*This program is pending approval from the US Department of Education for Federal Financial Aid / Title IV.*
Contact Information:
Tanner Oliphant, instructor/program coordinator
Tanner.Oliphant@ndscs.edu
701-671-2585
Mechanical Systems 111
Delivery Methods:
Face-to-Face: CIC
Online/Hybrid
Program Information:
The Plumbing Code/Blueprint Apprenticeship Prep is a specialized certificate program designed to bridge the gap between practical apprenticeship experience and the specific theoretical knowledge required for state-level professional licensure. This focused curriculum equips working plumbers with the essential skills to successfully pass the North Dakota Journeyman Plumber exam, directly enabling career advancement and higher earning potential.
The program focuses on two critical areas:
*Comprehensive review of the latest Plumbing codes: Students gain mastery of the intricate details of the North Dakota State Plumbing Code (UPC), ensuring they understand the "what" (regulations) and the "why" (principles) behind industry regulations, including essential topics like DWV and water pipe sizing.
*Practical blueprint reading and interpretation: Through hands-on exercises, students are trained to accurately interpret symbols, scales, and layouts of commercial and residential plans. This skill is essential for success in the plumbing trade and is key to the accurate and efficient installation of plumbing systems.
Workforce need and employment availability:
The demand for professionals completing this program is exceptionally strong due to a severe and growing workforce need.
High Occupational Demand:
*The U.S. Department of Labor projects a 23% growth rate for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in North Dakota, significantly outpacing the national average. This trend demonstrates a persistent shortage of licensed workers.
Licensure as a Bottleneck:
*While many apprentices complete their required hours, the journeyman plumber exam-which includes a closed-book section and complex sizing calculations-is often cited as a significant barrier to licensure. The certificate directly targets and removes this barrier by providing focused, specialized training.
Career Advancement:
*Upon passing the exam, completer transition from apprentice to licensed journeyman plumber, unlocking immediate career advancement and substantial increased earning potential.
The certificate serves a clear purpose: to efficiently convert skilled plumbing apprentices into licensed journeyman plumbers who can legally supervise and sign off on projects, thereby meeting the state's acute need for qualified professionals.
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 Code/Blueprint Apprenticeship Prep.