Plumbers receive much of their training through coursework as well as hands-on experience. They normally obtain their training through apprenticeship programs or through vocational schools with local contractor affiliations.
10 Schools with Plumbing Trade Programs
Several schools offer plumbing trade programs that prepare students to work in the field.
| College/University | Location | Institution Type | Degrees offered | In-State Tuition (2015-2016)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City College of San Francisco | San Francisco, CA | 2-year, Public | Certificate | $1,598 |
| St. Petersburg College | Clearwater, FL | 4-year, Public | Certificate | $3,352 |
| Florida State College at Jacksonville | Jacksonville, FL | 4-year, Public | Associate's | $2,830 |
| Palm Beach Community College | Lake Worth, FL | 2-year, Private | Certificate | $2,444 |
| Hillsborough Community College | Tampa, FL | 2-year, Private | Certificate | $2,506 |
| Macomb Community College | Warren, MI | 2-year, Public | Certificate, Associate's | $4,945 |
| Foothill College | Los Altos Hills, CA | 2-year, Private | Certificate, Associate's | $1,551 |
| San Diego City College | San Diego, CA | 2-year, Public | Associate's | $1,142 |
Source: *NCES College Navigator
School Selection Criteria
Plumbing associations, such as the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors - National Association, sponsor many apprenticeship programs and are good sources of information when choosing plumbing schools.
Consider the following also when looking for plumbing trade schools:
- Class content should include codes and regulations, blueprint reading, math, physics, chemistry and safety, plumbing system design, and installation and maintenance.
- Plumbing trade and vocational programs should offer classroom instruction along with on-the-job training and apprenticeship opportunities.
- An advantage of certificate programs is their shorter length and lower costs.
- Associate's degree programs may provide more options, such as learning pipe fitting.
Many schools prepare plumbers for the field through coursework and hands-on experience. When selecting a school, prospective students should check if course offerings prepare them for apprenticeships.
