Plumbing Technology

Effective: Fall 2024
Associate in Science Program Map

This apprenticeship program map for the 2024-2025 catalog year provides an overview of the required courses.You must be accepted into the apprenticeship by the Program Sponsor.

Apprenticeship Programs at Chabot College are an excellent way to earn a certificate and/or an associate degree while also gaining real-world, paid work experience in the occupation. The requirements and expectations vary depending on the apprenticeship program. Classes also vary by program, with some offered in person, online or off-campus.

I'm ready to get started.What do I do next?

  1. Apply to be an apprentice for the program you are interested in www.chabotcollege.edu / academics / apprenticeship
  2. Meet with a Chabot College counselor to review and plan general education courses (for associate degree programs only) www.chabotcollege.edu / counseling
Program Description

Plumbers install or repair water supply lines, drainage systems and gas systems in a variety of construction work environments. Plumber’s measure, cut and install plastic, copper, steel, and cast iron pipe. In the rough-in phase, plumbers may attach or hang pipes for connection to fixtures. In the trim-out phase, they may install sinks, toilets, and appliances.

The Associated Builders and Contractors San Diego (ABCSD) apprenticeship program is a state and federally-recognized construction training program. Apprenticeship Career and Technical Education (CTE) combines paid on-the-job training and work experience with formal classroom instruction. Apprentices are employed by a company where they receive hands-on training, and attend classes in the evening to study theory and participate in hands-on technical training.

For more information about apprenticeship programs, including Plumbing Technology, please see: www.chabotcollege.edu/academics/apprenticeship/


What can I do with this major?

All Apprentices start off with an hourly wage (based on the prevailing wage in the county in which the work is performed) and in some cases, a fringe benefit package and the wages increase based on advancement within the program.

Upon completion of the apprenticeship program, the graduate may be employed at the journey level by contractors. The median California wage for exiting students is $80,401 (2022 LMI data), and the median hour wage for plumbers/pipefitters is $37 (Bay Area 2022 LMI data).


Learning and Career Pathway

    Icon Key

    = Critical Course = Prerequisite for Other Courses = Prerequisite Required = Required for Major GE = General Education

    PLPF 9795 is a work experience course that may be taken each term for the apprentice to receive credit for working.

    Semester 1

    4 units

    PLPF 9701
    Introduction to Plumbing I

    3 units
    This course is designed to give the plumbing/pipefitting student introductory information regarding OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) standards of safety and precautions for working on the construction site; a review of math as it relates to plumbing, hand and power tool usage, basic plumbing blueprint reading, welding and basic rigging. This course is designed for students planning a career in the plumbing/pipefitting trade. Student must be a registered State indentured apprentice.
    Course Details:

    PLPF 9795
    Occupational Work Experience - Plumbing/Pipefitting

    1 unit
    College supervised on-the-job training. Apprenticeship work experience in an occupation related to student’s apprenticeship program. Cooperative effort of the work supervisor, student, Joint Apprenticeship Training Council (JATC) or Program Sponsor, and instructor to achieve work-based learning objectives. Students must be enrolled in an apprenticeship program. Within the academic term, students must complete 54 hours of paid or non-paid work for 1.00 unit. Students can earn a maximum of 14 units of Work Experience.
    Course Details:

    Semester 2

    4 units

    PLPF 9702
    Introduction to Plumbing II

    3 units
    This course is designed to give the plumbing/pipefitting student an introduction to reading and interpreting the International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials (IAMPO) uniform plumbing codes and residential plumbing drawings, identifying various types of pipe and the procedures for working with the pipe. This course also includes identification of various plumbing lines and their components. This course is designed for students planning a career in the plumbing trade. Student must be a registered State indentured apprentice.
    Course Details:

    PLPF 9795
    Occupational Work Experience - Plumbing/Pipefitting

    1 unit
    College supervised on-the-job training. Apprenticeship work experience in an occupation related to student’s apprenticeship program. Cooperative effort of the work supervisor, student, Joint Apprenticeship Training Council (JATC) or Program Sponsor, and instructor to achieve work-based learning objectives. Students must be enrolled in an apprenticeship program. Within the academic term, students must complete 54 hours of paid or non-paid work for 1.00 unit. Students can earn a maximum of 14 units of Work Experience.
    Course Details:

    Semester 3

    4 units

    PLPF 9703
    Intermediate Plumbing I

    3 units
    This course is designed to give the plumbing/pipefitting student an introduction to reading and interpreting the International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials (IAMPO) uniform plumbing codes and residential plumbing drawings, identifying various types of pipe and the procedures for working with the pipe. This course also includes identification of various plumbing lines and their components. This course is designed for students planning a career in the plumbing trade. Student must be a registered State indentured apprentice.
    Course Details:

    PLPF 9795
    Occupational Work Experience - Plumbing/Pipefitting

    1 unit
    College supervised on-the-job training. Apprenticeship work experience in an occupation related to student’s apprenticeship program. Cooperative effort of the work supervisor, student, Joint Apprenticeship Training Council (JATC) or Program Sponsor, and instructor to achieve work-based learning objectives. Students must be enrolled in an apprenticeship program. Within the academic term, students must complete 54 hours of paid or non-paid work for 1.00 unit. Students can earn a maximum of 14 units of Work Experience.
    Course Details:

    Semester 4

    4 units

    PLPF 9704
    Intermediate Plumbing II

    3 units
    This course is designed to give the intermediate plumbing/pipefitting student the ability to perform testing of water supply piping and systems, installation of the components of a water supply system, and the ability to read and interpret commercial plumbing drawings for project requirements according to local and national codes. The application of advanced trade math concepts is further developed. This course is designed for students planning a career in the plumbing trade. Student must be a registered State indentured apprentice
    Course Details:

