2024 – 2025
Plumbing
Jeff Wildrick, Academy A Adminstrator – Ext. 291
Course & Program of Studies
Statement of Purpose
GNBRVTHS Plumbing Program: Your Path to a Successful Career
The plumbing industry is experiencing significant growth, creating a high demand for skilled plumbers and pipefitters. At GNBRVTHS, we offer a comprehensive plumbing program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this rewarding field.
Our Program Offers:
- Hands-On Training: Students gain practical experience through a variety of projects, including the installation of complete plumbing systems in our workshop.
- Industry-Relevant Skills: Our curriculum covers essential skills such as pipe threading, soldering, brazing, cutting, and the installation of plumbing fixtures, water heaters, and hydronic heating systems.
- Safety Training: Students receive comprehensive safety training, including OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety Training, to ensure a safe working environment.
- Code Compliance: Students learn to adhere to local, state, and national plumbing codes and regulations.
- Career Pathways: Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions as plumber apprentices, with the opportunity to advance to journey-level plumber or pursue further education in plumbing engineering or related fields.
By completing our program, students will be able to:
- Read and interpret blueprints and schematics
- Perform various plumbing installation and repair tasks
- Troubleshoot and solve plumbing problems
- Work effectively as part of a team
- Adhere to safety regulations and industry best practices
We invite students with a passion for the plumbing trade to join our program and embark on a rewarding career path.
Exploratory Program
The Freshman Plumbing Exploratory course provides an introductory overview of the plumbing and pipefitting trade. Students will gain hands-on experience with basic plumbing tools and materials, including:
- Plastic Piping: Working with PVC and CPVC pipes.
- Copper Piping: Soldering and brazing copper pipes.
- Black Steel Piping: Threading and joining black steel pipes.
Through these hands-on projects, students will develop a solid foundation in plumbing techniques and safety practices. The course also introduces students to potential career paths within the plumbing industry.
Assessments will be based on project completion, skill demonstrations, and overall performance in the shop.
Freshman Program
The Freshman Plumbing Shop course provides a solid foundation in plumbing and pipefitting fundamentals. Students will gain hands-on experience with:
- Basic Plumbing Tools: Safe and proper use of plumbing tools.
- Pipe Materials: Working with plastic, copper, and black steel pipes.
- Pipe Joining Techniques: Mastering techniques like soldering, brazing, and threading.
- Safety Practices: Adhering to OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety standards.
This course aligns with the 2024 Vocational Technical (VTE) Frameworks, ensuring students are prepared for advanced plumbing work in their sophomore year.
Assessments include project completion, skill demonstrations, and daily evaluations of employability and performance.
Sophomore Program
The Sophomore Plumbing Shop course builds upon the foundational skills acquired in the freshman year. Students will gain hands-on experience with advanced plumbing techniques, including:
- Advanced Pipe Installation: Working with a variety of pipe materials, including plastic, copper, black steel, and cast iron.
- Water Heater Installation: Installing gas and electric water heaters.
- Hydronic Heating Systems: Understanding and installing hydronic heating systems.
- Plumbing Fixtures: Installing various plumbing fixtures, such as sinks, toilets, and showers.
This course aligns with the 2024 Vocational Technical (VTE) Frameworks, ensuring students are well-prepared for their junior year and future careers in the plumbing industry.
Assessments include project completion, skill demonstrations, and daily evaluations of employability and performance.
Sophomore Related Class 1
Technical Code Science
The Junior Plumbing course provides a comprehensive understanding of plumbing theory and practice. Students will delve into:
- Plumbing Systems Design: Reading and interpreting blueprints, designing plumbing layouts, and estimating material quantities.
- Plumbing Code: Understanding and applying local, state, and national plumbing codes and regulations.
- Water Supply Systems: Learning about water supply systems, including pipes, fittings, valves, and water heaters.
- Waste and Vent Systems: Designing and installing waste and vent systems to ensure proper drainage and ventilation.
- Gas Appliance Installation: Safely installing gas appliances, such as stoves, water heaters, and furnaces.
- Plumbing Calculations: Performing calculations related to pipe sizing, water flow, and heat transfer.
