Certificates
The Plumbing program provides students with the basics of installing and repairing plumbing systems – water pipes and drains – in residential and commercial buildings. Plumbers work inside and outside and must be able to relate to customers. They must also be creative, able to think through problems and recognize that every job is unique.
Coursework includes sketching diagrams, interpreting blueprints, practicing plumbing assembly and state codes and regulations. Through hands-on training, students acquire skills in soldering, system layout, threading pipes and assembling all types of piping, including cast iron. They also get an introduction to water heaters, water pumps, water treatment, septic tanks, community water, fixtures, faucets, valves and other appliances.
Representatives from local plumbing companies and other industry experts regularly address students and offer opportunities for certification in various products available on the market.
Soft skills vital to employability and personal and professional success also are covered, including the following:
- Interpersonal skills and teamwork
- Communication
- Integrity and professionalism
- Problem solving
- Initiative and dependability
- Information processing
- Adaptability and lifelong learning
- Entrepreneurship
To become a Master Plumber, a student must complete at least 4,000 hours of training in the Wake Tech Plumbing Diploma program and on the job. Math and science classes, especially physics, are also recommended.
Career Outlook
Employment
A variety of plumbing jobs are available in residential, commercial and specialized plumbing. Residential plumbing is usually categorized into repair plumbing and rough-in plumbing for residential facilities. Commercial plumbing includes large apartments and industrial buildings rough-in on slab. Specialized plumbing systems are those installed in restaurants, schools, gas stations, food processing buildings, etc. High-pressure plumbing, such as car wash equipment, also offers job opportunities, and jobs are also available in state and local government.
Plumbers are in great demand, especially in the Triangle, due to the area's growth. Plumbing is a major construction trade and a demanding field. It provides hands-on work for innovative thinkers, along with the opportunity to have pride in specialized skills and earn a good income. Graduates usually start at $12 an hour; within five years, they can reach $20 an hour. Some get licensed within two years, after which wages may continue to increase. Graduates can earn $20,000 to $22,000 in the beginning. Those who earn a license within two years may see their income continue to rise.
Almost all plumbing/pipe companies in the Triangle area have hired Wake Tech graduates:
- J & L Plumbing
- Noland Company
- Southern Piping Company
- American Plumbing
- Rural Plumbing
- Duke Raleigh Hospital
- Stevens Plumbing
- UNC-Chapel Hill
- North Carolina state government
- City of Raleigh
- Roto-Rooter
- Evans Plumbing
- Johnson Controls
Professional licensure
Wake Tech academic programs (credit and non-credit) that are designed to lead to professional licenses are tied to North Carolina or national certifications. If you intend to pursue professional licenses outside North Carolina once you have completed your academic program at Wake Tech, please refer to the Professional Licensure section of the college's distance education authorization page for additional information.
