Plumbers are qualified experts that set up and maintain the plumbing and water systems in homes and businesses. They gain knowledge through classroom instruction and practical practice. Plumbing is an excellent career choice if you like working on things and communicating with people. You should check out this article lists the best trade schools for plumbing in 2024.
Without professional training, one is less likely to get desired pay for the work one may do. Technical education can help you acquire the desired wage and also have more chances of making more money after getting hired.
Therefore, having professional training and education is crucial for your resume, which could land you an interview or a job before you hit the job market.
With the best plumbing schools come the best career services benefits. Trade Schools have years of employer relationships to help students acquire desired jobs by graduation. Students gain hands-on training and experience in fundamental processes as per industry standards.
If you read to the end of this article, you will find the best trade schools for plumbing in the US.
This article discusses the best trade schools for plumbing and their accurate information and the direct links to the website of these school to save you time and gives you easy access.
Table of Contents
- What Does Plumbing Mean?
- What Does a Plumber Do?
- What Does it Take to Be A Plumber?
- What Skills Do You Need for Plumbing?
- How Long Does it Take to Become a Plumber?
- How Much Do Plumbers Make?
- Is Going to a Trade Plumbing School Worth It?
- How Much Do Trade Schools for Plumbing Cost?
- Best Trade Schools for Plumbing
- 1. Atlanta Technical College
- #2 Cleveland Community College
- #3 St. Paul’s College, Minnesota
- #4 Salt Lake Community College, Utah
- #5 Macomb Community College, Michigan
- #6 Northern Maine Public College (ME)
- #7 Western Arizona College (Arizona)
- #8 Elizabethtown Community and Technical College (Kentucky)
- #9 Texas State Technical College
- #10 Ivy Technical College
- FAQS – Best Trade Schools for Plumbing
- Conclusion
- References
- We Also Recommend
What Does Plumbing Mean?
Pipes that transport liquids or gases into and out of buildings are installed and repaired by plumbers. They frequently have to examine building designs and install pipes in designated locations.
Plumbers also put in sinks, water heaters, dishwashers, and toilets. They also take care of septic systems, which gather the waste from homes without sewer connections.
Plumbing is the art of doing all these, and a person who does them is called a plumber.
See: 15 Best Trade Schools in MA (Massachusetts) in 2024
What Does a Plumber Do?
Plumbers install, repair, and maintain plumbing, sanitization systems, and related equipment in both commercial and residential buildings. They routinely assess plumbing systems, pinpoint issues, and put workable solutions in place.
Plumbers install water supply and water treatment systems. They install residential and commercial systems such as spas, hot tubs, and pool plumbing. The plumber works with sewage systems and other types of sewage. Plumbers also perform the installation and repair of household plumbing systems.
They remove debris and replace damaged pipes. Socially conscious consumers and customers can look for environmentally friendly solutions to household problems of plumbing, installation, and new construction.
A plumber’s regular tasks include the following:
- Identifying issues with the plumbing system and providing permanent solutions
- Fixing plumbing issues in residences and businesses
- Estimating the expense of the project or task before starting it
- Planning new installations by analyzing blueprints
- Installing restrooms, kitchens, and other amenities
- Evaluating the resilience and shortcomings of plumbing systems
- Repairing sanitary and plumbing systems
- Cut, assembled, and welded tubes, pipes, fittings, and other essential fixtures are all possible.
- Organizing and sourcing resources for various projects
What Does it Take to Be A Plumber?
Most states mandate that you possess a plumber’s license. Although there are different criteria for licensure, most states need 2 to 5 years of experience, passing a plumbing trades exam, and adherence to local laws.
What Skills Do You Need for Plumbing?
A few practical abilities for plumbers are:
Strong communication skills
As part of a single project, plumbers may occasionally interact with a wide range of people, and they may need to communicate well with assistants, executives, business owners, material suppliers, and homeowners.
When conveying professional messaging, they ave the confidence to express their ideas clearly. Additionally, they must communicate complex concepts and procedures to non-experts.
Technical expertise
Plumbers need to be skilled with various tools and have a solid grasp of machines. They commonly use wrenches, bending tools, pipe cutters, seals, tapes, grips, seals, and tapes.
They typically need to create accurate measurements, computations, and specifications to guarantee that projects are completed successfully, securely, and on time.
Ability to analyze
Although it is not necessary to have a degree in physics, math, or technology to work in the plumbing business, plumbers nevertheless need to be conversant with some applications of these subjects that are special to their profession.
Plumbers must assess how systems like sewage treatment and water supply function. They must identify how modifications to the variables and circumstances impact results.
