Plumbing Program

Apprentice | Trades | 144 Hours

The Plumbing program is a four-year program and each level is offered once a year every fall. Students who enroll in this course will receive required related technical instruction hours towards a Virginia State Apprenticeship.  Over four years of instruction topics of study will involve all types of pipe fittings and fixtures, DMV (Drain Waste and Vent) systems, water distribution systems, installation, valves, water testing, and much more. New Horizons Plumbing program is theory-based and includes very minimal lab application. The hands-on portion of the training should be done with the apprentice sponsor (employer). Students do not need an apprentice sponsor before starting classes but will need to begin working with one in order to complete the requirements for licensing.

After the successful completion of an apprenticeship, students will be able to test for their Journeyman license exam. Requirements for the Journeyman license and the cost of the application can be found on the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation’s website.

New Horizons does not offer job/apprenticeship placement to students. Interested individuals should review the Department of Labor and Industry’s website for information regarding apprenticeships and how to begin. Review the apprenticeship roadmap below to have a better understanding of apprenticeship and the pathway to Plumbing licensing.

Career Day to Day

While an apprenticeship program does take four years, apprentice sponsors are required by law to provide raises to their employees and many will offer incentive programs to complete the related technical instruction like paying for the classes. Some companies will require new hires to work with the company for a year before they can start as an apprentice. An entry-level Plumbing apprentice/helper’s day-to-day activities will depend on the employer and whether they are working in commercial or residential, but most will consist of installing plumbing systems, assembling pipes, caulking, soldering, bending pipes, locating/marking positions of pipes and critical thinking/problem-solving skills for installations and service calls.

Opportunities for employment and advancement can include project management, green energy, master plumber, supervisor, and contracting or entrepreneurship.

Employment Data

Job Outlook, 2021-31

The projected percent change in employment from 2021 to 2031. The average growth rate for all occupations is 5 percent. Data retrieved from O-NET and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Virginia specific.