Plumbing & Heating

Berks Career & Technology Center > Plumbing & Heating

About P&H

Plumbing & Heating

Location: East Campus (Oley)          Instructor: Michael Wentling          CIP Code: 46.0503

This program is accredited by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) through the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) and provides participants with defined career paths in the industry. Students in this program are involved in classroom and practical learning experiences designed to help them develop the necessary skills to be successful in the industry.
Plumbers and pipe fitters assemble, install, alter, and repair pipes and pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids and gasses for sanitation, industrial and other uses. They also install plumbing fixtures, appliances, and heating systems. Safe and proper mechanical practices are essential components as they help to protect the health and wellbeing of the nation.
The hands-on approach to training will cover layout, assembly, installation and repair of pipes, fittings, and fixtures of heating, water and drainage systems according to manuals, specifications and plumbing codes. Also included are the installation, repairing, operating and testing of various types of residential and commercial heating equipment and the controls necessary for their operation.
Graduates of this program are prepared for entry level work, apprenticeship opportunities, and post-secondary education.
NCCER – National Center for Construction Education and Research
The Plumbing and Heating program participates in NCCER. This curricula and training process is supported by trade associations, contractors, schools, construction and maintenance users, pipeline operators, manufacturers, and third-party training providers. Visit www.nccer.org for further information.PBA – Pennsylvania’s Builder’s Association
The program is a PBA endorsed program, which allows students who complete the program at the competent and above level to earn a PBA Certification.  Visit http://www.pabuilders.org/ for more information.

Certifications

Industry Certifications:

NCCER CORE
Pennsylvania Builders Association Skills Certificate (based on NOCTI)
OSHA/CareerSafe 10-Hour Certification

Uniforms

Uniforms

Required/Optional Items
Purchased through APEX UNIFORM STORE

Required Items
Purchase from any Vendor

Required Footwear

Required Safety Gear
REQUIRED:
· One Forest Green Short Sleeve Tee Shirt with BCTC Logo
· One Spruce Green Short Sleeve Work Shirt with BCTC LogoOPTIONAL:
· Charcoal Crewneck Sweatshirt with BCTC Logo		 · Cotton blue or black jeans – proper fitting and no holes Leather work shoes with non-scuffing sole

Steel tips are optional

 Safety glasses provided by BCTC
Visit BCTC Uniform Store

Textbooks & Tools

Textbooks

The link provided for each book title will take you to Amazon.com.  Please note that you are NOT required to purchase the books from Amazon.  You may purchase the books from any vendor.

Plumbing Design and Installation (4th Edition) – by L. V. Ripka

ISBN #: 978-0-82690-642-7

Plumbing Design and Installation Workbook (4th Edition) – by ATP Staff

ISBN #: 978-0-82690-643-4
Must Purchase Workbook New

Tool / Supply / Protective Equipment

Quantity Needed Level 1, 2, or 3 Approximate Cost Suggested Vendor
Footwear Requirement: Leather work shoes with non-scuffing sole. Steel tips are optional 1 pair Levels 1, 2, & 3 TBD Any store
Measuring Tape up to 25′ 1 Levels 1, 2, & 3 $5.00 – $15.00 Lowes or Home Depot
Torpedo Level 1 Levels 1, 2, & 3 $5.00 – $15.00 Lowes or Home Depot

* BCTC will pay for one pair of safety glasses (if required) and may assist with payment for the testing fees or core certification tests (first time only).  Additional safety glasses and testing fees must be paid by the student.

Plumbing & Heating

Program Entrance Recommendations:

  • Reading at grade level
  • Algebra I or Geometry
  • Basic math skills in measurements, fractions, and decimals
  • Problem solving/troubleshooting skills
  • Ability to work independently and in a team
  • Hand-eye coordination
  • Mechanical aptitude

Plumbing & Heating Skills Alignment Chart

Career Pathways:

  • Plumber (Construction)
  • Pipelayer, Pipefitter or Steamfitter
  • Plumber Apprentice
  • Oil Burner Service and Installer
  • Job Estimator
  • Master Plumber
  • Heating Engineer
  • Plumbing Inspector
  • HVAC Technician