Program Details
Average Median Pay*
$59,880 per year
*Salary information provided by Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Program Overview
Due to the recent need for skilled plumbers in the local area, Santa Fe College has partnered with industry leaders to develop a one-year Plumbing Technology program. Upon completion students will be able to enter the plumbing industry with the knowledge needed to be successful in the plumbing trade.
Florida is one of the fastest growing states in the country. With population increase comes the need for skilled plumbers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median yearly earnings for this occupation is $55,160 and there will be 49,800 job openings in this job sector during 2019-2029. This data shows a steady increase in the plumbing industry and continuing need for skilled plumbers.
Plumbing is the system of pipes, tanks, fittings, and other apparatus required for the water supply, heating, and sanitation in a building. Plumbers work to maintain and install plumbing systems. This course is a vocational certificate program that will train students entering the plumbing field. The program will demonstrate the knowledge of both commercial and residential plumbing practices. Students will gain knowledge in safety, tools, plumbing codes, trade mathematics, construction drawings, isometric drawings, specifications and employability. Upon completion of this program, students should feel confident starting their career.
Additionally, scholarships are available to assist women entering Plumbing Technology who are full time at Santa Fe College. Funds include full tuition fees, lab fees and books.
Requirement for Admission
Students must
- Be at least 16 years of age.
- High School Dual Enrollment students are welcome.
- No high school completion or equivalent required.
- Be accepted to the college and have completed the entire admissions process.
- Have Plumbing Technology Certificate (code 7658) as their Primary Program
Contact Program Advisor for assistance with registration
Program Cost, Scholarships and Aid
Total estimated cost (based on instate tuition, lab fees and book costs) $3,447
Scholarships
There are many scholarships available for Santa Fe College students to apply to. Please visit the Scholarships webpage for more information and how to apply.
Financial Aid
There are many options to finance your education. You may be eligible for Federal Grants, Work Study, State Grants, Federal Loans, and Institutional Scholarships. Please visit the Financial Aid page for more information and how to apply.
Program Goals and Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes (PLO)
- PLO1: Students will have the ability and have proved their knowledge in the use and safety of plumbing specific tools, and reasons for, and proper use of PPE.
PLO2: Students will have demonstrated the reasoning, and knowledge of plumbing codes. - PLO3: Students will have demonstrated knowledge of piping types, piping materials, and the uses of each.
- PLO4: Students will have the ability and demonstrated their knowledge to diagnose and install both gas and electric water heaters.
- PLO5: Students will provide knowledge and demonstrate solar hot water systems.
PLO6: Students will have the ability and knowledge to rough in drainage and water supply piping according to code standards. (Habitat House and sand box)
Curriculum Map
- PLO1: BCV0508, BCV0562.A, BCV0562.B, BCV0592.D, BCA0457
- PLO2: BCV0508, BCV0562.A, BCV0592.D, BCA0457
- PLO3: BCV0562.A, BCV0562.B, BCV0592.D, BCA0457
- PLO4: BCV0562.B, BCA0457
- PLO5: BCV0562.A, BCV0592.D, BCA0457
- PLO6: BCV0592.D, BCA0457
Assessments
BCV0508 - Helper, Plumber, Pipefitter In this first semester of the program, the students learn the history of plumbing, tool use and safety, PPE use, and are certified in OSHA 10. Assessment is determined through written tests, observation, and hands on performance.
BCV0562.A - Residential Plumber In the second semester, assessment is determined with participation in projects, and tasks, as well as observation, and written tests.
BCV0562.B - Commercial Plumber In the third semester, students are assessed on their knowledge of commercial plumbing vs. residential plumbing, including different fixtures and fittings and ADA regulations, through written tests, and hands on performance.
BCV0592.D - Plumbing Applications The fourth semester, student knowledge is determined with FET with plumbing contractors, and contractor reports on timeliness and ability to perform tasks presented to them, observation, and with written exams.
BCA0457 - Plumbing Apprenticeship The fourth-year apprentices demonstrate their extensive knowledge of plumbing and building codes, soft skills, and the ability to work alone with written tests, and hands on performance.
Program Length, Format and Curriculum
1080 contact hours Three Terms (one year)
Fall Term
- BCV0508 Plumbing Helper 420 contact hours
Spring Term
- BCV0540 Residential Plumber 210 contact hours
- BCV0562 Commercial Plumber 210 contact hours
Summer Term
- BCV0592 Plumber 240 contact hours
Performance Standards
Section 1. Essential Thinking Skills for Plumbing Students
The Plumbing student must be able to apply proper principles and techniques to Plumbing projects. Skills include being able to:
- Read textbooks, handouts, and safety procedures.
- Read blueprints and Plumbing plans.
- Interpret symbols, legends, and other information on Plumbing drawings.
- Extract information from a set of Plumbing drawings.
- Do mathematical calculations.
- Take accurate measurements and do conversions.
- Estimate the amount of materials and labor needed for a project.
- Visualize two and three-dimensional objects.
- Read and interpret Plumbing codes.
- Achieve the state mandated TABE test scores (9.0 Reading; 9.0 Language: 9.0 Math) by the end of the program.
Section 2. Essential Sensory & Observation Skills for Plumbing Students
The Plumbing student must be able to assess the quality of Plumbing work. Skills include being able to:
- Determine readings on devices such as tape measures, framing and adjustable squares, and builders’ levels and transits.
- Select proper tools and materials for specific purposes.
- Use sensory cues to do proper constructing, installing, and finishing work.
- Judge distance and space relationships of objects.
- Detect changes in tone or sound of power equipment and warning tones such as an equipment back-up warning alarm.
Section 3. Essential Motor Skills for Plumbing Students
The Plumbing student must possess sufficient physical strength, stamina, flexibility, and dexterity to do Plumbing work. Skills include being able to:
- Operate necessary tools and equipment properly with good manual dexterity.
- Do physical labor for prolonged periods.
- Work at varying heights and climb ladders, scaffolding, etc.
- Lift and transport equipment and materials as necessary.
Section 4. Essential Communication Skills for Plumbing Students
The Plumbing student must be able to communicate effectively and to gather and convey information. Skills include being able to:
- Obtain necessary information from oral and written sources.
- Communicate orally with a person 20 feet away.
- Express information coherently.
- Document work accurately.
Section 5. Essential Behavioral Skills for Plumbing Students
The Plumbing student must be able to behave appropriately and safely in a shared learning environment. Skills include being able to:
- Work independently with periodic supervision.
- Work cooperatively with partners and groups.
- Follow through with individual and shared responsibilities.
- Manage the use of time and organize work in order to complete multiple tasks and responsibilities within realistic constraints.
- Be flexible and creative and adapt to professional and technical change.
- Recognize potentially hazardous materials, equipment, and situations and work safely in order to minimize risk of injury to self and nearby individuals.
- Exercise good judgment.
- Adhere to all course policies and procedures as outlined in the course syllabus.
- Adhere to all college policies and procedures as outlined in the student handbook.
Section 6. Essential Environmental Skills for Plumbing Students
The Plumbing student must be able to function safely in a shop environment. Skills include being able to work for prolonged periods amidst:
- Extreme noise.
- Sharp tools and materials.
- Electrical equipment.
- Chemicals and toxins.
- Dust, heat, and fumes.
- Machinery with moving parts.
- Moving objects and vehicles.
- Slippery or uneven surfaces.
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