    PLPF 9795
    Occupational Work Experience - Plumbing/Pipefitting

    1 unit
    College supervised on-the-job training. Apprenticeship work experience in an occupation related to student’s apprenticeship program. Cooperative effort of the work supervisor, student, Joint Apprenticeship Training Council (JATC) or Program Sponsor, and instructor to achieve work-based learning objectives. Students must be enrolled in an apprenticeship program. Within the academic term, students must complete 54 hours of paid or non-paid work for 1.00 unit. Students can earn a maximum of 14 units of Work Experience.
    Course Details:

    Semester 5

    4 units

    PLPF 9705
    Advanced Plumbing I

    3 units
    This course is designed to provide the advanced pipefitting/pipefitting student with the ability to perform applications of advanced math for plumbers and methods of handling waste. This course also provides information relating to water softening measures, methods of locating buried lines, the installation and maintenance of waste pressure booster systems, and the prevention of backflow. This course is designed for students planning a career in the plumbing/pipefitting trade. Student must be a registered State indentured apprentice.
    Course Details:

    PLPF 9795
    Occupational Work Experience - Plumbing/Pipefitting

    1 unit
    College supervised on-the-job training. Apprenticeship work experience in an occupation related to student’s apprenticeship program. Cooperative effort of the work supervisor, student, Joint Apprenticeship Training Council (JATC) or Program Sponsor, and instructor to achieve work-based learning objectives. Students must be enrolled in an apprenticeship program. Within the academic term, students must complete 54 hours of paid or non-paid work for 1.00 unit. Students can earn a maximum of 14 units of Work Experience.
    Course Details:

    Semester 6

    4 units

    PLPF 9706
    Advanced Plumbing II

    3 units
    This course is designed to provide the advanced plumbing/pipefitting student with the ability to organize job tasks, clean and disinfect potable water systems, thaw frozen pipes, and install main to meter water services and solar systems. This course also covers the ability to rough-in fixtures for residential, commercial and handicapped settings and install natural gas. This course is designed for students planning a career in the plumbing/pipefitting trade. Student must be a registered State indentured apprentice.
    Course Details:

    PLPF 9795
    Occupational Work Experience - Plumbing/Pipefitting

    1 unit
    College supervised on-the-job training. Apprenticeship work experience in an occupation related to student’s apprenticeship program. Cooperative effort of the work supervisor, student, Joint Apprenticeship Training Council (JATC) or Program Sponsor, and instructor to achieve work-based learning objectives. Students must be enrolled in an apprenticeship program. Within the academic term, students must complete 54 hours of paid or non-paid work for 1.00 unit. Students can earn a maximum of 14 units of Work Experience.
    Course Details:

    Semester 7

    4 units

    PLPF 9707
    Plumbing Construction Specialties I

    3 units
    This course is designed to introduce the plumbing student to specialty topics such as swimming pool installation, medical gas systems, mobile home and mobile home park plumbing systems, and private water waste and treatment systems. This course is designed for students planning a career in the plumbing trade. Student must be a registered State indentured apprentice.
    Course Details:

    PLPF 9795
    Occupational Work Experience - Plumbing/Pipefitting

    1 unit
    College supervised on-the-job training. Apprenticeship work experience in an occupation related to student’s apprenticeship program. Cooperative effort of the work supervisor, student, Joint Apprenticeship Training Council (JATC) or Program Sponsor, and instructor to achieve work-based learning objectives. Students must be enrolled in an apprenticeship program. Within the academic term, students must complete 54 hours of paid or non-paid work for 1.00 unit. Students can earn a maximum of 14 units of Work Experience.
    Course Details:

    Semester 8

    4 units

    PLPF 9708
    Plumbing Construction Specialties II

    3 units
    This course is designed to prepare the advanced plumbing student to apply plumbing codes to correctly design and build plumbing systems. Primary topics include coverage of codes pertaining to plumbing fixtures and fittings, water heaters and fuel piping, drainage, waste and vent systems, sewage and reclaimed water systems, sizing and standards, shielded metal arc welding and alternate plumbing systems. This course is designed for students planning a career in the plumbing trade. Student must be a registered State indentured apprentice.
    Course Details:

    PLPF 9795
    Occupational Work Experience - Plumbing/Pipefitting

    1 unit
    College supervised on-the-job training. Apprenticeship work experience in an occupation related to student’s apprenticeship program. Cooperative effort of the work supervisor, student, Joint Apprenticeship Training Council (JATC) or Program Sponsor, and instructor to achieve work-based learning objectives. Students must be enrolled in an apprenticeship program. Within the academic term, students must complete 54 hours of paid or non-paid work for 1.00 unit. Students can earn a maximum of 14 units of Work Experience.
    Course Details:

    General Education Requirements

    23 units

    Students may earn an AA or AS degree at Chabot with completion of any one of the following general education patterns:

    • Local AS pattern
    • CSU General Education Breadth pattern
    • IGETC General Education pattern

    See the general education course lists: https://www.chabotcollege.edu/counseling/transfer/ge-requirement-transfer-archive.php

    It is recommended that all students meet with a Chabot College counselor to review and create an individualized student education plan. See the Counseling Department webpage for information on how to speak with a counselor: www.chabotcollege.edu/counseling.

    Other (specify)

    5 units

    Elective units may be needed to reach the 60 units required for an Associate's Degree. Please see a counselor for assistance in selecting elective units. 

    Total Units: 60 units