Plumbing & Heating Program
Plumbing and Heating Technicians are in short supply throughout Alaska today, both in urban and in rural areas. As a result, graduates of AVTEC’s Plumbing and Heating program enjoy excellent job opportunities and good pay.
Plumbing and Heating Technicians build, install, maintain, and repair plumbing, heating, and ventilation systems. Students in this program receive basic training in construction and maintenance of plumbing, heating, and ventilation systems—The Plumbing and Heating program provides students with a wide variety of experience that prepares them for entry-level employment and apprenticeships in the plumbing and heating construction and maintenance trades.
The Plumbing and Heating Program's blend of classroom instruction, lab, and live work practice, helps students to learn the necessary skills to become a Plumbing and Heating technician. The program is fast-paced and challenging. Students should have good mechanical aptitude, strong mathematics and reading skills, and the ability to manage time productively.
Typically 50% of the training is hands-on and 50% is classroom instruction. Training includes some outdoor activities, so students need appropriate clothing for cold and wet working conditions.
To provide training through classroom instruction, demonstration, and practical application, methods for construction, installation, maintenance, service, repair, and diagnostics to construct, maintain and repair Plumbing, Heating, and Ventilation systems.
Length of Course
609 clock hours, 87 training days
January and August
8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday
Strong reading and mathmatics skills are essential to achieve top
graduation levels and the best paying jobs. For specific program entry guidelines and testing requirements in reading and mathematics, contact the Admissions Office at (800) 478-5389.
TABE tests scores for this program must be:
Reading - 555
Physical requirements of the occupation are good vision, hearing, and manual dexterity, the ability to lift and carry 50 lbs., and stoop, crawl and walk continuously. It also requires being able to work from a ladder at heights up to 30 ft. The occupation may also require working outdoors in a variety of weather and climate conditions where physical hazards may exist.
Students who wear prescription glasses are recommended to have prescription safety glasses.
Occupational levels of Plumbing & Heating: Upon successful completion of the training program, the following certificate levels are assigned based on the student’s demonstrated proficiency of the program’s competencies. Plumbing & Heating Technician, Plumbing & Heating Repairer, and Plumbing & Heating Assistant Repairer.
To achieve a Plumbing and Heating certificate, students must complete the following requirements.
Program Content Detail
Participate in school safety orientation, complete achievement tests,
obtain First Aid & CPR card, complete basic applied mathematics, participate in
resume writing and job search training, and participate in interview and
communications training. Complete OSHA 10 hour certification.
Identify and properly use common plumbing tools; install piping materials and fittings, valves, faucets and meters; correctly size, install and maintain hot and cold potable water systems; size, install and repair drain, waste, and vent systems; and read and sketch plumbing and heating prints and isometric drawings. Install, maintain and repair commercial and residential plumbing fixtures, high and standard efficiency water heaters, and appliances. Identify and describe cross-connections, select control measure to eliminate backflow hazard. Install, maintain and repair residential water well systems.
Demonstrate an understanding of basic electrical theory and proper use of test instruments; build and test motor control circuits; perform electrical tests; analyze basic series, parallel and combination resistive AC and DC circuits; sketch wiring diagram symbols; maintain and replace solenoids, pressure switches, thermostats and relays; identify, select, install and maintain common electrical control devices; demonstrate circuit construction workmanship, techniques and practices; identify, install and maintain common motors.
Demonstrate an understanding of basic thermodynamic theory and perform heat transfer calculations; install and maintain gas burning equipment; demonstrate correct piping practices and sizing, demonstrate venting practices and sizing. Identify, install, and maintain oil heat components and electrical heating equipment. Identify, install, and oil heat components and electrical heating equipment. Identify, install and service hydonic heating boilers. Install, test and maintain air humidifying and filtration systems and air distribution systems. Understand ground-source heat pump operation and installation.