Plumbing Technician
Build the foundation for entry-level plumbing work: safety, tools, pipe and fittings, water supply, drain-waste-vent systems, fixtures, gas piping awareness, water heaters and troubleshooting. Learn online with instructor support and hands-on practice in VR labs.
What you’ll learn
The program moves from safety and tools to the systems a plumber works on every day, then finishes with career preparation and plumbing code fundamentals.
- Introduction and ethicsThe plumbing trade, customer service and hazard awareness.
- Jobsite safetySafe work practices on the job, from fall and electrical hazards to personal protective equipment.
- Tools, materials and measurement VR labHand tools, power tools, specialty equipment and layout.
- Plumbing fundamentals and water sciencePressure and flow, reading plumbing drawings and code awareness.
- Pipe, fittings and joining methods VR labCopper, PVC, CPVC, ABS, PEX, cast iron and soldering copper joints.
- Water supply systemsDistribution, rough-in, water heaters and backflow prevention.
- Drain, waste and vent systemsDWV principles, pipe sizing and slope, traps, cleanouts and drain clearing.
- Fixtures and appliance connections VR labToilets, faucets, sinks, tubs, showers and valves.
- Gas piping awarenessNatural gas and propane safety, materials, connections and testing.
- Preventive maintenance and inspection VR labPM schedules, early failure detection, checklists and gas and electric water heater troubleshooting.
- Career readinessCareer pathways, a plumbing-focused resume and interview preparation.
- Plumbing code fundamentalsKey plumbing code concepts, rough-in dimensions, backflow prevention and basic plumbing calculations.
Practice in VR labs
VR labs let you practice core tasks step by step before you do them on a real job. Every lab runs on a standard Windows or Mac computer; a VR headset is optional.
- Soldering a copper pipe joint: cleaning, flux, torch handling and checking for leaks.
- Using core plumbing hand tools: pipe wrenches, basin wrenches, tubing cutters and more.
- Installing fixtures: a kitchen faucet and a toilet, start to finish.
- Troubleshooting gas and electric water heaters: igniters, gas valves, elements and thermostats.
Who it’s for
- Adults who want to start a career in plumbing. No prior experience is needed.
- Maintenance and facilities workers who want stronger plumbing skills.
- Employers who want to train new hires or upskill their current team.
Where it can lead
- Entry-level roles such as plumber helper, plumbing apprentice, service plumber helper and maintenance plumber.
- A head start toward a registered apprenticeship.
- Career services: resume help, interview preparation and job-search guidance.
Plumbing licenses are issued by states and local jurisdictions, and most require supervised field hours. This program builds knowledge and skills; it does not replace apprenticeship hours, licensing requirements or employer training.
Ready to get started?
Talk with our team about enrollment, funding options in your area, or training for a group of employees.
Contact Admissions for current tuition, and see our Refund Policy.
Program content may be updated. Completing the program does not guarantee employment, a particular wage, apprenticeship acceptance or a license or certification.