Building a Career for the Future
Plumbing |
HVAC |
Plumbing training can offer you the opportunity to pursue a future in an in-demand, practical career field. If you love working with your hands and enjoy challenging work, becoming a plumber could be a sound career choice for you. Plumbing has a massive effect on the day-to-day functioning of today's society—probably more than most people realize. For example, plumbers help design the inner workings and placement of pipes within houses, make it possible to cook with a gas oven, create safe ways to utilize the power of highly pressurized steam in the manufacturing industry, and even deliver clean oxygen to hospital patients. Plumbing is also one of the most attractive sectors of the skilled trades industry thanks to the good pay, varied work, and potential for advancement. However, it takes plenty of training, commitment, and hard work to make it in the plumbing field. |
HVAC careers are a sensible choice because people require the indoor comfort of temperatures that are between the extremes of hot and cold. That means there are always homes and businesses that need the expert attention of HVAC technicians. And when you add in the need for proper ventilation and refrigeration, it's easy to understand why graduates of HVAC programs often have careers with long-term stability. Air quality and temperature control are essential to our health and modern lifestyles, and energy conservation and alternative play larger and large role in the HVAC trade. At an HVAC trade school, you'll be taught to service many types of systems. One day, you might be installing a furnace and ductwork for heating a new home. Another day, you might be servicing advanced air conditioning equipment. Few days are ever exactly the same. |
Job OutlookNational estimates show a projected growth rate in the employment of plumbers of 16 percent between 2016 and 2026. Some of the factors that are thought to influence the increased demand include:
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Job OutlookIn America, employment of HVAC technicians is projected to increase by 15 percent between 2016 and 2026. The growing demand for technicians can be attributed to a number of factors.
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PayThe median annual wage for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters was $53,910 in May 2018. |
PayThe median annual wage for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers was $47,610 in May 2018. |
Tools of the TradeStudents will be encouraged to apply for the State of Maryland license in either Plumbing or HVAC, or both. Upon successful completion of the course students may receive an endorsement for up to 655 hours towards their Maryland State Journey License. Utilizing the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) curriculum, this nationally developed competency-based, task-driven curriculum orients students toward beginning a formal apprenticeship program. Instruction consists of an integrated approach of theory and hands-on experiences to prepare students for the plumbing and HVAC trades. Students learn to install, repair, assemble, and maintain heating and air conditioning systems. Additionally, they will learn the approved practices for installing and maintaining all piping systems involved in sanitary drainage, storm water management, and developing potable water supply systems. Students will also learn piping practices for refrigeration and cooling. Also included is hot water piping for building heat using oil and gas fuels. Fire protection systems are studied. Experiences are provided in metals and fiberboard duct fabrication/installation, blueprint reading, establishing system layouts and interpretation of manufacturer's specifications. |
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Student House: Where It All Comes Together
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On the Job |
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It's a good job to have ... plumbers and HVAC technicians are always needed. - Josh V., student |