They must also conduct tests and inspections to pinpoint the root of issues and create intricate strategies to fix them.
Problem-solving skills
Plumbers should be able to pinpoint the source of a problem and offer workable remedies. While projects are still in progress, plumbers frequently have to handle challenging issues quickly. They must use both logical and creative thinking to do this.
Administrative skills
Plumbers may need to keep track of costs, create inventories, place supply orders, and schedule project timelines. A plumber may occasionally need to write reports, submit them, and defend them to customers or superiors.
Physical aptitudes
Physical stamina, flexibility, strength, superior motor skills, and clear vision are all necessary for the physically demanding vocation of plumbing. For instance, plumbers frequently need to use small tools and equipment, such as gauges, in dimly lit environments.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Plumber?
If you have graduated from high school or obtained a GED, you have two options for primary plumbing certification: training at a vocational plumbing school or training in plumbing.
It usually takes about two years to study plumbing in a vocational school. In the meantime, training can last between 2-5 years, although the duration is dependent on the program.
Some of the advantages of a trade school include flexibility in the workplace after training and greater control over training. However, training is usually funded by a union or business.
Although this route may provide less flexibility, you can pay for tuition. Any choice is an effective way to learn to become a plumber.
How Much Do Plumbers Make?
According to Indeed.com, the average salary of a plumber is $24.30 per hour and $59,677 per year.
Plumbers can choose between full- and part-time employment. Their pay varies according to their degree of education, prior job experience, the organization’s size, and the region.
These experts could also receive overtime pay as additional remuneration. Some plumbers must pay membership dues to labor unions representing them when wage negotiations occur.
Is Going to a Trade Plumbing School Worth It?
Yes. While you can learn and do plumbing in many states without trade school, going to trade school opens up many options that would otherwise remain closed. A technician with no journeyman certificate must work for a licensed plumbing contractor.
In addition, many businesses prefer hiring journeyman plumbers over non-journeymen because it reflects a higher quality of business and workmanship.
Plus, plumbing as a trade is a great industry to be in. It’ll always be a skill you want; everyone always wants fresh water, you’ll save money on your own house, and you’ll have co-workers with beneficial skills and tools. Robots, especially service plumbing, can’t do plumbing, and it’s a highly paid-profession.
How Much Do Trade Schools for Plumbing Cost?
Program, and Ashworth College have similar courses for $800.
Plumbing trade school costs 1250-3000 US dollars. For example, AC / C Tech in Indianapolis offers a program of five courses in plumbing technology for $1250.
Best Trade Schools for Plumbing
Best picks on the best trade schools for plumbing:
- Atlanta Technical College
- Cleveland Community College
- St. Paul’s College, Minnesota
- Salt Lake Community College, Utah
- Macomb Community College, Michigan
- Northern Maine Public College (ME)
- Western Arizona College (Arizona)
- Elizabethtown Community and Technical College (Kentucky)
- Texas State TechnicalCcollege
- Ivy Technical College
1. Atlanta Technical College
Atlanta Technical College (ATC) in Atlanta, Georgia, offers certification and diploma programs in plumbing.
ATC offers a diploma in plumbing and maintenance, certificates in plumbing services and systems, and residential/commercial plumbing.
In addition to general training in plumbing, programs include basic skills in math, English, and interpersonal skills.
#2 Cleveland Community College
Cleveland Community College in Shelby, North Carolina, offers a degree program and a certificate in plumbing.
Students can choose a plumbing certificate; It is believed that this is the fastest way to acquire the necessary skills to understand water supply, sewerage,, and ventilation systems in residential areas.
The diploma is slightly more intensive and covers a wide range of topics, including water supply, waste disposal, and pipe, and pump installation, and codes and standards.
#3 St. Paul’s College, Minnesota
St. Paul’s College boasts a state-of-the-art plumbing laboratory for practical training in a safe, supervised environment.
The school’s plumbing program focuses on teaching plumbing technology applicable to industrial, commercial, and residential facilities, preparing students for a variety of opportunities in the field.
Students will also learn how to properly use tools, read drawings, and always follow the state’s sanitary standards. You will complete this program with a degree in plumbing in about two years and be ready for the five-year internship you will need to take the Minnesota exam.
#4 Salt Lake Community College, Utah
Students enrolled in the Salt Lake Community College program receive a significant tuition discount: a 50% discount. But students who study should not expect a break in the severity of the coursework!
In fact, this school expects that students already have a job in plumbing or will find one during the first year of study.