By successfully completing this course and passing the final exam, students will earn Tier 1 credit towards their Journeyman Plumber license and gain valuable knowledge and skills for a successful career in the plumbing industry.
Sophomore Related Class 2
Plumbing Mathematics Fundamentals
The Sophomore Plumbing Math course provides students with essential mathematical skills for plumbing and pipefitting. Over a 90-day period, students will:
- Master Plumbing Calculations: Practice calculations for pipe sizing, water flow rates, and pressure drops.
- Understand Geometric Principles: Apply geometric principles to solve problems related to pipe fitting and layout.
- Learn to Read and Interpret Blueprints: Develop the ability to read and interpret plumbing blueprints and schematics.
- Utilize Measurement Tools: Practice using measuring tools accurately to ensure precise measurements.
- Apply Code Requirements: Learn how to apply plumbing codes to calculate pipe sizes and system designs.
By the end of the course, students will be well-prepared to tackle complex plumbing calculations and design projects.
Junior Program
The Junior Plumbing Shop/Lab program builds upon the foundational skills acquired in the sophomore year. Students will gain hands-on experience with advanced plumbing and gas installation techniques, including:
- Complex Plumbing Installations: Installing plumbing systems in residential and commercial settings.
- Gas Appliance Installation: Safely installing gas appliances, such as water heaters, stoves, and furnaces.
- Troubleshooting and Repair: Diagnosing and repairing plumbing and gas system issues.
- Code Compliance: Adhering to local, state, and national plumbing codes and regulations.
This course aligns with the 2024 Vocational Technical (VTE) Frameworks, preparing students for their senior year and future careers in the plumbing industry.
Assessments include project completion, skill demonstrations, and daily evaluations of employability and performance.
Junior Related 1
Technical Code Science
The Junior Plumbing Theory course provides a comprehensive understanding of plumbing theory and code requirements. Students will delve into:
- Plumbing Materials: Exploring the properties and applications of various plumbing materials, including copper, PVC, CPVC, and cast iron.
- Plumbing Codes: Understanding and applying local, state, and national plumbing codes, such as the Massachusetts State Plumbing Code.
- Water Supply Systems: Learning about the components and design of water supply systems, including pipes, fittings, valves, and water heaters.
- Waste and Vent Systems: Understanding the principles of waste and vent systems, including sizing, venting, and drainage.
- Gas Fitting: Introduction to gas fitting techniques, safety precautions, and code requirements.
By successfully completing this course and passing the final exam, students will earn Tier 2 credit towards their Journeyman Plumber license and gain valuable knowledge and skills for a successful career in the plumbing industry.
Junior Related 2
Applied Technical Math I for Plumbing
The Junior Applied Technical Math I for Plumbing course focuses on the application of mathematical principles to plumbing and pipefitting. Key topics include:
- Pipe Sizing: Calculating pipe sizes for water supply, drainage, vent, gas, and roof drain systems.
- Blueprint Reading: Interpreting plumbing blueprints and schematics to extract relevant information for calculations.
- Code Compliance: Understanding and applying plumbing codes to determine pipe sizes and system design.
- Mathematical Problem-Solving: Using mathematical techniques to solve problems related to pipe sizing, flow rates, and pressure drops.
Through lectures, discussions, and assignments, students will develop the skills necessary to accurately size pipes and design plumbing systems that comply with code requirements and ensure optimal performance.
Senior Program
The Senior Plumbing program builds upon the foundational skills developed in previous years, providing students with advanced knowledge and practical experience. Key components of the program include:
- Residential and Commercial Plumbing: Applying plumbing skills to both residential and commercial settings.
- Fixture Repair and Maintenance: Mastering the repair and maintenance of faucets, toilets, lavatories, and urinals.
- Code Compliance: Adhering to local, state, and national plumbing codes and regulations.
- Problem-Solving and Troubleshooting: Developing the ability to diagnose and resolve plumbing issues.
- Professionalism and Work Ethic: Cultivating strong work habits, attention to detail, and effective communication skills.
