Plumbing

Contact Information  

Tanner Oliphant, instructor
Tanner.Oliphant@ndscs.edu
701-671-2585
Mechanical Systems 111

Delivery Methods 

Face-to-Face: Wahpeton

The Plumbing program at NDSCS provides both lecture and lab opportunities for the student. While approximately 55% of the semester time is in lab, it is felt the remainder of the time (when they are immersed in theory, plumbing code and drafting/design classes) will benefit them in career advancement as well as increase their success on the Journeyman’s exam which they will eventually take. The hands-on training in labs helps to prepare students for work in both the residential and commercial plumbing fields. The lab classes require students to learn to work with copper, plastic and PEX piping methods and also learn the proper procedures for installing fixtures. Along with good, safe plumbing practices, the lab courses also help to create good work habits and to further develop students’ interpersonal skills.

The theory and design classes arm students with the knowledge of pipe sizing and proper placement of piping and fixtures within the structure. All aspects of installation and design are performed with the Uniform Plumbing Code as a reference. Code-specific classes each semester raise awareness and preparation for state licensure in the future. Upon successful completion of the NDSCS Plumbing program, up to 2,040 schooling hours may be credited by the ND State Plumbing Board, 1,750 hours by the Minnesota Plumbing Board and 1,900 by the South Dakota Plumbing Board toward their plumbing apprenticeship.

The program’s transition to more commercial plumbing materials and practices will offer employers a more well-rounded employee in the future. During the print reading class, students will gain valuable experience in construction/project management utilizing Procore software and will receive a certification for their knowledge of that program. To enhance students’ residential experience, the plumbing students will provide the plumbing services (piping and fixture installation) for the house which the Building Construction Technology students build on campus each year. For the more competitive students NDSCS offers the opportunity to compete at the college level in the ND Skills USA competition in the spring. Students also will write an industry competency exam at the end of the year to measure their learning against other students nation-wide. Lastly, all aspects of the plumbing instruction provide students with the knowledge of and exposure to up-to-date materials and practices which lead to more efficient uses of our natural “greener” resources within the plumbing industry. 

Admission Requirements*

The applicants must be high school graduates or equivalent. Students considered for acceptance must complete all admission requirements. 

Please Note: Students are placed into English, math and reading courses based on ACT, ACCUPLACER or other nationally recognized tests. Please see www.NDSCS.edu/current-students/student-success/test-center for the NDSCS Course Placement Policy and testing information. Students may be on an extended plan of study pending their course placement.

*Program Admission Requirements are subject to revision. Please check the department or program website under Program Admission Requirements for current information.

Award

Upon successful completion of the required courses, students will be awarded a certificate in Plumbing.