The demand for plumbers will increase to address the needs of new construction projects, commercial maintenance services, and residential repairs. More than 50 percent of these trade professionals are expected to retire in the next decade and only 3 percent of surveyed 18 to 25 year olds are considering a career in trade, so there’s little hope of replenishing the workforce.
Plumbing offers job security, excellent pay rates, flexibility, and some measure of independence for those to strike out on their own. It is ideal for those who like to work with their hands. Plumbing programs can be completed in less than 12 months – which is ideal if you want to prepare for a new and rewarding profession without years of preparation.
Orleans Technical College
Orleans Tech’s Plumbing and Heating students will learn primarily through hands-on activities. They will design and build a fully functional bathroom that includes a toilet, bathtub and sink. Other activities include the installation of drainage lines that uses hot and cold running water and the installation and service of hot water heaters for using electric, oil, and gas. Students will install and repair hot air heaters, related ductwork, and hydronic heaters with radiators or baseboard units. All activities will be conducted according to current municipal codes. Course topics are an introduction to plumbing and heating, safety in plumbing and heating, electrical theory and application for plumbing and heating, electrical control systems, overview of heating systems, heat installation and service, duct systems, plumbing, mathematics for plumbing and heating, and professional development. Graduates will be prepared to solve the plumbing and heating needs for residential and commercial customers and can be employed as service technicians, pipefitters, or assistant plumbers.
Program overview:
Plumbing and Heating
Credit hours: 25
Clock hours: 720
Duration: 6 months full-time or 13 months part-time
Prerequisites:
- Must be 18 years or older
- Meet with an admissions representative
- Submit an application for admission
- Take and pass an entrance test
- Attend an interview and classroom tour
- Complete two motivational forms
- Complete the financial prerequisites
- Agree to and sign the enrollment agreement
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must have a valid driver’s license
Program cost:
The program cost is $15,576. It includes tuition, technology fee, books, graduation fee, and registration fee. Financial aid is available for eligible students. Job placement assistance is available for all students.
Website: https://orleanstech.edu/
Address: 2770 Red Lion Road, Philadelphia, PA 19114
Phone: 215-728-4700
Philadelphia Technician Training Institute
Philadelphia Technician Training Institute prepares adults to function as qualified Steam, Sprinkler & Pipe Fitting Technicians capable of meeting industry standards. The 900-hour program includes 200 hours of lecture, 500 hours in the workshop, and 200 hours for externship. Subjects include introduction to pipefitting and tools, pipe welding basics and equipment safety, MIG welding and oxyfuel cutting, blueprint reading and shop math, valves, pipe fabrication, welding and installation, rigging, pipefitting standards and specifications, pipe accessories and system testing, special piping and advanced welding, stress-relieving and aligning, externship, and interviewing skills. PTTI offers affordable training, day and evening classes, hands-on training, job placement assistance, internships and externship opportunities, lifetime reeducation, and certification of completion. Graduates will receive a Diploma of Completion.
Program overview:
Steam, Sprinkler & Pipe Fitting Technician Program
Clock hours: 900
Duration: 26 weeks
Prerequisites:
- Must be 18 years or older
- Meet with an admissions representative
- Submit an application for admission
- Take and pass an entrance test
- Attend an interview and classroom tour
- Complete the financial prerequisites
- Agree to and sign the enrollment agreement
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must have a valid driver’s license
Program cost:
The program cost is $18,038. It includes tuition, registration fee, insurance, and books. Financial aid is available for eligible students. Job placement assistance is available for all students.
Website: https://ptt.edu/
Address: 1901 West Girard Ave Philadelphia, PA 19130
Phone: 215-381-9403
Email: info@ptt.edu
Delaware County Community College
The Basic Home Plumbing program at Delaware County Community College gives students a hands-on practical application of residential plumbing. The curriculum will cover the fundamentals of piping, valves, troubleshooting, and home plumbing maintenance. Students will learn how to conduct basic plumbing tasks such as diagnosing toilet and faucet issues, changing faucets and fixtures, clearing drains, and preventative maintenance checks and services. Classes meet on Tuesdays from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm for 4 months.
Program overview:
Basic Home Plumbing
Clock hours: 45
Duration: 26 weeks
Prerequisites:
- Must be 18 years or older
- Submit an application for admission
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must have a valid driver’s license
Program cost:
The program cost is $439 – sponsoring and $459 – non-sponsoring.
Website: https://www.dccc.edu/
Address: 901 S. Media Line Rd, Media, PA 19063
Phone: 610-359-5050