Plumber
Plumbers fix and put in new pipes to make water, steam, and air systems work well. They study blueprints first to see what the current structure looks like. Once they have figured that out, they cut holes into the walls, ceilings and wherever else pipes need to go. They use tools to bend the pipes into the shape it needs to be in to fit the space. Finally, they install the pipes into the system.
Another related type of construction work deals with heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration systems. This is called "HVAC" for short. Workers learn how air-conditioning systems, heat pumps, furnaces, refrigerators, and cold rooms operate. They are taught how to repair these types of equipment both for homes and commercial businesses.
Entry-level skills: High school diploma or GED; manual dexterity; ability to follow verbal and written instructions; specific training in trade through apprenticeship
Apprenticeship information
Plumbing and HVAC
Pennsylvania Apprentice Coordinators Association (Philadelphia-left column)
TOP/WIIN (for women)
Associate Degrees
Plumbing & Heating
Orleans Technical Institute
HVAC
Orleans Technical Institute
Lincoln Technical Institute
Construction Management
Community College of Philadelphia
Bachelor Degrees
Click here for information on four-year colleges and universities in Philadelphia.
