Are you in search of the best plumbing schools in Florida? Search no more; we’ve got you covered.
This article fully reviews the best plumbing schools in Florida, including the requirements, cost & how to apply to these schools.
As a plumber, you would install piping fixtures and systems and repair and maintain them. This could include work in bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas where piping is present in residential, industrial, governmental, and commercial settings.
There are numerous job opportunities for plumbers in Florida and across the country, and this occupation pays well, considering that professionals typically begin their careers through on-the-job training.
Keep reading to find out the best plumbing schools you can find in Florida.
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Are there Plumbing Schools in Florida?
There are many plumbing schools in Florida. Some of these plumbing schools include:
- Fort Myers Technical College
- South Florida Institute of Technology
- Florida Technical College
- Santa F.E.F.E. College
- Miami- Dade County Public Schools Technical Colleges
- Seminole State College
- Sheridan Technical College
- Florida Community College
- Suncoast Technical College
- Pensacola State College
- Florida International Training Institute
- The College of The Florida Keys
How Does One Become A Plumber in Florida?
With a high school diploma or G.E.D.G.E.D., you can work as a plumber. Although vocational and technical schools offer programs, they are not required to start working in this position.
These programs can teach you how to design pipe systems, use tools, weld, and other related topics.
An apprenticeship as a form of on-the-job training is the most common way to become a plumber.
These paid apprenticeships typically include 2,000 hours of training and technical instruction over four to five years.
Investigate apprenticeship training programs ahead of time. Some require welding courses before you begin, while others may include technical instruction that you would receive in a separate training course.
Also, apprenticeships are sometimes offered as part of a career or technical school.
To work as a plumber in Florida, you must obtain a license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, which requires four years of work experience or a combination of education and experience.
You must pass an exam. You’ll also need insurance, such as property damage, public liability, and worker’s compensation.
You can improve your job prospects by obtaining certification in specific plumbing specialties. There are also different licensing levels, and as you gain experience, you can advance from an apprentice to a journeyman to a master plumber.
What are the Best Plumbing Schools in Florida?
After thorough research, rankings, reviews, and value offers, we have curated a list of the best plumbing schools in Florida, including the requirements, cost & how to apply.
Below are the best plumbing schools in the state of Florida:
1. Fort Myers Technical College
The Plumbing program combines classroom instruction with shop experience using cutting-edge equipment, emphasizing the working skills required to become residential, commercial, and industrial plumbers.
All phases of assembly, installation, and repair of pipes, fixtures, and fittings used for water distribution and waste disposal in residences, public buildings, and industrial buildings in accordance with local plumbing codes are covered in the classroom and on the job.
The emphasis is on safety, using tools and equipment, installing and repairing residential plumbing pipes, fittings, and fixtures, and installing and repairing water and drainage systems per plumbing codes.
The interpretation of schedules and specifications for installing water supply networks and sewage and waste drainage systems is also covered.
The laboratory activities are an essential component of this program. This laboratory’s tools, equipment, materials, and processes are similar to those used in industry.
2. South Florida Institute of Technology
This program is intended to provide students with the skills and knowledge required to work in the plumbing industry.
Graduates will be prepared to face the ongoing challenges of their profession and will be able to advance in their organizations.
This program will cover fundamental topics such as Administration, Business, Communications, Plumbing Knowledge, Fixtures and Faucets, Water Supply Systems, Water Heating, Drain, Waste, and Vent Systems, System Sizing, Gas, and Troubleshooting, as well as the essential tool known as Computer Drafting.
It is also designed to understand the State of Florida Code requirements thoroughly.
Additionally, the student must have a high school diploma or an equivalent qualification (G.E.D.).
Students who do not have a high school diploma or have not passed the General Education Development (G.E.D.) Test but are over the compulsory age of education in Florida and have demonstrated an ability to benefit (ATB) from the training provided must pass the ATB exam with a minimum score of 14/50 on the Scholastic Level IV entrance exam.
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3. Florida Technical College
The practice of these skills is expected in a real plumbing school classroom. Rolling up your sleeves and doing the work, using the tools, and applying what your instructors have taught you is part of the curriculum.
You cannot take advantage of it when learning a skilled trade online.
