Current Program

The Plumbing Technology program provides students with the opportunity to master skills required for success in the plumbing trade. Both an A.A. degree (designed for evening students interested in plumbing installation, repair or sales) and an A.S. degree are offered. The program includes a review of basic math skills and an introduction to hand tools, materials, and blueprint reading. Skills are taught from the very basic to advanced and include elements such as safety, pipe sizing and calculations, estimating, codes and ordinances, installation and maintenance, and a thorough study of backflow prevention devices. Students enroll in Plumbing Technology courses to obtain a degree or a certificate, for retraining or upgrading job skills, and to pursue a high-paying career in the industry. Several factors have affected the program in the last few years, including changing economic conditions, changes in students' basic skill levels, changes in technology and the increasing use of technology. Changes in the Plumbing Code every three years also affect course offerings.

Degrees and Certificates - An Associate in Science degree and a Certificate of Completion in Plumbing are offered, as well as an Associate in Arts degree in Construction Technology - Plumbing.

Personnel - Two full-time faculty and three part-time faculty teach in the program now.

Teaching Methodologies - Lecture and lab are the primary teaching methods used in the program today, with some lecture/lab, lecture/demonstration and computerized instruction (with Internet access) included.

Technology - No online courses or distance education technology is used at this time.

Equipment - A VHS player and pipe machines are in need of repair, and a wooden house mock-up needs to be rebuilt. Pipe threading machines need to be replaced.

Facilities - Facilities are generally old but adequate for instruction; they need good maintenance and air conditioning. The lab could be larger.

Future Program

In the future, several factors will likely affect the program, including changing technology, student academic preparation, college recruitment strategies, and the increase in the Computer Aided Drafting program and classes. It is expected that in the mid term (five years) and long term (ten years), enrollment in Plumbing Technology classes will increase at the same rate as overall college enrollment, as economic conditions are requiring higher levels of education to get the best paying jobs. See Program Projections.

Degrees and Certificates - No changes in degrees or certificates are planned.

Personnel - See Projected Faculty and Staff Needs.

Teaching Methodologies - It will be possible to put hands-on portions of laboratory instruction on digital video or DVD in the future, and this will likely have some effect on teaching methods used in the classroom.

Technology - While new technology will aid instruction in the classroom, online courses or distance education will probably not be a result, as students need hands-on practice with instructors. Internet access to plumbing supply house pricing guides would be very useful in the classroom.

Equipment - In the mid term, a VHS player and pipe machines are in need of repair, and a wooden house mock-up needs to be rebuilt. Pipe threading machines need to be replaced

Facilities - The lab needs to be updated and enlarged.

Staff Development - Staff Development instruction that would be useful includes web page design, online teaching techniques, and creating digital lessons (other than PowerPoint).

Special Recommendation

The department should explore new methods of instructional delivery to provide more opportunities for students to access the program, including offering more convenient class times and moving to larger lecture classes with smaller labs.