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Many trades require some form of training or certificate.
Plumbing is no exception.
Many employers prefer someone who has had some sort of training and proof of education.
Without proof of education or training, also known as a certificate, the employer has no reason to believe that you will be good at your job.
Here are some schools in New York, NY that offer plumbing programs.
1 Berk Trade and Business School
About the School
The Berk Trade and Business School was founded in 1940.
It was established due to the growing needs of the trade industry for the opportunity for proper training.
The training that was offered in the first year was for trades in the building industry, such as plumbing, and then came the electrical trade.
The Berk Trade and Business School considers itself to be all-inclusive, not discriminating against anyone according to color, age, national origin, religion, or gender.
This is reflected in the large amount of diversity in the students that attend the Berk Trade and Business School.
Courses Offered
Berk Trade and Business School offers a comprehensive plumbing program.
In the plumbing program, students acquire the skills they need to perform plumbing tasks such as repairs, remodels, and new construction in commercial and residential industries.
The comprehensive plumbing program lasts 30 weeks and is equal to 600 hours.
Some of the things students learn in this program include:
- Layout, measuring, and installing different types of pipes and fittings
- Boilers
- Water heaters
- Heating systems
- How to read blueprints and commercial drawings
- Plumbing tools
After graduating from this program, students are eligible to become entry-level plumber apprentices in the residential and commercial fields.
Address: 33-09 Queens Blvd 2FL, Long Island City, NY, 11101
2 Apex Technical School
About the School
Apex Technical School has programs that allow students to spend at least 50% of their time doing hands-on work in a shop setting with access to the tools and equipment on campus.
Apex is located in Long Island City and has easy access to a variety of restaurants and shops.
Apex was founded in 1961 when it offered its first courses in stationary engineering and refrigeration.
In 2002, it introduced the auto body repair program.
The electrical and advanced electrical programs followed in 2007.
Courses Offered
The Plumbing and Pipefitting program at Apex Technical School teaches the skills that are needed to enter the plumbing industry.
Some of the core skills that Apex introduces include:
- The use of hand and power tools
- Fixtures
- Faucets
- Fittings
- DWV piping
- Valves
- Sprinkler fitting and fabrication
- Flange and groove
- Socket and butt weld pipe fabrication
This program offers 900 hours of training in plumbing and pipefitting.
Approximately 50% of the training includes classwork involving history, concepts, and safety.
The other 50% includes hands-on applications in the shop.
Address: 24-02 Queens Plaza South, Long Island City, NY, 11101
3 Renaissance Technical Institute
About the School
The Renaissance Technical Institute is a non-profit organization that provides free vocational training.
It aims to educate and inspire students with an all-inclusive education and vocational training.
The Renaissance Technical Institute strives to help give students who did not graduate high school a better chance at deploying their education and careers in the trades.
Students have the option to learn one trade or multiple trade programs of their choosing.
These programs help prepare students to pass the examinations and certifications that are required for their trade.
Courses Offered
The Renaissance Technical Institute offers a program called Plumbing Level 1 and Level 2.
This program lasts approximately 11 months and includes the following courses:
- Basic Safety
- Introduction to Construction Math
- Introduction to Hand Tools
- Introduction to Power Tools
- Introduction to Construction Drawings
- Introduction to Basic Rigging
- Basic Communication Skills
- Basic Employability Skills
- Introduction to Material Handling
- Introduction to the Plumbing Profession
- Plumbing Safety
- Tools of the Plumbing Trade
- Introduction to Plumbing Math
- Introduction to Plumbing Drawings
- Plastic Pipe and Fittings
- Copper Pipe and Fittings
- Cast-Iron Pipe and Fittings
- Carbon Steel Pipe and Fittings
- Introduction to Plumbing Fixtures
- Introduction to Drain, Waste, and Vent (DWV) Systems
- Introduction to Water Distribution Systems
- Plumbing Math Two
- Reading Commercial Drawings
- Structural Penetrations, Insulation, and Fire Stopping
- Installing Roof, Floor, and Area Drains
- Installing and Testing Water Supply Piping
- Types of Valves
- Installing Fixtures and Valves
- Installing Water Heaters
- Basic Electricity
- Fuel Gas and Fuel Oil Systems
Address: 173 East 112th Street, New York, NY, 10029
4 QBI, The Training Institute
About the School
QBI offers courses and programs in several industries, including electricians, plumbers, building maintenance, and telecommunications.
QBI helps train students for entry-level positions.
QBI also offers job development and placement assistance while offering a place for graduates and employers to come together.
Courses Offered
QBI offers a plumber’s helper program.
In this program, students learn how to install, repair, and maintain plumbing systems in commercial and residential settings.
Students also learn the skills they need to apply for a license and union membership.
Some of the subject areas that are taught in the plumber’s helper program include:
- Dimensioning, Measuring, and Safety
- Basic Plumbing
- Intermediate Plumbing Installations and Repair
- Drain, Waste, and Venting
- Water Supply Systems
- Commercial Piping
Classes are split between theory and hands-on training.
Address: 33-00 Northern Blvd, Lower Level, Long Island City, NY, 11101
5 UA Local 1 Training Center
About the School
This is not necessarily a school, but it provides training for people interested in working in the trades.
United Association Local 1 trains apprentices and journeymen through continuing education classes that they offer regularly to keep them informed of new changes and technologies related to their trade.
Courses Offered
You have the option of enrolling as a journeyman or as a service helper.
The courses that UA Local 1 Training Center offers include:
- Advanced Plan Reading & Related Drawing
- Drafting and Field Coordination
- Basic Computer Skills for Plumbers
- Level I Introduction to Computer-Aided Drafting
- Level II Computer-Aided Drafting
- Plumbing Code
- Heat Pump Water Heating Systems Installations for Plumbers
- Journeyman Gas-Fitter
- Full Gas Work Qualification – Exam Prep Course
- Medical Gas
- NYC-DOB 4-hour Supported Scaffold User
- Confined Space – Entry Safety – General Course
- 16-hour Rigging Worker
- ARC Welding (Beginner)
- ARC Welding (Advanced)
- ARC Welding (Stainless)
- ARC Welding (TIG) GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
- ARC Welding (MIG) GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding)
- Automated (Orbital) Welding Technology
- Backflow – Initial Certification
- Backflor Re-Certification
There is a $20 fee for each course to show commitment to the course.
Address: 37-11 47th Avenue, Long Island City, NY, 11101
Schools Summary Table
| Rank | School | |
|---|---|---|
|
#1 | Berk Trade and Business School |
|
#2 | Apex Technical School |
|
#3 | Renaissance Technical Institute |
|
#4 | QBI, The Training Institute |
|
#5 | UA Local 1 Training Center |
Read the full guide: How to Become a Plumber
Plumbing License by City
Plumbing License by State