Plumbing Schools in Alaska: The Ultimate Guide

Accredited Alaska Plumbing Programs

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), “Most plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters learn on the job through an apprenticeship. Some attend a vocational-technical school before receiving on-the-job training. Most states require plumbers to be licensed.” Also, some craft workers enter apprenticeship programs after working as a helper. 

Most people entering the plumbing industry in Alaska learn on the job as a plumbing apprentice either in a formal union or nonunion apprenticeship or an apprenticeship created by a plumbing contractor who registers with the United States Department of Labor (DOL). 

Alaska licenses every level of this workforce at the state level — journeyman plumbers, master plumbers and plumbing contractors. Even trainees must be registered with the state. The state requires everyone who wants to join this skilled workforce to complete an apprenticeship recognized by the DOL, Office of Apprenticeship. Classroom instruction is a mandatory part of every DOL apprenticeship. Plumbers in Alaska earn their journeyman licensure through the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Specifically, the Mechanical Inspection Section of the Labor Standards Division verifies training, experience, and registration requirements for applicants, conducts testing, and issues Certificates of Fitness for both plumbers and electricians in Alaska. Anchorage and Fairbanks have additional licensing layered on top of the state requirements that must be completed before practicing the trade in either of those two jurisdictions. Each requires you to pass an exam based on several study references including the Uniform Plumbing Code.

Since the state of Alaska requires plumbing professionals to begin their career journey as a registered apprentice, you most likely will not choose to get a postsecondary degree. However, if you want to build your knowledge base before beginning as an apprentice, there are a couple of programs intended to prepare you for an apprenticeship in plumbing.

The Plumbing and Heating program offered through the Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC) in Seward provides students with a wide variety of experiences that prepare them for entry-level employment and for apprenticeships in the plumbing and heating, construction and facility-maintenance trades.  Ilisagvik College also offers a Plumbing Level 1 endorsement as part of its Construction Technology program designed to prepare students to enter the workforce.

There are many apprenticeships that will satisfy the licensing requirement in Alaska. Unions, trade organizations, and the state all offer them. Union apprenticeships at each of the United Association (UA) Chapters and the nonunion apprenticeship through Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Alaska are registered apprenticeship programs with the U.S. Department of Labor. The Alaska Local Union UA Chapters are:

• LU 367 Anchorage

• LU 375 Fairbanks

• LU 262 Juneau

ABC Alaska offers apprenticeships in Plumbing and Pipefitting as well as Carpentry, Construction Craft Laborer, Electrical, HVAC, Mechanical Insulation, Painter, Sheet Metal and Sprinkler Fitting.

Plumbing Degrees & Certificates

As you weigh the benefit of getting some formal training at a technical or community college, you will want to speak with people in the field in your state. Since Alaska requires a DOL-approved apprenticeship to become a licensed Alaska plumber, you will want to be sure to satisfy that requirement and not waste time or money along the way. However, sometimes the apprentice openings can be very competitive, and you may need a little classroom training — a certificate or endorsement — to be selected for the apprenticeship you want.

In terms of college education for plumbers, typically there is a range of degree and certificate programs. The time it takes to complete them and the cost of each are the most significant differences. The most common plumbing programs in Alaska are:

• Certificate Program – three to six months

• Diploma/Degree Program – one to two years 

Obviously, the longer the program, the more it costs. Many plumbing professionals have some postsecondary training. However, very few choose to get a four-year bachelor’s degree unless they’re seeking a related engineering or building construction degree.  If this is a path that interests you, you may want to explore the Mechanical Engineering or Construction Management Bachelor of Science degrees at one of the four-year universities, such as:

• University of Alaska – Anchorage

• University of Alaska – Fairbanks

As stated earlier, in many cases formal education can pay off in the form of higher wages, but if your interest lies in being a plumber or having your own plumbing business, a degree is not necessary.

Typical Courses in Technical College Programs

Plumbing programs at technical colleges and training centers are all intended to prepare students for careers in plumbing, pipefitting, and related fields. All combine theory and the practical skills needed to do the job. Most develop academic, technical, and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. The classes for a certificate or degree closely align or match with the classroom instruction required for DOL-approved apprenticeships.

