Plumbing Schools in Hawaii: The Ultimate Guide

Accredited Hawaii Plumber Training 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.” All of this holds true in Hawaii.

Hawaii licenses every level of this workforce at the state level—from journey worker plumber to master plumber. To become a journey worker plumber, you must begin as a plumbing apprentice. 

Hawaii does not have reciprocal agreements with any other states, but does allow experience gained from out of state to count toward the licensing requirements.

The state of Hawaii licenses journey worker plumbers, master plumbers, and plumbing contractors through the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Professional & Vocational Licensing Division. 

The following Hawaii trade schools offer plumbing programs:

• University of Hawaii Honolulu Community College in Honolulu offers an apprenticeship program that provides related instruction to those on Oahu who are apprenticing in various construction and mechanical trades, including plumbing. Upon completion of an approved apprenticeship program, work process and related instruction hours may be counted toward an Applied Trades Associate’s degree. In addition, the school offers a certificate of competency and a certificate of achievement.

Note: Hawaii Community College does not currently offer a plumbing program. University of Hawaii Maui College offers a Construction Technology program, which includes some plumbing coursework.

A plumbing apprenticeship is the first step to starting a career as a licensed plumber. Candidates typically need to be at least 17 years of age and have a high school diploma or GED, photo ID, and a valid driver’s license to be eligible. Plumbing apprentices are required to enroll in an approved training program and register with the State of Hawaii Department of Labor, Workforce Development Division.

Plumbing Degrees & Certificates

As you weigh the benefit of getting some formal training at a technical or community college or online, you may want to speak with people in the field in the state where you plan to work. The licensing requirements vary from state to state, and some, like the state of Hawaii, require a minimum amount of education. 

Some plumber apprenticeship programs are very competitive, and you will need to find ways to move up the ranking list to be selected. There are often classes applicants can take in high school and college to help them prepare and perhaps be ranked higher on the candidate list.

They include trade classes like blueprint reading and construction classes, and math classes like Algebra I & II, Calculus, Geometry, and Trigonometry.

Very few plumbers 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 degree programs at one of the four-year universities in Hawaii, such as University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Typical Courses in Technical College Programs

Plumbing programs at technical colleges are all intended to prepare students for careers in plumbing, pipefitting, and related fields. All class instruction combines theory and practical skills. Most develop academic, technical, and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement.

Among the plumbing courses you’ll take are:

• Introduction to Plumbing Technology

• Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC)

• Plumbing Blueprints and Codes

• Waste, Drainage Systems, and Venting Systems

• Water Supply and Distribution Systems

• Plumbing Fixtures and Appliance Installation

Further along will be intermediate and advanced plumbing concepts, pipe fabrication, and welding technology fundamentals, among other education courses, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certification, too.

School Selection Criteria

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

Cost

Cost is, of course, at the top of the list. According to Community College Review, tuition at Hawaii community colleges on average is $2,815 per year for in-state students and $7,663 for out-of-state students. There will be some variations in fees at each school, too, so be sure to review all of the costs involved. 

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

Program Length

Plumbing apprenticeship programs in Hawaii require 10,000 on-the-job plumbing work hours total and 144 hours of classroom instruction each year of the apprenticeship, which takes about five years. On completion, interested applicants can sit for the Hawaii Journey Worker Plumbing Exam.

Benefits

There are many benefits to formal education if you want to join the plumbing profession. Many employers will choose an applicant with a certificate or pre-apprenticeship over one without. Those credentials 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.

Online vs. in-person

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

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 both list them at the top of their posts about the Best Online Courses for Plumbing.

If you know your learning style relies more on personal instruction, the traditional in-person classes and accredited programs listed above are fairly accessible throughout the state.

Level of difficulty

Plumbing programs are designed to prepare graduates for entry-level positions in the plumbing trade 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 (including water heaters); troubleshoot issues at residences or commercial properties; execute on remodels or new installations that involve running all water, gas and sewage lines; know how and when to use different material pipes and how to fit them together properly; understand the plumbing code; and keep accurate records of work performed. And, of course, especially in residential work, customer service is key.

School Comparison at a Glance

There are many technical training programs available in Hawaii to learn to be a plumbing professional. Hawaii's Career and Technical Education offered throughout the state is a great place to start if you know early on that this is the career path you’d like to take. The Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) Systems program is offered in the Building and Construction Pathway. Check with your high school CTE coordinator to find the nearest program if it is not offered at your school.

The University of Hawaii Honolulu Community College in Honolulu offers an apprenticeship program that provides related instruction to those on Oahu who are apprenticing in various construction and mechanical trades, including plumbing. Upon completion of an approved apprenticeship program, work process and related instruction hours may be counted toward an Applied Trades Associate’s degree. In addition, the school offers a certificate of competency and a certificate of achievement.

The University of Hawaii Maui College offers a Construction Technology program, which includes some plumbing coursework.

Hawaii Job Corp Center offers a Building Construction Technology, Pre-Apprentice.

Steps for Enrollment in Hawaii

Every college has its own way of doing things, but in general the process begins with applying for admission on the school’s website. Some require that you pay an application fee and provide several documents. 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. Have sealed official high school transcript or GED scores sent.

5. Submit placement test scores.

6. 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 Hawaii

As mentioned earlier, Hawaii requires plumbers to begin as apprentices and enroll in an approved training program and register with the State of Hawaii Department of Labor, Workforce Development Division. Apprenticeship programs are five years— at least 10,000 hours of work experience in compliance with the Uniform Plumbing Code. To become licensed you must then pass the Journey Worker Plumbing Exam.

To obtain Master level licensure, you must be licensed as a journey worker plumber for at least two years and pass the Master Plumber exam. All licensed plumbers need to provide proof of completing the continued competency requirement to be able to renew the license every three years.

For a detailed explanation of Hawaii’s plumber licensing requirements and how to fulfill them, check out our essential guide to getting your Hawaii Plumbing License.

Salaries for Plumbers in Hawaii

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 Hawaii? Payscale.com data provides an answer based on your experience. The median plumber salary in Hawaii for 2023 is:

• Entry level <2 years: $50,200

• Intermediate 2-4 years: $60,700

• Senior 4-6 years: $65,400

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

Industry Apprenticeships 

The State of Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations maintains a list of registered plumbing apprenticeship programs. Current options include:

• JATC of UA Plumbers and Fitters, Local 675, AFL-CIO, and PAMCAH

• Associated Builders and Contractors of Hawaii

You can find the training you need to excel in a career as a plumber in Hawaii. The opportunities are all around you.