Plumbing Apprenticeship

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Plumbing Apprenticeship

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Start a strong and rewarding career that is in demand and important to communities. As a plumbing apprentice, you'll work with experienced plumbers to learn how to install, fix, and maintain plumbing systems. Start with the basics and progress to more complex tasks.

The great thing about an apprenticeship, is you'll earn money while you learn, so you can build your career and support yourself at the same time.

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Plumbing Apprenticeship at a Glance

Degree

Apprenticeship

Length of Study

4 years

Course Format

Face-to-Face

Classes Meet

Evening

Program Start

Fall, Spring

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Program Overview

In the Plumbing Apprenticeship program, you'll get the best of both worlds: hands-on experience and classroom instruction – all while earning a paycheck.

You'll work alongsided experienced plumbers, practicing key tasks such as pipe fitting, fixture installation, leak detection, and repairing plumbing systems.

Your apprenticeship will last around four years and includes 8,000 hours of OJT.

As an apprentice, you're required to complete a set number of classroom hours. Your classroom sessions will include topics that will provide you with a foundation of skills needed for a career in plumbing.

Topics will include:

Basic Plumbing Theory
Safety Practices
Blueprint and Diagram Reading
Codes and Regulations
Water Systems and Waste Disposal Systems

All classes are taught by instructors who are experts in the field, with years of experience.

To enroll in apprenticeship classes, you must be sponsored by a business or employer.

Regular attendance is required for classroom sessions.

Once you complete your coursework and your training hours you'll be eligible to take the state exam and earn an industry-recognized, nationally-portable credential.

Online Plumbing apprenticeship classes are designed for you if you're sponsored by an employer but live or work more than 45 miles from the Cedar Falls Center, making weekly in-person classes a challenge.

With self-paced curriculum, you’ll need reliable internet access to complete the online coursework.

Explore the Online Program

Plumbing Apprenticeship Levels

The Plumbing Apprenticeship is approved by the Iowa Department of Labor. Each level fulfills the 144 classroom training hours required by an approved apprenticeship program.

Level 1 Begin your plumbing training with Level 1, where you'll explore foundational topics such as plumbing tools, safety, pipe materials, water supply, DWV systems, and the history and principles of plumbing.

Training Topics

Basic Math for Plumbing
Building Plans and Drawings
First Aid and Safety
Joining Methods for DWV and Pressure Piping
Pipe Material Used in Plumbing Work
Plumbing Drain, Waste and Vent
Plumbing History, Codes and Principles
Plumbing Tools
Water Supply, Water sources, Waste and Sewage Disposal

Level 2 In Level 2, you'll build on your skills with topics like applied plumbing mathematics, fuel gas piping, drainage fixture units, water pipe sizing, safety concepts, and more, diving deeper into the technical aspects of plumbing systems.

Training Topics

Applied Geometric Concepts
Applied Plumbing Mathematics
Drainage fixture Units
Drawings
Fuel Gas Piping, fittings, Connections and Pipe Sizing
Piping Materials, Sourdes, and Distribution for Potable Water
Safety Concepts
Water Pipe sizing: Main and Branch and Individual Run systems

Level 3 In Level 3, you'll advance your plumbing knowledge with topics like blueprint reading, installation methods, fuel gas piping, commercial fixtures, water heater maintenance, and workplace etiquette, while learning to apply your skills to real-world plumbing systems and codes.

Training Topics

Applied Geometric Concepts
Blueprints and Specifications
Commercial, Industrial and Institutional Fixtures and Appliances
Fixture Fittings, Trim and Installation
Fuel Gas Piping, Fittings, Connections, and Pipe Sizing
Installation Methods
Introduction to construction Equipment
Introduction to the United Plumbing Code
Plumbing Detail Plans
Residential Fixtures and Appliances
Soldering and Gas welding
Tank capacities, Volume and Weight of Water
Water Heaters and Water Heater Maintenance
Workplace Etiquette and Productivity

Level 4 In the final level, you'll dive into advanced plumbing topics such as the Uniform Plumbing Code, water supply systems, storm drainage, healthcare facility plumbing, medical gas systems, and exam preparation to prepare you for professional certification and the next step in your plumbing career.

Training Topics

Uniform Plumbing Code Administration, Definitions, General Regulations, and Reference Standards
Plumbing Fixtures and Fixture Fittings
Water Heaters
Water Supply and Distribution
Sanitary Drainage
Indirect Waste
Vents
Traps and Interceptors
Storm Drainage
Fuel Gas Piping
Healthcare Facilities, Medical Gas, and Vacuum Systems
Firestop Protection
Alternate Water Sources for Nonpotable Applications
Nonpotable Rainwater Catchment Systems
Exam Preparation

How to Get Started

Beginning an apprenticeship program has a few steps, but we are here to help you through the process!

Secure employment for the on-the-job learning portion of the program.
If you don't have an employer sponsor, contact Hawkeye's Program Coordinator for a list of business partners.
Work with your employer and Hawkeye to enroll.

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