Plumbing and Pipefitting Apprenticeship

Plumbing and Pipefitting Apprenticeship courses begin in the fall semester and end the following spring semester. In total, a student will complete an estimated 732 hours of class time by the end of the program.

This four-level/four-year program is taught using the NCCER Trainee curriculum and books. Instructors at each level will administer monthly written and performance tests/modules. Our program not only prepares highly skilled craftsmen but also helps them understand the “why” of their work.

This program is a registered apprenticeship program with Apprenticeship NC through the Department of Labor. Upon completion of the four-level/four-year program, apprentices will receive their Apprenticeship NC journeyman card and certificate.

PLUMBING AND PIPEFITTING APPRENTICESHIP LEVELS OVERVIEW

• Level I will begin with an introduction to the Plumbing & Pipefitting Profession then move on to cover topics such as safety/health/OSHA Smart Mark, use and care of tools, math, and measurements as it relates to plumbing, interpreting, and planning drawings, soldering and brazing, Oxy-fuel cutting and welding, use of different pipe/fitting/valve materials (plastic, copper, cast-iron, carbon steel), corrugated stainless steel tubing and valves, fixtures and faucets, intro to DWV (drain, waste, vent) systems, intro to water distribution systems, rigging and signaling.
• Level II will go over math and related science, reading commercial drawings, hangers/supports/structural penetrations/fire stopping, installing and testing DWV piping, installing roof/floor/area drains, types of valves, installing and testing water supply piping, installing fixtures/valves/faucets, basic electricity, installing water heaters, fuel gas systems, servicing of fixtures/valves/faucets, shielded metal-arc welding.
• Level III will include applied math, codes, types of venting, indirect and special waste, sewage and sump pumps, sizing water supply piping, backflow preventers, water pressure boosters, and recirculating systems, servicing piping systems, fixtures and appliances, electric controls, steam systems, refrigeration, conservation and safe handling of refrigerants, EPA certification core (Type I and II).
• Level IV will include business math for plumbers, sizing DWV and storm systems, private water supply and waste disposal systems, locating buried water and sewer lines, hydronic and solar heating systems, water supply treatment, swimming pools and hot tubs, compressed air, corrosive resistant waste piping, plumbing for mobile homes and parks, advanced plan reading, air conditioning, EPA Certification (Type III and Universal), shielded metal-arc welding leading to certification, valve repair training leading to certification, Electric Controls II, introduction to start, test and balance, instrumentation and process control, instruments used for piping systems and layout, advanced welding procedures (MIG, TIG, and Orbital).

COURSE PRICING

Each level of the program is currently priced at $190.00 per student (however tuition may increase slightly throughout each fiscal year as directed by the State. Course tuition can be verified during open registration). Classes will begin during the fall semester and will be open for registration in early summer. It is suggested that students begin contacting the department early to be placed on a course contact list for this program.

REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

Generally, any person who is 18 years of age or older, or whose high school class has graduated, is eligible for admission to Continuing Education classes. While each class has a limit of 20 to 25 students, applicants are admitted on a first-come, first-serve basis as we are unable to reserve seats for potential students. Employees who currently work under a contractor who will cover the cost of tuition and books are still required to fill out and sign their registration form in order to be enrolled in the class.