Plumbing

Overview

Plumbers and pipefitters are essential tradespeople who install and maintain piping systems that carry water, steam, air, and other liquids or gases. These professionals are also responsible for altering and repairing existing piping systems, as well as installing plumbing fixtures, appliances, and heating equipment. The work involves measuring, bending, cutting, and threading pipes, then connecting them using bolts, brazing, solvent welding, screws, or soldering. Plumbers must follow blueprints or shop drawings to ensure pipes and fittings are installed correctly, which may involve drilling holes in ceilings, floors, and walls, or hanging steel supports from ceilings. The trade requires both mental and physical skills, including accurate computing, estimating, planning, and measuring. Plumbers may work for private contractors, industrial maintenance departments, the government, or be self-employed. The career offers above-average earnings and strong job security, making it an excellent choice for those interested in a hands-on, active profession.

Program Highlights

Curriculum:
- Installation of pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases
- Maintenance, alteration, and repair of existing piping systems
- Installation of plumbing fixtures, appliances, and heating equipment
- Measuring, bending, cutting, and threading pipes
- Bolting, brazing, solvent welding, screwing, or soldering pipes together
- Installation and connection of pipes and fittings according to blueprints or shop drawings
- Advanced placement opportunities in Trade Apprenticeship Programs through NCCER Level I certification

Learning Experience

Students in the Plumbing and Pipefitting program gain hands-on experience in installing, maintaining, and repairing various piping systems. The program emphasizes both the technical and practical aspects of plumbing, preparing students for the physical demands and precision required in the trade. Students will learn to follow detailed instructions from blueprints and shop drawings, ensuring that all installations meet industry standards.

Certification

NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research)

Employment opportunities available with senior year co-op and after graduation:

Plumbing supply house worker, plumbing maintenance, plumbing assistant, sprinkler fitter

Employment opportunities requiring apprenticeship training after graduation:

Plumber, pipe fitter, pipe fitter maintenance, sprinkler fitter, commercial building maintenance

Earning Potential Range:

$25/hr to $75.55/hr, depending on apprenticeship completion and union membership.

Locations:

	DELCASTLE TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL		HODGSON VOTECH HIGH SCHOOL		ST. GEORGES TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL
Instructor:	Mr. Brett Gold	Instructor:	Mr. David Prendergast	Instructor:	Mr. Jonathan Cochran