Working and studying at school can be challenging, but those who know how to balance the two will find it helpful to make such valuable training for the plumbing industry as a whole.
Also, see: 13 Best Mechanical Trade Schools and Programs in 2024
#5 Macomb Community College, Michigan
Macomb Community College South Campus offers a training program that teaches the technical aspects of the plumbing industry, such as pressure management, template assembly, and properly selected pipes.
This school encourages you to enroll in staff-supported training at the end of your formal coursework, but you can use their career services at any time to help with your job search.
#6 Northern Maine Public College (ME)
You are guaranteed a lot of supervision and help from teachers at the North Maine Public College, an institution where the ratio of students to teachers is 12: 1.
The small size of the classrooms, affordable tuition, and a varied curriculum that teaches not only plumbing but also heating and cooling makes it a reliable learning option for aspiring students.
You will be licensed as a staff member of the State of Maine as a student of this program, and understanding the Maine Sanitary Code remains a priority of the course.
#7 Western Arizona College (Arizona)
Western Arizona College has a more significant total number of students than many other schools. Still, tuition remains affordable despite the construction and Technology program’s wide range of educational opportunities.
Students in the plumbing course have access to many other cross-learning skills, including HVAC, electricity, drawing, and welding. Students can receive professional certificates or diplomas from a specialist in applied sciences.
#8 Elizabethtown Community and Technical College (Kentucky)
The Elizabethtown Community and Technical College student program allows you to create a unique learning and learning experience. Various professions are available, including plumbing, and you also need to take some introductory education courses, more than 20 of which are available online.
This school also offers refresher courses for plumbers and plumbers in the area, positioning it as a valuable resource once you are officially licensed as a staff apprentice.
#9 Texas State Technical College
If you want to study plumbing and water supply, consider what Texas State Technical College offers and decide if the program matches you. Get started with the following essential facts.
TSTC is in Waco, Texas, and nearly 10,654 students attend the school each year.
- TSTC Plumbing & Water Supply Degrees Available:
- Basic Certificate in Plumbing (Less Than 1 Year)
- Undergrad Certificate in Plumbing (1 – 4 Years)
You may also want to see: 15 Best Trade Schools In Chicago 2024
#10 Ivy Technical College
Ivy Tech Community College is a wonderful option for students interested in plumbing and water supply degrees. Located in Indianapolis, Ivy Tech Community College is a public college with a large student population. The Best Colleges ranking of #340 out of 2,241 schools nationwide means Ivy Tech Community College is a great college overall.
There were roughly 301 plumbing and water supply students who finished with this degree at Ivy Tech Community College in the most recent year we have data available. Plumbing & Water Supply degree recipients from Ivy Tech Community College receive an earnings boost of around $43,492 above the average earnings of plumbing and water supply majors.
Plumbing & Water Supply Degrees are Available at Ivy Tech Community College
Undergraduate:
- Certificates in Plumbing
- Associate Degree in Plumbing
Ivy Tech Community College Plumbing Rankings:
- The bachelor’s program at Ivy Tech Community College was ranked #1 on College Factual’s Best Schools for plumbing list.
The popularity of Plumbing at Ivy Tech Community College:
Due to this, the school was ranked #1 in popularity out of all colleges and universities that offer this degree.
FAQS – Best Trade Schools for Plumbing
Because plumbers utilize their knowledge to maintain safe and plentiful water, plumbing is one job that people frequently admire. Consider studying more about the profitable, well-regarded profession of plumbing if you’re considering a trade career.
A minimum of 246 hours of technical education is required for plumbers. 1,700 training hours. This instruction included apprenticeship and the practical application of theory. A technical education of 144 hours and 2,000 hours of training is required to become an electrician.
A range of tools are available for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters to construct, maintain, and repair pipe systems. Physical toughness: The ability to lift and move bulky equipment and supplies is a requirement for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters.
Conclusion
In summary, becoming a plumber in the 21st century is much more than cleaning your home sewer (although this service remains valuable). Because plumbing designs are firmly in our modern way of life, the plumbing industry can offer a stable career with good pay. Attending one of the best plumbing trade schools in the country can put you on the path to success.
Most plumbers are trained, which combines classroom training with paid on-the-job training. Most states also need a license to work independently. Plumbers must be licensed to work in most US states and municipalities. In addition to the need for two to five years of experience, you must pass an exam depending on where the license is issued.
References
- education.costhelper.com – plumbing training cost
- Bestaccreditedcolleges.org – Top schools for plumbing
- in.indeed.com – What Is a Plumber? Complete Guide
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