Plumbers safeguard public health through the removal of waste water and supply of pure water for use in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. There are also interesting options for plumbers including roofing, mechanical service, irrigation, and fire protection. The diversity in the services provided by a limited is extensive, and you are only limited by your skills and education. The plumbing trade is regulated in California. Plumbers must be registered as a Journeyman. You can prepare for registration by enrolling a plumbing school or apprenticeship program and taking exams along the way. Apprenticeships last for 4 to 5 years and prepare apprentices to become a Journeyman. Plumbers earned a median pay of $59,880 per year according to a 2021 report from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Foothill College
The Associate in Science in Plumbing Technology degree program at Foothill College is conducted in partnership with the Pipe Trades Training Center apprenticeship program. The apprenticeship program includes coursework, lab work, and on-the-job training that covers the assessment, installation, maintenance, and repair of pipe systems, effective and safe use of tools, material applications, mathematics, science, and storage. They will learn to read blueprints, apply layout and install, and estimate and repair supply and waste water systems. Course topics include plumbing fixtures, rigging and layout, applied and related theory, advanced trade math for plumbers, advanced drawing and blueprint, applied welding, medical gas installations, water systems, basic plumbing skills, and beginning drawing and design. The apprenticeship requires completion of a minimum of 9,000 hours The AS in Plumbing Technology builds on the Certificate of Achievement in Plumbing Technology by adding general education courses and electives. The duration of the apprenticeship is 5 years. Upon completion, graduates will be recognized as journeypersons with the Pipe Trades industry.
Program overview:
Associate of Science in Plumbing + Apprenticeship
Duration: 5 years
Units: 88.5
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must obtain a passing score of 75% or above on the Pipe Trades Entrance Exam
- Provide a valid government issued photo ID or driver’s license or passport
- Submit an application online
Program cost:
Tuition costs $31 per unit for California residents. Students will also complete a paid apprenticeship within the program.
- Website: https://foothill.edu/
- Address: 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
- Phone: 650.949.7777
Pipe Trades Training Center
The Plumbing apprenticeship program at Pipe Trades Training Center prepares apprentices for employment in the field of plumbing. The program covers 1760 hours of on-the-job training under the direct supervision of a Journeyperson. Students meet in the classroom two evenings a week except for the traditional summer break. Classroom sessions include studies in the science, theory, and hands-on aspects of plumbing. It will also cover piping and plumbing fixtures in accordance with local plumbing codes and Board of Health requirements. Course topics include basic plumbing, applied and related theory, beginning drawing and design, rigging and layout, industrial safety, plumbing fixtures, plumbing code, advanced trade math, water systems, advanced drawing and blueprint reading, industrial installations, and medical gas installation. Apprentices will receive journey level status and a completion certificate from the State of California at the end of the five-year training period. Classes may be applied toward an Associate’s Degree from Foothill College.
Program overview:
Plumbing Apprenticeship
Duration: 5 years
Clock hours: 1760
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 17 years of age – qualified applicants will not be dispatched to work until they reach 18 years of age
- Provide documentation of high school graduation, GED, or equivalent (official transcripts required)
- Provide a valid government issued photo ID or driver’s license or passport
- High school seniors may provide a letter of recommendation from high school indicating they are on track to graduate
- Covid-19 vaccination will be required at the time of test
- Submit an application online
- Take and pass the entrance exam
- Must be in good physical health
- May be required to pass a drug/alcohol test
Program cost:
The apprenticeship is free. Apprentices earn a starting wage of over $30/hour plus medical and retirement benefits plus 5 years of paid on-the-job training.
- Website: https://www.pttc.edu/
- Address: 780 Commercial Street, San Jose, CA 95112
- Phone: (408) 453-6330
City College of San Francisco
The Plumbing apprenticeship program offered at City College of San Francisco is administered by the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry. City College functions as a Lead Education Agency for San Francisco. The apprenticeship is approved by the State Division of Apprenticeship Standards to provide training in Plumbing, Steam Fitting, and other trades. Courses must be completed with a grade C or better. Graduates will be able to apply for certification. Apprentices must attend Related and Supplemental Instruction classes two nights per week.
Program overview:
Plumbing Apprenticeship
Duration: 60 months
Units: 9.5
Prerequisites:
- Must be at least 17 years of age (must be 18 years of age to become indentured)
- Must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent
- Provide a valid California driver’s license or state ID
- Submit an application for admission to the program
- Take and pass the entrance exam – this takes place every 2 years
- Must be able to perform the physical requirements of the trade
Program cost:
Tuition costs $46 per unit for California residents.
- Website: https://www.ccsf.edu/
- Address: 50 Frida Kahlo Way, San Francisco, CA 94112
- Phone: Phone: 415-452-5101