Plumbing and Related Water Supply Services

Overview of Plumbing and Related Water Supply Services as a College Program

Plumbing and related water supply services programs are considered trade or technical programs, and are usually coordinated by these departments at educational institutions. The hands-on nature of the program means students will be exposed to a curriculum that combines classroom learning with practical training. A plumbing and related water supply services degree prepares students to enter the plumbing industry and perform repairs and maintenance on various structures.

Plumbing and Related Water Supply Services Curriculum

Plumbing and related water supply services degrees teach students all of the things they need to know in order to start a career as a plumber. Some of the classes taught in a plumbing and related water supply services degree program include:

• Safety
• Pipe laying
• Zoning laws
• Heating and cooling systems
• Pipe fitting
• Gas and liquid properties
• Tools and maintenance
• General plumbing
• Personnel management
• Sprinkler installation
• Computer technology
• Job estimation
• Business administration

Education Levels Available for a Plumbing and Related Water Supply Services Degree

Plumbing and related water supply services degrees are usually available at the lower levels of higher education. This is because the plumbing and related water supply services degree is a vocation rather than an academic discipline. Universities that offer four year degrees and beyond focus on academic pursuits, therefore a bachelor's degree or further study in plumbing and related water supply services is not available.

In the areas of higher education, the plumbing and related water supply services degree is either awarded as a Certificate or Associate's degree in plumbing and related water supply services. The Certificate program requires a one-year commitment while the Associate's degree usually takes approximately two years to complete. Many students enroll in an apprenticeship program where they combine classroom instruction with on-the-job training and this generally lasts three to four years, but the student is compensated for their work.

Skills Developed through a Plumbing and Related Water Supply Services Degree Program

A plumbing and related water supply services degree teaches students many things. Some of the skills that a plumbing and related water supply services degree teaches are:

• Ability to perform different plumbing-related tasks like laying and fitting pipe
• Ability to manage employees and inspire quality work from them
• Physical fitness and the ability to work with your hands
• Construction skills that can be used outside of the job
• Providing estimates for jobs based on the hours required and materials needed for a job
• Communication techniques to speak to customers and superiors
• Time management skills

Where to Obtain a Plumbing and Related Water Supply Services Degree

Plumbing and related water supply services degrees can be obtained through community colleges and technical colleges. One of the most common ways to obtain a plumbing and related water supply services degree, however, is through an apprenticeship program. They can also be earned through an online program, which is perfect for students who require a flexible schedule.

Career Opportunities for Plumbing and Related Water Supply Services Majors

Students who complete a plumbing and related water supply services degree program are prepared to become plumbers, pipefitters, pipelayers, and steamfitters. The employment of these professions is expected to grow 16 percent between 2008 and 2018. The median annual salary for these jobs was $21.94 per hour in May 2008.

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