Plumbing Apprenticeship

Plumbing apprentices plan, install, troubleshoot, and repair all aspects of water supply, waste, and vent systems, as well as gaseous fuel systems, following the Wisconsin Administrative Plumbing Code.

They interpret blueprints, analyze technical specifications, and follow instructions on what and where work is to be done. They plan their work in a logical sequence; coordinate it with other trades, perform work in a quality manner and in a reasonable amount of time. They choose appropriate tools, equipment, and materials to perform their duties. They communicate effectively and are good team members.

View Curriculum

Terms of Apprenticeship

5-year program
8,000 hours of on-the-job training
576 hours of paid related classroom instruction
260 hours of non-paid related instruction
Complete Red Cross First Aid, CPR and OSHA Safety Training Courses during your first year
First Aid/CPR Course Certification must be kept current throughout the duration of the apprenticeship
Transition-to-Trainer course will be completed in the final year of the apprenticeship

Minimum Qualifications

Applicant must pass one of the following assessments:

Accuplacer (or Next Generation Accuplacer) test with qualified scores: minimum score of 66 in reading (244 for Next Generation Accuplacer), 66 in arithmetic (250 for Next Generation Accuplacer) and 33 in algebra (235 for Next Generation Accuplacer Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics)
ACT scores of 15 in math and 16 in reading.

The scores must be from within the last 5 years.

Get Started

2024–25 Curriculum

First Term (72 Hours)

SANITARY DRAINS 1 72 Hours

#50-427-751

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.

Second Term (72 Hours)

VENTS AND VENTING SYSTEMS 72 Hours

#50-427-752

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.

Third Term (72 Hours)

WATER DISTRIBUTION 1 72 Hours

#50-427-753

This course provides the apprentice with the skills to identify, design, install and service various applications for water supply systems that are listed in plumbing codes. Apprentices will use the code language and tables to in various plumbing systems in accordance with the Wisconsin Plumbing Code. Course topics will include commercial to single family and private well pump systems. The course focuses on theory, work experience, and the application of plumbing code principles through discussions, drawing exercises, work sheets, and evaluations.

Fourth Term (72 Hours)

WATER DISTRIBUTION 2 72 Hours

#50-427-754

This course provides the apprentice with the skills to identify, design, install and service cross connection controls, water treatment equipment and multi-purpose piping systems in various plumbing systems 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.

Fifth Term (72 Hours)

SANITARY DRAINS 2 72 Hours

#50-427-755

This course provides the apprentice with the skills to identify, design, install and service various applications for storm water, clear water, and drainage systems. Apprentices will use the code language and tables to in various plumbing systems 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.

Sixth Term (72 Hours)

PRIVATE ONSITE WASTEWATER TREATMENT 72 SYSTEMS (POWTS) 72 Hours

#50-427-756

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 to in various plumbing systems in accordance with the Wisconsin Plumbing Code. Other topics will include pretreatment, 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.

Seventh Term (72 Hours)

GREEN PLUMBING APPLICATIONS 72 Hours

#50-427-757

This course provides plumbing apprentices with an introduction to green applications. Apprentices will be instructed on how to identify, install and maintain a variety of green products and systems. They will apply the Wisconsin Plumbing Code to various installations. This introduction will give an apprentice the basic knowledge to study for a variety of green certifications.

Eighth Term (72 Hours)

PLUMBING ADVANCED TOPICS / TSA 72 Hours

#50-427-758

This course provides the apprentice with the opportunity to select and complete an applied plumbing project in collaboration with the instructor. Projects will apply the skills required to identify, design, install and service various plumbing applications that are listed in plumbing codes. Apprentices will use the code language and tables to in various plumbing systems in accordance with the Wisconsin Plumbing Code. The course builds upon the theory, work experience, and the application of plumbing code principles addressed in previous coursework to support completing an applied hands-on project.

Get Started

You must be employed by a company/organization that is willing to participate in an apprenticeship program. Each employer has their own requirements for entry into the apprenticeship program. Contact your employer’s human resources department to see what is available.

Questions?

If you have questions about this apprenticeship or the application process, please contact our Admissions team.