Take your apprenticeship to the next level with an AAS. Your Apprenticeship training, in the field and classroom, can now be paired with general education courses at College of Western Idaho (CWI)...
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Registration and Start Dates
- June start - Distance (completely online) is open for registration for years 2, 3, and 4 (no year 1 June start)
- Fall Classes - begin the week of September 13, 2021.
- January start - Distance (completely online) will open for registration in October
A first year mandatory orientation is required for Hybrid classes only and you can view it on the Plumbing Apprenticeship Online Orientation page. It has some good information and any student can look at it.
If a student who has enrolled in a CWI Apprentice course elects to withdraw from the course within the first 10-business days of class, the student will be financially liable for a $25 drop fee which will be applied to the student’s account. In addition, if the student set up a tuition payment plan with the College, they will remain financially liable for an administrative payment plan set-up fee not to exceed $50.
Overview
The Plumbing trade is growing and the College of Western Idaho Plumbing Apprenticeship Program is your key to starting a rewarding career in a field that is increasingly in need of trained and licensed technicians, installers, and trouble shooters.
The Plumbing Apprenticeship Program at CWI is a four year program that will take you from the basics to being prepared to take the Journeyman’s test.
You will learn from industry experts in the classroom in concert with employment in the Plumbing field for on-the-job training while earning a living. The schooling teaches the how’s and why’s of plumbing theory, the Uniform Plumbing Code, Idaho Plumbing Code, residential and commercial installations, blueprint reading and estimating, job safety, plumbing repairs, and much more.
You have two options for your Plumbing Apprenticeship program through CWI
- Hybrid (In-Class and Online) - Course content is delivered online and in-class with lab access. Class attendance is required one evening per week.
- Online - 100% of the course material is delivered over the Internet via an instructor led course. This does require a motivated individual to dedicate time and stay current with the materials.
Both options prepare you for the same required tests to become a licensed plumber.
You will have 576 hours of classroom (in-class or online) training along with 8,000 hours of on-the-job experience during the four year program.
Be prepared to work in these areas of the plumbing industry:
- Residential
- Commercial
- Industrial
Registration for the hybrid program (in-class and online) is open every year from July through September and is based on first come, first serve. So mark your calendars and register as soon as you can. We also have multiple start dates for the "online only" Plumbing Apprenticeship programs. The start dates are in January, June and October. Just like in the hybrid program, enroll early to make sure you are setup for success.
Mission
Workforce Development at College of Western Idaho (CWI) provides you high-quality, short-term training to boost your job skills, acquire new career skills, and earn the certificates you need. Take as many classes as you want in our short-term, credit free classes with no applications, no transcripts, and no hassle. Just sign up and watch your career take off.
Classes are offered at a variety of locations throughout western Idaho that are taught by knowledgeable professionals with years of experience in the topics they teach.
What You Will Learn to Do
- Safety
- Tools of the trade
- Math
- Blueprint reading
- Plumbing theory
- Plumbing vocabulary and terms
- Fittings
- Piping methods
- Materials
- Hydronics
- Boilers
- Sizing
- Venting of gas piping
- Service and trouble-shooting
- Uniform Plumbing Code requirements
- Hands-on training in a lab setting
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Respectful Community
The College of Western Idaho is committed to maintaining a Respectful Community by providing equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate in services, benefits, or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, veteran status, age, or any other legally protected status. More on Title IX
News and Blogs
First-year HVAC, Electrical, and Plumbing apprentice students get a head start with newly-developed online orientations.
CWI Apprenticeship programs honored during annual Career and Technical Education conference.
Plumbing graduates gathered to celebrate their accomplishments this past week at a dinner held in their honor.
Meet Andy Sifford, a student in his third year of College of Western Idaho’s Plumbing Apprenticeship Program.
College of Western Idaho (CWI) is working to change how and where apprenticeships are made available.
Steve Bennett, program coordinator for CWI’s Plumbing Apprentice program, has been named Faculty of Distinction for May.