Plumbing Apprenticeship

Combine Education with Earning Opportunities for an In-Demand Career as a Plumber

Plumbing instructor working with student

Program Overview

Ready to forge a successful career in a rapidly growing trade? The Plumbing Apprenticeship program at College of Western Idaho (CWI) is your key to becoming a skilled plumber. This program combines the 'earn while you learn' model with rigorous training that aligns with Idaho's industry requirements, paving your way toward professional journeyman certification.

You will dive into both practical and theoretical aspects of plumbing, including installation, maintenance, and understanding of plumbing codes. The unique blend of on-the-job training and classroom instruction ensures you gain the comprehensive skills needed in today's plumbing industry. From learning the technicalities of the trade to mastering job site professionalism, this program prepares you to excel in various plumbing settings.

Degree or Certificate Type

Certificate

Cost

$1,295

Additional cost may apply.

Primary Location

Plumbing instructor and student examining a water heater

Learning Opportunities

  • Installation & Maintenance Skills: Acquire hands-on experience in plumbing installation and maintenance.
  • Plumbing Codes & Regulations: Learn to interpret and apply plumbing codes, a crucial skill for professional practice.
  • Blueprint Reading & Interpretation: Develop the ability to read and understand plumbing blueprints and diagrams.
  • Real-World Experience: Gain invaluable on-the-job training in a real-world plumbing environment.
  • Pathway to Certification: Equip yourself for Idaho's journeyman plumbing certification exams and professional growth in the trade.

Area of Study

Degrees & Certificates

Certificate of Completion

 

 

Cert

  • Program Cost

    The cost of the Plumbing Apprenticeship program is $350 per quarter or $1,295 for the full series. 

    Beyond the annual enrollment fee, students should anticipate additional expenses for course materials required throughout the program.

    • Course material fees vary by year.
    • Class costs and fees are subject to change without notice.

    View Course Materials List

    • Payment Options

      Students in the Plumbing Apprenticeship program have several payment options:

      • Pay for a year series (A, B, C, & D) in full at the time of registration at the discounted price of $1,295.
      • Pay for each of the four, 8-week sessions (A, B, C, & D) individually for $350 a session.
      • Visit Financial Information to learn more about available payments options. 
    Plumber working under sink pointing out problems to home owners

    Career Opportunities

    • Maintenance and Repair Workers, General

      Perform work involving the skills of two or more maintenance or craft occupations to keep machines, mechanical equipment, or the structure of a building in repair. Duties may involve pipe fitting; HVAC maintenance; insulating; welding; machining; carpentry; repairing electrical or mechanical equipment; installing, aligning, and balancing new equipment; and repairing buildings, floors, or stairs. Excludes “Facilities Managers” (11-3013) and “Maintenance Workers, Machinery” (49-9043).

      135

      Annual Openings*

      $17.97

      Hourly Median Wage*

      $37,378

      Annual Median Salary

      21.69%

      Growth (2021 – 2031)*

    • First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers

      Directly supervise and coordinate activities of construction or extraction workers.

      47

      Annual Openings*

      $28.49

      Hourly Median Wage*

      $59,259

      Annual Median Salary

      28.31%

      Growth (2021 – 2031)*

    • Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

      Assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases. May install heating and cooling equipment and mechanical control systems. Includes sprinkler fitters.

      28

      Annual Openings*

      $22.90

      Hourly Median Wage*

      $47,632

      Annual Median Salary

      38.08%

      Growth (2021 – 2031)*

    • Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners

      Clean and repair septic tanks, sewer lines, or drains. May patch walls and partitions of tank, replace damaged drain tile, or repair breaks in underground piping.

      2

      Annual Openings*

      $18.59

      Hourly Median Wage*

      $38,667

      Annual Median Salary

      30.54%

      Growth (2021 – 2031)*

    • Pipelayers

      Lay pipe for storm or sanitation sewers, drains, and water mains. Perform any combination of the following tasks: grade trenches or culverts, position pipe, or seal joints. Excludes “Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers” (51-4121).

      N/A

      Annual Openings*

      $19.07

      Hourly Median Wage*

      $39,666

      Annual Median Salary

      N/A

      Growth (2021 - 2031)*

    • Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

      Help plumbers, pipefitters, steamfitters, or pipelayers by performing duties requiring less skill. Duties include using, supplying, or holding materials or tools, and cleaning work area and equipment. Construction laborers who do not primarily assist plumbers, pipefitters, steamfitters, or pipelayers are classified under “Construction Laborers” (47-2061). Apprentice workers are classified with the appropriate skilled construction trade occupation (47-2011 through 47-2231).

      N/A

      Annual Openings*

      $16.39

      Hourly Median Wage*

      $34,091

      Annual Median Salary

      N/A

      Growth (2021 - 2031)*

    Load more

    *Data sourced from Lightcast™ (2023), a global leader in labor market analytics, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data.

    Registration

    Step 1

    • Choose your desired Plumbing Apprenticeship course, then Add to Cart.
    • Courses are added throughout the year. If your desired course is not listed, check back or request more information to learn more.

    Step 2

    • Create a new profile, or sign in with your existing username and password if prompted.
    • Complete checkout.
    Get Started

    News

    Explore in-demand careers and training available through College of Western Idaho’s Workforce Development Electrical, HVAC, and Plumbing Apprenticeship programs!

    Read more about Learn About In-Demand Careers at Apprenticeship Open House

    First-year HVAC, Electrical, and Plumbing apprentice students get a head start with newly-developed online orientations.

    Read more about Trades Program Orientations Now Available Online

    CWI Apprenticeship programs honored during annual Career and Technical Education conference.

    Read more about Apprenticeship Programs Receive Statewide Award

    Plumbing graduates gathered to celebrate their accomplishments this past week at a dinner held in their honor.

    Read more about Plumbing Apprenticeship Program Celebrates Graduates

    Meet Andy Sifford, a student in his third year of College of Western Idaho’s Plumbing Apprenticeship Program.

    Read more about Life-Changing Career Choice

    College of Western Idaho (CWI) is working to change how and where apprenticeships are made available. 

    Read more about Apprenticeship Opportunities Expanding

    Steve Bennett, program coordinator for CWI’s Plumbing Apprentice program, has been named Faculty of Distinction for May.

    Read more about May Faculty Honor Bestowed on Bennett

    On April 8, seven students in the CWI Plumbing Apprentice program were recognized for completing the four-year program.

    Read more about Plumbing Apprentice Program Celebrates Graduates

    This semester, enrollment in CWI's apprenticeship programs is the highest in five years with total enrollment reaching 452 students.

    Read more about Apprentice Enrollment Highest Since 2010 at CWI
    View all news

    Request More Information

    Please complete the following

    Connect With Us

    Ready to get started? Our team looks forward to assisting you!