Today’s plumbers do more than repair clogged toilets and drains. They are an essential part of various industries, such as construction, oil and gas, and manufacturing, to name a few. In line with other trades, plumbing has experienced considerable growth in the last decade due to demand in both residential and commercial sectors. Advances in technology, which brought a range of high-tech tools, help to improve efficiency and productivity.
Short-term plumbing programs offered by vocational institutes, colleges, and online require no prior experience and prepare students for employment in the field in as little as three months. Industry growth means there is no better time to get trained and make the most of this valuable skill. There are numerous career pathways for plumbers who are willing to learn and expand their skillset.
New York State requires all professional plumbers to obtain a license. Plumbers are issued a license in one of two categories: a journeyman plumber or a master plumber. Journeyman plumbers work under the supervision of a master plumber to acquire the experience and training needed to apply for a master’s license. Applicants for the Journeyman Plumber license must be at least 18 years old, be fit to perform the work authorized by the registration, have a good moral character, and be able to write and understand English. A minimum of five years of full-time experience or completion of a New York State registered training program with one year experience in New York City are also needed for licensure.
LaGuardia Community College
The plumbing course offered by the Continuing Education Department at LaGuardia College includes extensive hands-on training. Students will also receive OSHA 30-hour certification. The program follows the industry-recognized National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) Construction Core and Plumbing Level 1 curricula. Classes meet Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
Program overview:
Plumbing 1 Certificate
Clock hours: 195 hours (39 sessions)
Courses:
Construction Safety, Construction Math; Plumbing Drawings; Plastic, Copper, Cast Iron and Carbon Steel Pipe and Fittings; Plumbing Fixtures; Water Distribution Systems, Drain, Waste, and Vent Systems; OSHA 30-Hour Certification
Prerequisites:
- High school diploma or equivalency or related work experience
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
Program cost:
Tuition costs $2239 and includes books and materials. A payment plan is available.
Website: https://www.laguardia.edu/
Address: 31-10 Thomson Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101 USA
Phone: 718-482-7244
Apex Technical School
Apex Technical School facilitates a plumbing program that equips students with the skills needed to begin a career as a plumber. Students will acquire skills to use hand and power tools, fittings, faucets, fixtures, and DWV piping and valves. Pipefitting skill and socket and butt weld pipe fabrication are also included in the program. Training will be conducted in the classroom and in various off-site locations where students will put the theory into practice.
Program overview:
Plumbing Certificate
Clock hours: 900
Courses:
Basic Safety; History and Concepts of Plumbing; Fixtures and Faucets; Cast Iron Pipe and Fittings; Installing and Testing Piping; Installing and Servicing Fixtures; Valves and Faucets; Carbon Steel Pipe and Fittings; Fuel Gas Systems; Installing Water Heaters; Reading Commercial Drawings; Servicing Pipe Systems and Appliances; Business Math for Plumbers; Sizing DWV and Storm Systems; Private Water Supply Systems; Private Waste Disposal Systems; Orientation to Pipefitting; Pipefitting Hand Tools; Pipefitting Power Tools; Shop Drawings and Detailed Sheets; Motorized Equipment; Pipefitting Systems
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 17 years old. Applicants under 18 must have parental consent
- Take and pass a standardized exam – for applicants who do not have a high school diploma
- Attend an interview with an Admission Representative
- Determine eligibility for financial assistance
Program cost:
The approximate cost of the program is $15,286.
Website: https://apexschool.com/
Address: 24-02 Queens Plaza South, Long Island City, NY 11101
Phone: (212) 645-3300
Berk Electrical and Trade School
Graduates of the plumbing maintenance program at Berk Electrical and Trade School will be prepared to assemble, install, and repair pipes, plumbing fixtures, and drainage systems in line with plumbing codes and specifications. Students will learn in the classroom and through hands-on practice in various real-world settings. Classes meet for a total of 25 hours per week for four weeks. Day, afternoon, and evening schedules are available. Day classes meet Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Afternoon classes meet Monday through Friday from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Evening classes meet Monday through Friday from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Program overview:
Plumbing Maintenance
Clock hours: 100
Courses:
Identification of Pipe and Fittings, Faucets, Water Closets, Lavatories; Emergency Leak Repairs; Clearing Clogs; Maintenance of Hot Water Heaters and Heating Systems; Tracing Existing Pipe Systems; Measuring and Making Predetermined Lengths on a Pipe
Prerequisites:
- Must submit a completed application for admission
- Must have a high school diploma or equivalency pr pass an independently administered Ability-to-Benefit test
- Must be at least 17 years old
- Attend a pre-admission interview
Program cost:
The program cost covers all expenses including tuition, registration, student ID, books, tools, tool-bags, and materials. Grants, scholarships from outside courses, student loans, and payments are available to assist with financial obligations.
