Anyone who’s ever had to fix their plumbing systems without help has probably realized from experience how essential plumbers are in our society. Understanding the complex system that provides us running water and efficient channels to dispose of our waste is not an ability that comes out of thin air.
It takes significant training and education to become familiar enough with these systems to manipulate them to suit specific scenarios.
Thankfully, several colleges and vocational institutions are qualified to provide this training. The only challenge is identifying the best one.
The list below is a great way to start for anyone looking to become a plumber in Portland and wondering which school is the best alternative.
Accredited Plumbing Programs
Plumbers in Portland and other areas in Oregon must be licensed before they can practice. Licensing is required on every level, including journeymen, master plumbers, and plumbing contractors.
An essential licensing requirement in the state is to obtain training from an accredited program/institution. For this reason, regardless of whether you’re getting your exercise from an apprenticeship program or a classroom, you must confirm that your training source is accredited.
Naturally, we have ensured that all the entries below are accredited and offer a direct path toward getting licensed.
Preparing for Plumbing Schools
A plumbing school provides a critical technical foundation for anyone looking to become a plumber. The structure and organization of the courses in a plumbing school make passing licensing exams objectively easier.
To enter most plumbing schools, applicants must possess a GED or high school diploma. Most plumbing schools also advise having a background in foundational high school classes such as Algebra I & II, trigonometry, geometry, blueprint reading, and construction.
Top Plumbing Schools in Portland, OR
Below are some of the most prominent plumbing schools in Portland.
- School Address - 705 Killingsworth St. Portland, Oregon 97217
Established in 1971, Portland Community College remains the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon. The school is accredited by the Northeastern Commission on Colleges and Universities and offers one of the best plumbing training programs in the state.
Students are expected to complete the 145-hour program and its other requirements in 12 months. Subjects covered include tool and equipment use, safety, plumbing terminologies, troubleshooting, and residential and commercial plumbing systems.
- School Address - 454 SE 18th St. Portland, Oregon 97233
The Oregon Tradeswomen program is another veritable alternative for students looking to acquire solid plumbing training, emphasizing both classroom work and hands-on experience.
The organization is quite famous for providing assistance and free job training for women in the area. Their plumbing program contains 192 hours of classroom training, field trips, and practical work.
Graduates are also placed in apprenticeship programs to consolidate their knowledge. To qualify for admission, candidates must be female, possess a GED or high school diploma, pass a drug screening test, and be considered low-income.
- School Address - 30 N. Webster St. Portland, Oregon 97207
The Jobs Corps’ Oregon chapter in Portland allows individuals between the ages of 16 and 24 to acquire a skilled trade and workplace readiness. One of the programs available is plumbing.
Students acquire knowledge of the theoretical part of the job through classroom training and gain hands-on experience through practical sessions. Subjects covered include drain cleaning, fixture installation, tool and equipment use, safety, blueprint reading, and troubleshooting.
The Jobs Corp is the most extensive training program in the country that is free of charge. Students can also live on campus.
<strong>Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries</strong>
- School Address - 800 NE Oregon St. Portland, Oregon 97232
Another nonprofit known for its comprehensive approach towards skills development and acquisition, the Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries, has a solid plumbing training program focused on providing pre-apprentice classes and hands-on training sessions.
Students here learn about their actual plumbing duties and other related skills, such as solid communication skills and job readiness. To be admitted, candidates must pass drug screening tests and background checks.
What’s Next After Graduation?
After graduating from a plumbing school in Portland, the next step is to get licensed as a journeyman plumber. To do so, you must pass a licensing examination. Some topics to focus on in preparation for the exam include plumbing mathematics, vents, appendices, water heaters, general regulations, definitions, fixtures, faucets and fixture fittings, and sanitary drainage.
The application includes a $100 fee.
To qualify, candidates either possess a certificate showing they completed four years of apprenticeship training or a verified proof of 576 hours of classroom training AND 3,850 hours of training on-the-job training.
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