Online Plumbing Apprenticeship

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Online Plumbing Apprenticeship

Start Your Plumbing Career

In the online plumbing apprenticeship program, you’ll get the flexibility to learn at your own pace, wherever you are—perfect if you live or work 45 miles or more from the Cedar Falls Center. You’ll learn everything from basic plumbing techniques to industry standards and safety practices, all while earning a steady income. If you’re ready to train for a high-demand career with flexibility and support, this program is for you.

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Online Plumbing Apprenticeship at a Glance

Degree

Apprenticeship

Length of Study

4 years

Course Format

Online

Classes Meet

Self-Paced

Program Start

Anytime

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Online Program Overview

Get hands-on experience from day one, working alongside skilled plumbing professionals on real projects all while earning a paycheck!

Working under the supervision of experienced professionals, you'll learn how to install, fix, and maintain 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. The online curriculum allows you to complete the classroom hours at your pace. Your sessions will cover topics like plumbing safety, reading commercial drawings, installing fixtures, water heaters, and drains, and much more.

To enroll in the online apprenticeship classes, you must be sponsored by a business or employer and work or reside 45 miles from the Cedar Falls Center.

You must have access to the Internet to complete the online apprenticeship classes.

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.

In-person apprenticeship classes are available if you prefer to attend classes at the Cedar Falls Center.

Explore the In Person Program

Online Plumbing Apprenticeship Levels

The Online Plumbing Apprenticeship, approved by the Iowa Department of Labor, meets the 144 classroom training hours required for an approved apprenticeship program. Start at anytime. The cost for each level is $925.

Level 1 In this foundational level, you'll explore the basics of the plumbing profession, including safety, essential tools, materials like plastic, copper, and cast-iron pipe, and the fundamentals of plumbing systems, fixtures, and drainage.

Training Topics

Introduction to the Plumbing Profession
Plumbing Safety
Tools of the Plumbing Trade
Introduction to Plumbing Math
Introduction to Plumbing Drawings
Plastic Pipe and Fittings
Copper Pipe and Fittings
Cast-Iron Pipe and Fittings
Carbon Steel Pipe and Fittings
Introduction to Plumbing Fixtures
Introduction to Drain Waste and Vent Systems
Introduction to Water Distribution Systems

Level 2 In Level 2, you'll deepen your plumbing knowledge with topics such as advanced plumbing math, reading commercial drawings, installing and testing systems like DWV, water supply, and fuel gas, as well as understanding basic electricity and key plumbing components like valves and water heaters.

Training Topics

Plumbing Math Two
Reading Commercial Drawings
Structural Penetrations, Insulation, and Fire-Stopping
Installing and Testing DWV Piping
Installing Roof, Floor, and Area Drains
Installing and Testing Water Supply Piping
Types of Values
Installing Fixtures and Valves
Installing Water Heaters
Basic Electricity
Fuel Gas and Fuel Oil Systems

Level 3 This level covers essential plumbing skills such as applied math, water supply system sizing, sewage and storm system design, venting types, and service plumbing, along with key topics like potable water treatment, corrosive-resistant waste piping, and the use of pumps and compressed air systems.

Training Topics

Applied Math
Sizing and Protecting the Water Supply System
Potable Water Supply Treatment
Types of Venting
Sizing DWV and Storm Systems
Sewage Pumps and Sump Pumps
Corrosive Resistant Waste Piping
Compressed Air
Service Plumbing

Level 4 In the final level of this training, you'll dive into advanced plumbing topics such as business principles, crew leadership, water pressure systems, specialized waste systems, hydronic and solar heating, and plumbing for swimming pools, mobile homes, and more, while reinforcing important codes and servicing skills.

Training Topics

Business Principles for Plumbers
Introductory Skills for the Crew Leader
Water Pressure Booster and Recirculation Systems
Indirect and Special Waste
Hydronic and Solar Heating Systems
Codes
Servicing Piping Systems, Fixtures, and Appliances
Private Water Supply Well Systems
Private Waste Disposal Systems
Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs
Plumbing for Mobile Homes and Travel Trailers

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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