Website: https://electricalandplumbingschool.com/berk_trade_school_home.html
Address: 33-09 Queens BLVD 2FL, Long Island City, NY 11101
Phone: (718) 729-0909
Nassau Boces
Nassau Boces prepares adults for a career in the plumbing industry. The Plumbing 1 program introduces the basic skills needed for entry-level employment as a plumber. Students will learn how to handle tools of the trade, adhere to safety standards, pipefitting skills, repairing and replacing materials and fixtures in residential homes, principles of drainage traps and their uses, and knowledge of piping layouts in water supply including drainage, waste, and ventilation systems. Graduates have the option to advance their skills by continuing to the Plumbing II program. Classes meet Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm for 2 months.
Program overview:
Plumbing I
Clock hours: 54
Courses:
Construction Safety, Construction Math; Plumbing Drawings; Plastic, Copper, Cast Iron and Carbon Steel Pipe and Fittings; Plumbing Fixtures; Water Distribution Systems, Drain, Waste, and Vent Systems; OSHA 30-Hour Certification
Prerequisites:
- Must be 18 years or older
- A high school diploma is not required
- Pay the full tuition at registration
- Must be able to read, write and follow instructions at the 9th-grade level
Program cost:
Tuition costs $1,095. Students must cover the cost of tools and materials.
Website: https://www.nassauboces.org/
Address: 1196 Prospect Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590
Phone: (516) 622-6950
QBI, The Training Institute, Inc.
The Plumber’s Helper Training Program equips students with the skills to install, repair, and maintain Commercial and Residential plumbing systems, apply for a license, and apply for union membership. The curriculum is designed to teach adults with no experience in the field of how to prepare for entry-level employment in the field. Graduates will be prepared to build on the educational foundation provided by the program to advance in the field. New classes begin every 7 weeks.
Program overview:
Plumbing Helper Training Program
Clock hours: 630
Courses:
Basic Plumbing Systems, Intermediate Plumbing Systems; Commercial Piping and Pipefitting; Dimensioning, Measuring, and Safety; Water Supply & Distribution Systems; Drain, Waster, Venting & Septic Systems
Prerequisites:
- Must demonstrate an interest in the field
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must have a valid Driver’s License or Permit
- Must be able to converse verbally in English
Program cost:
QBI participates in Federal Financial Assistance programs funded through the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA), Workforce Investment Act (WIA), and New York State Financial Assistance programs like Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID). Funding is available for qualifying students.
Website: http://www.qbitti.com/
Address: 33-00 Northern Blvd., Lower Level, Long Island City NY, 11101
Phone: (718) 392-4156
Fax: (718) 392-5774
How Long Is Plumbing School in New York?
Basic plumbing programs that lead to a certificate may be completed in 18 weeks. The program will include hands-on instruction in the school’s workshop. Some programs also include an externship with a local employer. Paid apprenticeship programs are more comprehensive than basic programs and could take up to 24 months. Graduates of the apprenticeship programs have the knowledge and experience to take up major roles in the field.
Does A Plumber Need A License In New York City?
There is no oversight for the licensing of plumbers at the state level in New York. City and county governments has the responsibility of licensing plumbers where necessary. The City Department of Buildings manages the licensing of plumbers in New York City. Anyone who will perform plumbing work unsupervised in NYC must have a master plumber’s license.
Requirements for master plumber’s license:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be able to read and write the English language.
- Be fit to perform the work authorized by the license.
- Must have a good moral character
- Must have at least seven years of total experience within the 10 years prior to application in the planning or design, and installation of plumbing systems under the direct and continuing supervision of a licensed Master Plumber
- Must have a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or another engineering technology from a NYSDE approved college or university and have at least five years of total experience within the seven years prior to application in the planning or design, and installation of plumbing systems
What Is The Best Plumbing School in New York City?
The best plumbing school is one that meets your educational requirements and your budget. Apex Technical Institute offers a comprehensive program to prepare graduates for immediate employment. LaGuardia College also offers a program that progresses from the basic to advanced plumbing.
How Much Is A Plumber Paid in New York?
Plumbers are well-paid trade professionals. Entry-level plumbers in New York City earn an average annual salary of $54,300 and experienced plumbers earn as much as $94,575 annually.