Among the classes for a Plumbing Technology certificate or degree are:

• Introduction to Plumbing Technology

• Plumbing Blueprints and Codes

• Drain, Waste and Venting Systems

• Water Supply and Distribution Systems

• Plumbing Fixtures and Appliance Installation

Other programs might add intermediate and advanced plumbing concepts, pipe fabrication, and welding technology fundamentals among other courses. Many include Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certification, too.

Program graduates have the qualification of an apprentice plumber or pipefitter and are prepared to enter the workforce and continue learning under the direction of a licensed plumber.

School Selection Criteria

There are a lot of things to consider when picking the school and program that are right for you.

Cost

Cost is, of course, at the top of the list. In-state tuition is significantly less expensive than out-of-state tuition. Some of the programs offered can be as little as $5,000 for an occupational endorsement certificate. There will be some variations in fees, so be sure to review all the costs involved. Apprenticeships are often paid for by your employer or the union.

There are also always costs for books and tools, but those tools are yours to keep as you enter your field. All students who are interested in receiving federal (Pell Grant) and any state grants apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form online.

Program Length

As noted above, you can choose to begin by getting a certificate or jump right into an apprenticeship. USDOL apprenticeships for plumbing are at least four years long, and union apprenticeships are five years.

Benefits

There are many benefits to getting formal education if you want to join the plumbing profession. Plumbing is complicated work, so required classroom instruction is vital to ensuring that you are properly prepared to do the job safely. Many employers will choose an applicant with a certificate or degree over one without credentials. Some trade school training can also give you an edge in the selection process for an apprenticeship. Having some basic knowledge helps you to hit the ground running and secure your place in a shop full of professionals. Technical training is also usually rewarded with higher starting pay and lifelong earnings.

Online vs in-person

You may choose to get plumbing training through an online certificate program. Only you know if this type of independent curriculum will work for you. 

Online programs are ideal for people looking for entry-level plumbing jobs. Penn Foster and Ashworth College are two of the most recognizable online plumbing programs. Bob Vila’s website and the CPA Accounting Institute for Success each list them at the top of their posts about the Best Online Courses for Plumbing.

Again, these courses would just give you a possible advantage in getting an apprenticeship position, but you must complete an approved apprenticeship to earn a plumber’s license in Alaska.

Where online classes do come into more play in Alaska is for continuing education requirements. Alaska requires eight hours of continuing education per year for plumbers to renew their licenses – so 16 hours to renew every two years. American Plumbing Institute provides Alaska plumbing continuing education that satisfies the requirements of journeyman plumbers.

Level of difficulty

Plumbing programs are designed to prepare graduates for entry-level positions in the plumbing industry in commercial, industrial, or residential sectors. Curriculum includes an understanding of mathematics and physics. Plumbers must learn a lot of different things to be successful, including how to follow blueprints or other design specifications to install or repair plumbing systems; troubleshoot issues at residences or commercial properties; new installations involving running all water, gas and sewage lines; how and when to use different material pipes and how to fit them together properly; plumbing code; and record keeping of work performed. And, of course, especially in residential work, customer service is key.

School Comparison: At a Glance

The Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC) is operated by the State of Alaska as a Division of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Located in Seward, Alaska, AVTEC offers Alaskans from across the state the opportunity to gain key employability and technical skills and start on a career in less than a year. Non-resident tuition is double the AVTEC regular tuition (fees, books, supplies, and housing are at the regular rate). AVTEC offers students financial aid in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, and other means. and the acceptance rate is 100%. 

Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC) in Anchorage

Plumbing and Heating | Certificate | 630 clock hours | $12,702 

Ilisagvik College in Barrow

Plumbing Level 1 | Endorsement | 9 credit hours | $205/credit

The Joint Apprenticeship Training Committees in Alaska provide their classroom instruction in-house as does ABC Alaska. The DOL requires at least 576 hours of classroom instruction over four years (144/year) to meet its minimum standards, but most of these have more than 200 hours of education to support the on-the-job training each year.  