You can learn hands-on plumbing skills at Florida Technical College that will prepare you for apprenticeships, entry-level jobs, on-the-job training, and certification exams.
The plumbing diploma program is offered at the Kissimmee campus, which is centrally located and provides easy access to the entire Orlando metro area.
4. Santa F.E College
Due to a recent shortage of skilled plumbers in the area, Santa Fe College has collaborated with industry leaders to create a one-year Plumbing Technology program.
Students who complete this program will be able to enter the plumbing industry with the knowledge they need to be successful.
This vocational certificate program will prepare students to enter the plumbing industry. The program will require participants to demonstrate knowledge of both commercial and residential plumbing practices.
Safety, tools, plumbing codes, trade mathematics, construction drawings, isometric drawings, specifications, and employability will all be covered. Students should feel confident starting their careers after completing this program.
Scholarships are also available for women studying plumbing technology full-time at Santa Fe College. Tuition, lab fees, and books are all covered by the funds.
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5. Miami- Dade County Public Schools Technical Colleges
The programs in this cluster are designed to prepare students for jobs or advanced training in various pipe occupations.
The topics covered include reading construction documents, comprehending building codes in the pipe trades, plumbing pipe-cutting, joining skills, and plumbing layout and installation.
The total length of the program is 1080 hours. Specific Adult Education Centers do not provide all program components.
The program can be completed entirely at a technical college. Students can earn a certificate by completing the Occupational Completion Points listed below (OCPs)
This program provides a solid foundation for installing pipes and fixtures, studying blueprints and adhering to state and local building codes, replacing worn parts, and much more.
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6. Seminole State College
Plumbing is more than just pipes and valves. Building maintenance and repair in existing structures, as well as new construction, are driving demand for skilled plumbers who understand building codes, construction documents, problem-solving, and other aspects.
With this occupation-specific certificate, you will learn the tools of the trade as well as the technical knowledge needed to land a job in this in-demand field.
7. Sheridan Technical College
This program emphasizes plumbing training for residential, commercial, and industrial systems. Soldering, blueprint reading, pipe cutting/joining, and interpreting national and local plumbing codes will be taught to students.
In addition, students will thoroughly understand all aspects of the plumbing industry’s planning, management, finance, technical, and production skills, as well as the underlying principles of technology, labor issues, community issues, and health, safety, and environmental concerns.
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8. Florida Community College
Florida can be a nervous state when it comes to water and sewage. The population is growing rapidly, new construction is regularly occurring, and the geography is vulnerable.
As a result, there has never been a greater demand for skilled plumbers who can install, repair, or service water supply and waste systems.
The Plumbing Management program at Florida Community College addresses an industry need by preparing you for entry-level positions and advancing to management.
Your coursework combines general education classes like language and math with practical experience and professional plumbing technology courses. You’ll be prepared to work for a contractor or start your own business when you graduate.
This degree program includes two technical certificate options: plumber technician and assistant.
Additionally, students can pursue an A.A.S.A.S. degree while earning technical certificates, or they can follow one or more certificate programs to develop or upgrade their skills in a specific field.
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9. Suncoast Technical College
Plumbing is an excellent choice if you want a career that is always in demand, with good pay and plenty of room for advancement.
The Plumbing program will teach you everything you need to know to begin your new career as a professional plumber.
You’ll learn how to diagnose and repair a wide range of plumbing issues, satisfy customers, and keep your community running smoothly.
Thanks to high-quality training, you’ll be prepared for whatever comes your way as a plumber.
What to Expect:
- Learn how to draw diagrams and interpret blueprints.
- Experiment with plumbing assembly.
- Attend guest lectures from local plumbing company representatives and other industry experts.
- Learn about state codes, requirements, and the design and installation of plumbing systems.
- Learn soldering, system layout, and assembly in all types of plumbing, including cast iron, pipe sketching, and pipe threading.
- Water heaters, pumps, treatment, septic tanks, community water, fixtures, faucets, valves, and other appliances are all covered.
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10. Pensacola State College
By emphasizing broad, transferable skills and an understanding of all aspects of the plumbing industry, this program prepares students for employment or advanced training in various pipe occupations.
Topics covered include pipe fitting, plumbing tools, valve types, DWV (drains, waste, and venting), and potable water treatment, all leading to entry-level positions in the plumbing industry.
