Plumbing

Objectives

The Plumbing program consists of 1200 hours of instruction (73 quarter credit hours) and is available in two schedules. Both the Day and Evening sessions require twelve months for completion on the basis of approximately 25 hours of instruction per week. The terms of the program are independent of each other, thus the sequence in which they are offered to the students may vary. The Institute employs a grading system based on one hundred percent. In the Plumbing program, these percentages are: 90 to 100 (3.5-4.0) - Excellent; 80 to 89 (2.75-3.45)-Good; 75 to 79 (2.0-2.7)-Satisfactory; Below 75 (0)-Failure

This program is currently taught in a Blended format (lecture material on-line and hands-on skills on-campus) and is also offered residentially (all classes and labs on campus) at certain campuses as conditions permit. As part of their materials, students receive a device which is fully compatible with the Learning Management System (LMS) used in both delivery methods. Veterans’ Benefits are only available for the residential version of this program.

Student from either delivery method could be assigned to the same on campus lab shifts. Campus lab hours are 7-2 and 6-10. Students taking day labs in the blended program need to plan on 2-3 lab sessions per week, based on course needs. Students taking evening labs in the blended program need to plan on 3 lab sessions per week and an occasional Saturday lab from 8-2. Lab schedules will be distributed to blended students prior to the start of each term. Residential students attend M-TH 7-2.

Students will need approximately 25 hours per week for instruction (whether online or on campus), activities and simulations and for on-campus lab work, with an additional six hours per week for reading assignments and other homework activities. For Blended classes, course materials, assignments, and homework are accessible in an asynchronous format 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week through the Learning Management System (LMS).

This program covers the installation, service, and maintenance of common plumbing fixtures found in residential and commercial buildings. Additionally, the student will gain an in-depth understanding of fresh water treatment wells, well pumps, sewer system, drainage systems, and venting. The student will learn about safe material handling, pumps, and electrical grounding. The student will gain an understanding of the various piping materials as well as their use according to International Plumbing Code, International Building Code, and related National Fire Protection Association codes.

The Plumbing classrooms are equipped with the same kinds of equipment currently in use by business and industry. Students will work on fixtures, water closets, tubs, pumps and drainage systems. The different kinds of hand tools common in the field, including torches and manual and electrical pipe threaders/cutters are utilized by the students.

The maximum number of students being taught in an on-line class is fifty and the maximum in lab is twenty-five

The program provides the student with the knowledge and skills required for competent performance as an entry level Plumber. Graduates of the Plumbing program are usually hired for positions that carry titles such as field engineer or service technician (servicing equipment on the customer’s premises), Typically, these positions are found in the following industrial, commercial, or institutional firms - Gasoline Pumps; Water Supply Systems; Wells, and Well Pumps; Fixture Installations; Water Treatment Systems; Drainage Systems; Storm and Water Line Installations

Technology Requirements

For students who, under unusual circumstances, need to access the LMS using something other than their school issued device, the technology requirements are:

Microsoft: Windows 10 (Need to use Chrome Browser or Firefox - current versions as released only)
iOS Devices: Current iOS release as issued by Apple
ChromeOS: Current version of ChromeOS as released by Google
Required Software: PDF viewing software - Adobe Acrobat Reader recommended
Bandwidth: recommend minimum of 5Mbps download and 1Mbps upload as tested on www.speedtest.net

Required Instruments, Tools, Books & Supplies

There are certain tools, devices, books and supplies that students will need to successfully master the skills and information taught in their program. For the most part, this equipment consists of items that will also be used when the student graduates and begins work in the occupation for which he or she has been prepared.

The Materials Fee covers all books, tools, instruments, uniforms, supplies, and other materials that the students will receive from Porter and Chester during the course of their attendance in their program. (Any E-books issued are usually permanent once the student downloads them to their device. On-line access is usually limited to one year commencing with the day the E-book is activated. E-book access limits are based on publisher requirements and not within PCI’s control. E-book license limits are subject to change by the publisher without notice.) The amount of this fee is specified at the time the student submits his or her application. Even if costs increase, or instructors add items to the required course materials, students will never pay more than the fee specified in their Enrollment Agreement.

When a Blended delivery method is used, all courses are delivered in a blended format, with lecture and hands-on components taught on-campus and on-line, except ** designates a course offered fully online. When a residential delivery method is used, all courses are taught on-campus.