Rise Above
Your Obstacles…

…Become a
Plumber.

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Plumber Training Program

From Residential to Commercial, Plumbers Are at the Heart of It All

Overview

No one really thinks about the plumbing — until something goes wrong. That’s when a plumbing technician becomes a superhero. Whether it’s for residential, commercial, or industrial properties, plumbers are there to install, maintain, and repair water and piping systems, including installing fixtures and appliances, repairing broken equipment, and more. It’s a profession that is in consistent demand all over the United States.

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)

What Is a Plumber?

Plumbers and plumbing technicians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing the vast network of water pipes and other piping systems that crisscross all over the country, connecting businesses and homes to clean water and waste disposal. So many of us take the advancement of indoor plumbing for granted, but it is vital to helping us maintain comfort and sanitation in the U.S. Plumbers range from apprentice to journeyman to master-level positions. Some specialize as pipefitters and steamfitters, installing and maintaining pipes that carry chemicals, acids, and gases in commercial, manufacturing, and industrial settings.

What Does a Plumbing Tech Do?

As a plumbing technician, your daily tasks will include things like:

Installing and repairing water, gas, and other piping systems in residential and commercial settings
Determining the materials and equipment needed for a job and preparing cost estimates for clients
Inspecting and testing installed pipe systems and troubleshooting malfunctioning areas
Installing plumbing fixtures, like bathtubs, toilets, and sinks, as well as appliances like dish washers and water heaters
Cleaning drains, clearing out obstacles, replacing broken pipes and equipment, and maintaining septic systems

How Do I Become a Plumber?

If you’re interested in working as a plumber, a great first step is to get formal training through an accredited program like the Plumbing Technician program offered at Summit College. While California does not require you to take these programs in order to get started as a technician, your education credits can significantly cut down on the amount of field experience you’ll need in order to get your plumber contractor license. A program like ours will cover both the theoretical and technical skills you will need on the job, utilizing hands-on training guided by real, experienced industry professionals.

On top of that, plumbing technicians need to be:

Physically active — Plumbing jobs often include a lot of walking and standing, as well as having to lift, support, and manipulate tools and equipment
Dexterous — Plumbers have to be able to maneuver parts and tools very precisely, including in tight spaces
Customer-oriented — Because you will often be working in customers’ homes and workplaces, you’ll need know how to communicate calmly and effectively

Crash a Class

Want to learn more about the trade and technical programs first-hand instead of just browsing our website?

What’s the Career Outlook for Plumbing Technicians?

The demand for trained plumbing technicians is on the rise and expected to continue to grow. According to California Employment Trends*, jobs for plumbers and pipefitters in the state are expected to grow by 13% — almost three times the national average for all occupations — through 2030.

*California Employment Trends: 47-2152.00 – Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (onetonline.org)

Where Do Plumbing Technicians Work?

Everywhere you find pipes and plumbing systems, you’ll find job opportunities for trained and qualified technicians. When you graduate, you can look for opportunities with:

Plumbing and HVAC contractors
Residential construction
Manufacturing
Heavy and civil engineering construction
Other home, business, and factory settings

Is Career Training Right for You?

Take the Summit College Career Training Readiness Quiz

The fun, online quiz takes 3 minutes to complete, and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you’re best suited for.

Why Should I Train at Summit College?

Becoming a plumbing technician means you could have great long-term job prospects and a career you can feel good about that has you interacting with all kinds of people from all walks of life. And Summit College can help you get the training and skills you need. We’ve been doing it since 1991 — it’s practically in our DNA. We believe we’re in this together with every student, you’ll get all the support and encouragement you need every step of the way, even after graduation.

Fast track your career: At Summit, we understand that a lot of people want to start working in their chosen field sooner than later. That’s why we’ve designed a consolidated and effective curriculum. You can complete the Plumbing Technician program in as few as 8 months.
Professional faculty focused on your success: Your instructors have all done the job you’re training for and use their experience to prepare you for real-world situations. They’ll help you better understand the fixtures, tools, and components you’ll be working with, giving you confidence to succeed.
Comprehensive curriculum: Your curriculum goes beyond the skills and basics, specially structured to prepare you for the necessary licensures and certifications you’ll need to work in today’s field.
Support throughout your program: Benefit from free tutoring, a Learning Academy with a career lab and career services that include resume assistance, mock interviews and workshops.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Plumbing Technician?

Summit College’s Plumbing Technician program can be completed in just 8 months. That’s well under a year from the time you enroll, to the moment you graduate and get started working and earning in your new career field.

What Will I Learn in a Plumbing Technician Program?

Our Plumbing Technician program gets you started off right in your new career by teaching you the fundamentals of plumbing, mathematics in plumbing, devices, values, fittings, fixtures, water supplies, safety, design, and installation. Whether you’re interested in working in residential, commercial, or industrial positions, we’ve got you covered, with hands-on training in all the nuts and bolts (and pipes and valves) you need to qualify for entry-level positions. This program is aligned with the National Center for Career Education and Research (NCCER) and students may qualify for optional third-party testing.

PLUMBING FUNDAMENTALS

FITTINGS & FIXTURES

VALVES, PUMPS & PLUMBING CODE

WATER SERVICE & DISTRIBUTION INSTALLATION

LAYOUT & INSTALLATION

PLUMBING SYSTEM SERVICE & MAINTENANCE

No High School Diploma? You Have Options!

Don’t let the lack of a high school diploma hold you back. Summit College can assist you in obtaining your high school diploma while you train for a career with our high school completion program!

What Happens After I Complete My Plumbing Training?

Once you’ve successfully completed your Plumbing Technician training, you’ll be ready to pursue entry-level opportunities as plumbing technicians. At the beginning, you may be working as a journeyman plumber until you can sit for your C-36 Plumbing Contractor licensure through the Contractors State Licensure Board. Becoming a plumbing contractor allows you to take on bigger, higher-paying jobs, including:

Complete removal of waste from the premises or the construction and connection of on-site waste disposal systems
Piping, storage tanks and venting for a safe and adequate supply of gases and liquids for any purpose, including vacuum, compressed air and gases for medical, dental, commercial and industrial uses
All gas appliances, flues and gas connections for all systems including suspended space heating units. This does not include forced warm air units
Water and gas piping from the property owner’s side of the utility meter to the structure or fixed works
Installation of any type of equipment to heat water, or fluids, to a temperature suitable for the purposes listed in this section, including the installation of solar equipment for this purpose
The maintenance and replacement of all items described above and all health and safety devices such as, but not limited to, gas earthquake valves, gas control valves, back flow preventers, water conditioning equipment and regulating valves.

Summit has a dedicated Career Services department that can help you with preparing your resume, practicing for interviews, and finding potential job openings. You can also register with CalJOBS if you’re interested in posting your resume online for interested employers.