quickly and efficiently identify and resolve problems.

Moreover, understanding plumbing systems is vital when working with other tradespeople on construction projects. Throughout their career, journeyman plumbers may often need to collaborate with electricians, HVAC technicians, and other professionals to ensure the safe installation of pipes and fixtures in a building.

As environmental concerns continue to rise, so does the demand for clean and sustainable energy alternatives. Plumbing programs may also cover topics related to green plumbing, such as rainwater harvesting systems and solar water heating. By keeping up with the latest industry trends and technologies, plumbing programs can better prepare graduates to meet the eco-friendly demands of their future roles.

Yes, This Also Includes Residential and Commercial Plumbing Systems

Residential plumbing systems are typically simpler since they are generally smaller in scale and have fewer components than commercial systems since they cater primarily to homes and apartments. These systems can often be easier to fix and maintain than commercial systems

In contrast, commercial plumbing systems present a higher level of complexity. These systems require advanced skills to manage the increased water pressure, the multiple outlets throughout the facility, and the breadth of large-scale installations. Commercial settings can include office buildings, factories, and other commercial establishments, where the plumbing requirements are more robust and demanding.

By learning both kinds of plumbing systems during their studies, aspiring journeyman plumbers are preparing to become versatile assets to their future employers.

Get Ready for Hands-On Training Aligned With Industry Standards

A key aspect of any robust plumbing program is the successful integration of hands-on training that mirrors real-world industry standards. Students are given the opportunity to interact with industry-standard tools, helping them be well-versed in the latest equipment and technologies used in the field. During shop courses, they perform tasks with safety protocols in mind to drill in the importance of safety in every aspect of their work.

At Miller-Motte, our Plumbing curriculum exposes students to National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) competencies to help streamline their transition into the workforce. Since obtaining NCCER certification validates a technician’s professional skills and enhances their employability, exposure to these competencies can reduce time spent preparing for these exams, which can help graduates better navigate the competitive job market with confidence.

Plumbing Programs Aren’t the Same as an Apprenticeship

While both plumbing programs and apprenticeships can help aspiring technicians reach the same goals, they’re not interchangeable. Each path takes a unique approach to career prep, which may or may not suit a person’s learning style or career goals.

Apprenticeships prioritize hands-on training by placing individuals directly into the workforce under the guidance of a licensed plumber. They allow students to earn an income as they study, but they’re usually much longer than plumbing programs, and can require thousands of hours of on-the-job training to complete.

Plumbing programs provide a more structured curriculum that focuses on mastering specific skills and knowledge through classroom instruction and hands-on labs. This approach may better suit individuals who prefer more guidance and structure in their learning.

Plumbing Programs May Not Prepare You To Be a Plumber

Plumbers take on broader responsibilities that extend beyond repairs that can include the design of new plumbing systems and the navigation of regulatory requirements. They often have to obtain work permits and, in many states, they need a license to even start working as a plumber. Becoming a plumber often takes many years of education, training, and on-the-job experience.

Plumbing programs can generally be completed in less than a year, and often prepare you for entry-level careers that do not require licensure. As such, they focus on building fundamental skills rather than preparing you for more advanced or specialized licensure. Students may need to continue their education or pursue apprenticeships to obtain the necessary qualifications and experience to become a licensed plumber.

However, completing a plumbing program is an excellent starting point for those interested in pursuing a career in the plumbing industry. It provides a solid foundation of knowledge and skills that can help individuals enter the workforce sooner and with more confidence. With further education and experience, graduates can then work towards achieving their goal of becoming a fully licensed plumber.

Take the First Step Today

Pursuing a career in plumbing through a formal education program is an excellent option for those interested in gaining the skills and knowledge to enter the workforce as soon as possible. These programs offer well-rounded training that covers both residential and commercial plumbing systems, hands-on experience with industry-standard tools, and exposure to NCCER competencies. While it may not directly prepare individuals to become licensed plumbers, plumbing programs provide a solid foundation for further education and experience in the field. So if you are considering a career in the plumbing industry, be sure to explore the different options available and choose the path that best suits your interests and goals.

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