The curriculum adheres to the guidelines of the National Center for Construction Education and Research (N.C.C.E.R.) and leads to Level 1-4 certification.
You must have basic entry-level math, reading, and language skills to complete this program.
11. Florida International Training Institute
The Maintenance Plumbing Technician Program prepares students for entry-level plumbing technician positions.
This program provides theoretical and hands-on training in plumbing technology, construction, maintenance, and repair, preparing students to compete in the job market.
This is a skill-oriented program in which the student will learn the fundamentals of plumbing, plumbing tools, types of valves, drains, waste, venting, installation of plumbing systems, pipefitting systems, etc.
Also, students will learn the craft of maintaining and repairing various types of pipe systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings; basic and advanced plumbing calculations; sources and treatment of public, private, and individual gas and water systems; heating; and cross connection protection, among other topics.
In addition, related training will include basic electricity and plumbing troubleshooting.
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12. The College of The Florida Keys
The Plumbing Apprenticeship program trains students to work as residential or commercial plumbers.
Apprentices work full-time (paid with raises). Classes are provided at no cost, and on-the-job training is completed during the workday.
Graduates of the program receive “journeyman” status as well as state and national credentials, putting them in a good position for a successful career in a growing job market.
Apprentices must complete 8,004 hours of on-the-job training (OJT) and 576 hours of supplemental classroom instruction.
The apprentice will receive a four-level certification from the National Center for Construction Education and Research (N.C.C.E.R.) and a nationally recognized Completion of Apprenticeship certificate from the State of Florida upon completing the program.
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How Long are Plumbing Schools in Florida?
Gaining a Journeyman Plumber License in Florida necessitates at least 8,000 hours of work experience or four years of education.
Candidates can apply to take the master plumber exam after working as a journeyman for an entire year.
Every educational institution offers a variety of programs for a specific timeframe, but four years is the typical duration.
This four-year practical course will give you the fundamental plumbing knowledge you need to start your career in one of the most vital sectors of the global economy.
How Much are Plumbing Schools in Florida?
Different regions and schools have different tuition and fees. It will also depend on the kind of school, how many classes, and how long the course is.
The price of more extended programs and colleges that grant degrees will be higher than that of a single class or a certificate program.
For a single class, continuing education, and 4- to 6-week programs inside the state, you can anticipate paying between $200 and $800. Costs for typical courses range from $2,000 to $6,000.
Your costs will be higher if you’re going to school at a college or university or are working toward a degree. For in-state residents, the majority of degree-granting courses cost around $25,000.
How Much Do Plumbers Make in Florida?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (B.L.S) projects a 14 percent increase in plumber employment between 2018 and 2028.
Since this growth rate is thought to be much faster than the average for all occupations, more opportunities in the field are anticipated in the upcoming years.
Indeed, the typical plumber’s salary in Florida is $20.41 per hour or $42,617 annually.
This is less than the country as a whole. A plumber may also expect to receive overtime pay.
Conclusion
According to the B.L.S, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning contractors employ most plumbers.
Some people work for themselves or employers in the manufacturing, government, or construction industries.
The work is typically full-time, but it can also be on-call and may require being available on the weekends and evenings in case of a piping emergency.
Being a plumber in Florida might offer you good employment opportunities in a stable industry. You can begin as an apprentice by completing a training course or receiving on-the-job training.
I hope you find this article helpful.
F.A.Q.s
What is the highest degree of plumbing in Florida?
There are numerous levels of plumbing degrees. The highest degree in plumbing, a, is offered by schools as part of their plumbing and water supply programs.
Is there a demand for plumbers in Florida?
In Florida, plumbing careers are becoming more prevalent. Everybody eventually needs a plumber.Â
Plumbing is a system that needs to be installed and occasionally fixed in every home, apartment, and commercial building. That implies that plumbers are always in demand, regardless of the state of the economy.
What is the hourly rate for a plumber in Florida?
In Florida, a plumber earns an average hourly wage of $24.09 and an additional $6,750 per year in overtime.
Is becoming a plumber in Florida worth it?
Yes. A fantastic and uncommon opportunity is getting paid while you learn. When you advance to the level of independent employment, you can manage your truck and make your hours.