By participating in community service projects, students gain valuable hands-on experience and contribute to their community. This program prepares students for a successful career in the plumbing industry, whether through further education or direct entry into the workforce.
Senior Off-Campus Plumbing
Senior plumbing students gain valuable hands-on experience by working on real-world construction projects within the community. These projects may include:
- Residential Construction: New home construction, renovations, and repairs.
- Light Commercial Construction: Plumbing installations in commercial buildings, such as restaurants, offices, and retail spaces.
- Non-Profit Projects: Contributing to community projects by providing plumbing services.
While on these job sites, students will:
- Apply Plumbing Skills: Utilize their skills to install and repair plumbing systems.
- Troubleshoot Issues: Diagnose and fix plumbing problems.
- Adhere to Building Codes: Ensure compliance with local, state, and national plumbing codes.
- Work Collaboratively: Collaborate with other tradespeople on construction projects.
- Develop Professional Skills: Cultivate strong work ethic, time management, and communication skills.
In addition to on-site work, students will receive in-shop training on advanced plumbing techniques, including:
- Advanced Tool Usage: Mastering the use of specialized plumbing tools and equipment.
- Project Planning and Management: Developing skills in project planning, scheduling, and estimating.
- Troubleshooting and Repair: Learning advanced troubleshooting techniques for complex plumbing issues.
Through a combination of on-site and in-shop training, senior plumbing students are well-prepared for successful careers in the plumbing industry.
Senior Related 1
Analytical Mathematics
The Senior Analytical Mathematics course provides plumbing students with advanced mathematical skills necessary for complex plumbing calculations and design. Key topics covered include:
- Geometric Calculations: Applying geometric principles to calculate areas, volumes, and pipe dimensions.
- Fluid Mechanics: Understanding fluid flow principles, including pressure, flow rate, and head loss.
- Heat Transfer: Calculating heat transfer rates and sizing heating systems.
- Building Level and Grade: Using surveying techniques to determine building levels and grades.
- Code-Based Calculations: Applying code-specific calculations for pipe sizing, water flow, and gas sizing.
Through lectures, discussions, assignments, and tests, students will develop the mathematical skills needed to solve real-world plumbing problems.
Senior Related 2
Elective
The Senior Plumbing Theory course provides a comprehensive understanding of advanced plumbing concepts and code requirements. Students will delve into:
Core Topics:
- Blueprint Reading: Interpreting complex plumbing blueprints and schematics.
- Plumbing Code: Understanding and applying the Massachusetts State Plumbing Code.
- Drainage, Waste, and Vent Systems: Designing and installing efficient and code-compliant drainage, waste, and vent systems.
- Gas Fitting: Safe installation and maintenance of gas piping and appliances.
- Fixture Installation: Installing a variety of plumbing fixtures, including toilets, sinks, and showers.
- Storm Drainage: Designing and installing storm drainage systems.
- Testing and Safety: Ensuring the safety and functionality of plumbing systems through testing and inspection.
By successfully completing this course and passing the final exam, students will earn Tier 3 credit towards their Journeyman Plumber license and be well-prepared for a successful career in the plumbing industry.
Certifications
This Technical Program is certified in the following areas: Massachusetts Board of Examiners of Plumbers and Gasfitters
- OSHA 10
- Tiers 1, 2, and 3 of the educational requirements for licensure under the Massachusetts Plumbing Code
- Hot Works
- Viega Press
- Megapress – Gas
- Copper Propress
- Pexpress
- 3M FireStop training
Career Opportunities
Apprenticeship in the following fields:
- Plumbing, gas fitting, sprinkler fitting
- Wholesale industry opportunities such as material handling, counter sales, inside as well as outside sales
Plumbing supply sales
- Eversource Bunker Hill Program
- Riley Brothers Underground utilities
Post-Secondary Education
Post-Secondary Education
Students may graduate with Tiers 1, 2, and 3 and up to 1700 working hours of the educational requirements for licensure under the Massachusetts Plumbing & Gas Code. A total of 5 tiers are required to be eligible to take the journeyman exam. Tiers 4 & 5 are offered through Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical School Adult Education and other area adult education Programs.
