Plumbing Schools in Philadelphia

Plumbing is one of the most in-demand professions today, with an optimistic projection for the coming decade. Anyone in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with a knack for working with tools and breaking down components to fix and upgrade them would consider a career in the field.

Below we look at some avenues through which interested individuals in Pennsylvania can acquire the necessary training to enjoy a successful career as a plumber.

We also provide a comprehensive list containing some of the most prominent training programs in and around the city and a few notes on what to expect after getting accepted into these programs.

How to Become a Plumber in Philadelphia

In Pennsylvania, becoming a plumber starts with having a high school diploma or GED. Either of these credentials will be needed to secure admission into a training program or an apprenticeship program.

This will also be needed to secure licensing down the road.

Licensing for plumbers in Pennsylvania, as with most skilled trades in the state, is done on a county/municipality level. This means aspiring plumbers in Philadelphia can pursue something other than a statewide license but instead, consult the Philadelphia plumbing board.

Usually, graduation from a training program or experience accrued during an apprenticeship/on-the-job training is enough to satisfy the licensure examinations.

Top Plumbing Schools in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Below are some of the top plumbing schools in and around Philadelphia:

1. Orleans Technical College

Orleans Technical College in Philadelphia has a plumbing and heating training program that can be completed anywhere between 6 and 13 months. Those who complete the program in six months are usually enrolled full-time, while those who take up to 13 months tend to be part-time students.

With quality facilities, including computer laboratories and workshops for hands-on training, Orleans Technical College remains one of the premier destinations for technicians in Philadelphia.

Graduates of the program tend to secure high-paying employment.

2. Community College of Philadelphia

Community College of Philadelphia is another incredible institution to obtain plumbing training for residents of Philadelphia. The school is the largest public higher institution in the Philadelphia area, boasting a culture of producing excellent technicians.

Its plumbing technology program teaches pipe system maintenance, preparation and installation, safety principles, and guidelines. Students also get to learn plumbing mathematics, drawings, and layout interpretation for fixtures and water systems.

The program’s enrollment is always on.

3. Pennsylvania College of Technology

Pennsylvania College of Technology is one of the most famous institutions in Philadelphia and one of the best places to study to become a plumber. Some of the most appealing aspects of the school are the relatively small class size and the high graduation placement rate of 96%.

The school offers an employment certificate program where students learn about pipe installation and repair for both commercial and residential usage.

Students also learn about introduction to refrigeration, HVAC electricity, mechanical systems, career mathematics, technical algebra, and English composition.

4. Philadelphia Technician Training Institute

Philadelphia Technician Training Institute in West Girard Avenue prides itself on four core values: diversity, integrity, commitment, and respect.

The school has an array of high-quality programs, such as automotive repair, welding technology, and a plumbing program known formally as the Steam, Sprinkler, and Pipefitting Technician program.

This program teaches critical subjects such as blueprint reading, shop mathematics, introduction to pipe fitting, introduction to pipe fitting tools, plumbing valves, rigging, standards, and specifications, among others.

5. Community College of Allegheny County

Community College of Allegheny County is another worthy alternative for future plumbers in Philadelphia. The school is known for having various excellent technical and trade programs, and its plumbing technology program is no different.

Those who get accepted will be able to learn under the tutelage of experienced instructors who are well-versed in theoretical principles and practical applications.

The school also ensures that graduates can leverage everything they have learned to pass licensing exams and secure high-paying employment at top establishments in the state.

Topics of focus include shop mathematics, plumbing fixtures and water systems, pipe fitting, and plumbing valves.