Steps for Enrollment in Alaska

Every college and apprentice school has its own way of doing things, but in general the process begins with applying on the school or organization’s website and applying for admission online. Some require that you pay an application fee and provide several documents. AVTEC has a web page dedicated to its application process. In general, the application process has the following steps:

1. Complete your application.

2. Pay the application fee (if applicable).

3. Provide proof of residency to qualify for in-state tuition.

4. Apply for financial aid

5. Have sealed official high school transcript or GED scores sent.

6. Submit placement test scores.

7. If applicable, apply for on-campus housing.

If you choose to start with an apprenticeship, you will want to contact the Local Union or non-union trade organization chapter closest to you. Each organization has a slightly different application process, but the application requirements in general are: 

• Must be at least 18 years of age.

• Must be a high school graduate, senior scheduled to graduate or have earned a GED certificate. Applicants will be required to provide a copy of their diploma or GED certificate, and an official transcript of their grades following submission of the application.

• Must have a valid driver’s license.

• Have passed high school algebra or an equivalent post-high school algebra class with a “C” or better or pass an aptitude test.

• Pass a drug screen and criminal background checks.

Plumbing Career Requirements in Alaska

Alaska requires an educational element in the training of plumbing professionals before they are licensed to legally perform plumbing work in the state. The state requires everyone who wants to join this workforce to complete an apprenticeship recognized by the United States Department of Labor — which means a minimum of 8,000 hours of hands-on work experience under a licensed plumber and at least 576 hours of classroom instruction. For a detailed explanation of Alaska’s plumber licensing requirements and how to fulfill them, check out our essential guide to getting your Alaska Plumbing License. 

Salaries for Plumbers in Alaska

Before paying for technical education and getting started in the plumbing field you’ll want some idea of what you can expect in terms of the return on your investment of time, effort, energy, and money. In other words, what can you expect to make as a plumbing professional in Alaska? Payscale.com data provides an answer based on your experience. The median plumber salary in Alaska for 2023 is:

• Entry level <2 years: $51,600

• Intermediate 2-4 years: $62,400

• Senior 4-6 years: $67,200

For more information about plumber salaries, visit this state-by-state guide.

Industry Apprenticeships

The most common way to get the training you need to become a plumber in Alaska is through an apprenticeship. Approved apprenticeships are four to five years long and require you to be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or a GED, a valid driver’s license, and have passed high school algebra or an equivalent post-high school algebra class with a “C” or better. 

Union plumbing apprenticeships are offered in Alaska through the United Association local union chapters — LU 367 in Anchorage, LU 375 in Fairbanks, and LU 262 in Juneau.

The apprenticeships are five years long. Each year includes 1,700 to 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and a minimum of 246 hours of classroom courses, including basics such as mathematics, science, drafting, welding, and other trade-related courses. Apprentices work for member contractors with an opportunity for increased wages each year until reaching journeyman status.

ABC Alaska offers a nonunion apprenticeship in plumbing. The program is a four-year apprenticeship. To reach journey-level, you will need to complete five levels of book work and 8,000 on-the-job training hours.

Some companies will hire applicants who have had no previous training and provide the training themselves — creating an in-house apprenticeship. A typical model of that is pairing a new employee with an experienced, licensed plumber for the hands-on part of training and then requiring new hires to attend classes at night at a local community college or sometimes taught through the company itself. You can find these opportunities on job boards, and all will typically prepare you for the license exam. Your employer will have to sign up to be an apprentice sponsor on the Alaska Workforce Investment Board website.

The state also has a website dedicated to registered apprenticeships for job seekers. 

Other School Options

There are training programs throughout the state. In addition to all those already mentioned here are a few more where you can get the training you need to become a plumbing professional.

• Alaska Construction Academies (ACA) are in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, the Kenai Peninsula, Mat-Su Borough, and Ketchikan, with regional academies in Bethel, Kodiak, and Nome training high school students and adults to be placed into high-demand construction and trade apprenticeship programs. ACA works with members of the Home Building Associations, apprenticeship programs, and school districts to ensure participants receive the standard skills necessary for entry into construction occupations by providing School-to-Apprenticeship training programs for high school students and evening classes to adults.

• University of Alaska Southeast offers degree and certificate programs at its campuses in Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka.

• Alaska Works Partnership offers a variety of apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs including plumbing.

You can find the training you need to excel in a plumbing career in Alaska. The opportunities are all around you.