A plumber peering under a drain

Plumbing Apprentice

Registered Apprenticeship

16 Credits | 5 Years

Ashland, New Richmond, Rice Lake

Career Cluster: Architecture and Construction

What is an Apprenticeship?

A Registered Apprenticeship is a state-certified training program that combines paid related instruction and on the job training. Apprentices are trained under a written training agreement called an indenture. While indentured, the employer agrees to teach the student the skills of the trade and the apprentice agrees to learn the skills involved.

Plumbing Apprentice Overview

Plumbers install, repair, and maintain water supply, wastewater treatment, drainage and gas systems in homes, commercial, and industrial buildings. The work includes plumbing tasks to assemble, install and repair pipes, fittings, and fixtures of heating, water and drainage systems according to specifications and plumbing codes. Plumbers also install sanitary facilities such as lavatories, toilets, tubs, bathroom fixtures, showers, kitchen fixtures, drinking fountains, and laundry equipment.

Program Outcomes

Plumbing Apprentice graduates will be able to:

  • Apply state plumbing code requirements to the installation and repair of sanitary drain systems
  • Apply state plumbing code requirements to the installation and repair of venting systems
  • Apply state plumbing code requirements to the installation and repair of water supply systems
  • Apply state plumbing code requirements to the installation and repair of storm drain systems
  • Apply state plumbing code requirements to the installation and repair of POWTS systems
  • Refer to the Wisconsin Administrative Plumbing codes
  • Prepare for Journey level licensure examination
Plumber hands fixing a faucet

On-the-job learning is 90% of apprenticeships. Apprentices are full-time, paid employees trained by the employer's skilled workers. 

A plumbing student working on the job

Wage scale of apprentice systematically increases throughout the apprenticeship

plumbing student sitting at work station

Apprentices learn the theory and lab to support on-the-job learning.


Academics

The Plumbing Apprenticeship courses are available on site at the Ashland, New Richmond and Rice Lake campuses.

Continuing Education

Graduates are able to apply 39 program credits towards the Technical Studies – Journeyworker associate degree program

Program Features

This five-year apprenticeship includes 8000 hours of on-the-job training, 572 hours of paid related instruction, and 260 hours of unpaid related instruction.

Transition to Trainer

The Transition to Trainer course is required for completion. Students will take this course the last year of the apprenticeship


Required Courses

Required courses are state-approved and designed specifically to meet employer needs. The unpaid related coursework is designed specifically to the local employers needs.

Explore the Required Courses

Featured Plumbing Apprentice Courses

50427751
|
UGRD
| 2 CR
Plumbing related instruction of sanitary drain systems.Course includes a review of codes and trade practices related to sanitary drains, drainage systems, components and applications.
50427752
|
UGRD
| 2 CR
This course is designed to provide the apprentice with the skills to identify and design sanitary vent piping in a plumbing system in accordance with the Wisconsin Plumbing Code. The course focuses on theory, work experience, and the application of plumbing code principles through discussions, drawing exercises, work sheets, and evaluations.
50427756
|
UGRD
| 2 CR
This course provides the apprentice with the skills to identify, design, install and service various applications for private onsite wastewater treatment systems that are listed in plumbing codes or individual component manuals. Apprentices will use the code language and tables in various plumbing systems in accordance with the Wisconsin Plumbing Code. Other topics will include pre-treatment, soil evaluation, site planning and new technologies. The course focuses on theory, work experience, and the application of plumbing code principles through discussions, drawing exercises, work sheets, and evaluations.

Admissions and Tuition

To become an apprentice in the state of Wisconsin, one must first be indentured by the State Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards (BAS). To become indentured you must:

  • Contact an employer on your own. Employment is a requirement of entering an apprenticeship.
  • Once you have an employer / sponsor, contact the Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards to initiate the application process between you and your employer

See Requirements and Application for more details

 

Estimated Total Program Costs 2023-24*

Plumbing Apprentice

16 Credits | 5 years

$2,709

There will be additional cost for unpaid related instruction in addition to the estimated tuition and fees listed above. 


*Tuition is an estimate and does not include any miscellaneous fees for various courses, tools, books, supplies or uniforms. Program book costs are in addition to tuition and fees and vary depending on course selection and where the books are purchased or rented. 


After the Northwood Tech Plumbing Apprentice Program

Upon completion of the apprenticeship, you will receive a Completion Credential from the Department of Workforce Development Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards.

Professional Licensure and/or Certification Information

Northwood Tech’s Plumbing Apprenticeship meets the requirements of the Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards in Wisconsin. Northwood Tech has not made a determination whether it’s programs meet licensure in states other than Wisconsin. Students who may be seeking professional licensure in states other than Wisconsin should contact the appropriate bureau or licensing board in that state to verify that the Northwood Tech program meets licensure or certification requirements.


Contact

Eric Lockwood, Director, Apprenticeships and Academies
715.246.1871
Email Eric

northwoodtech_ashland_web_430x287_fy24

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