Plumbing Schools in Indiana: The Ultimate Guide

Accredited Plumber Training Programs

According to the U.S. 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 that is true in Indiana. Also, some craft workers enter apprenticeship programs after working as a helper. 

Indiana licenses every level of this workforce at the state level — plumbing apprentices, journeyman plumbers, and plumbing contractors. To get started apprentices must enter a board-approved plumbing apprenticeship program.

The Indiana Professional Licensing Agency oversees the Indiana Plumbing Commission, which issues and renews plumbing licenses for the State of Indiana. That commission also approves apprentice plumber programs and lists the following as approved programs in Indiana:

• ABC of Indiana Apprenticeship Trust (Associated Builders & Contractors) in Indianapolis

• Evansville Plumbers & Pipefitters Training in Evansville, Indiana

• Fort Wayne Area Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors Inc. in Fort Wayne

• Indianapolis Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 440 JATC in Indianapolis

• Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 166 JATC in Fort Wayne

• Mechanical Skills Inc. in Indianapolis

• North Central Indiana Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling-Contractors in Plymouth

• NWIPHCC Apprentice School Inc. in Munster

• Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 210 in Merrillville

• Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 661 JAC in Muncie

• Southeastern PHCC at Prosser School of Technology in New Albany

• South Bend & Vicinity Plumbers & Pipefitters JATC Local 172 in South Bend

• South Central Indiana Association of PHCC in Jasper

• SWIPHCC (Southwestern Indiana Association of PHCC) in Evansville

• Terre Haute Plumbers & Steamfitters JAC Local 157 in Terre Haute

• Local 392 JATC in Cincinnati

• NWIPHCC Apprenticeship School Inc. in Rensselaer

Many of these facilities also offer HVAC apprenticeships. All are U.S. Department of Labor approved apprenticeships of at least four years and require apprentices to work under the direct and immediate supervision of a licensed plumbing contractor or licensed journeyman plumber.

Many of the plumbing apprenticeships offer the required classroom instruction through the Ivy Tech Community College System. These degree programs are a working partnership between Ivy Tech Community College and an individual Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee (JATC) that are approved by the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL), Office of Apprenticeship. After acceptance into the apprenticeship program by the JATC, the apprentice is then registered with the USDOL, Office of Apprenticeship and enrolled at Ivy Tech.

The ABC of Indiana/Kentucky apprenticeship is in cooperation with Vincennes University and will also lead to a degree.

Plumbing-Heating-Cooling-Contractors of Indiana partner with a variety of schools. More details on each of these programs below. 

Plumbing Degrees & Certificates

As you weigh the benefit of getting some formal training at a technical or community college, trade school, or online, you will 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 insist on a minimum amount of education. Other states have no educational requirements to get started, and it may make more sense to simply get an entry-level position and get on-the-job-training rather than attending one of the plumber schools. 

If you plan to work in Indiana, classroom instruction is required for a journeyman license in conjunction with work experience as part of a state-approved plumber apprentice program. Sometimes getting a little technical education before you find work can help you compete for apprenticeship opportunities or make you a more attractive hire. Pre-apprenticeship through the “Indiana Plan” is one example of a program that can prepare you.

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 or Construction Management Bachelor of Science degrees at one of the four-year universities in Indiana such as:

• Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology University

• Purdue University

• University of Notre Dame

• Ball State

• Indiana University

• Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis

• University of Indianapolis

• Indiana State University

• University of Southern Indiana

• Indiana Tech

• Marian University

As stated earlier, in many cases but not always, formal education pays off in the form of higher wages, but if your interest lies in being a journeyman plumber or getting a plumbing contractor license, a college degree is not necessary. However, for many of the approved programs above, you will have the option of completing not only your apprenticeship but a college long-term certificate or associate degree.

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 combine theory and practical skills. Most develop academic, technical, and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement.

Among the classes you’ll take are:

• Introduction to Plumbing Technology

• Plumbing Blueprints and Codes

• Drain, Waste 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 courses and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certification too. 

School Selection Criteria

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

Cost

Cost is, of course, typically at the top of the list. According to Community College Review, tuition at Indiana community colleges on average is $3,797 per year for in-state students and $8,083 for out-of-state students. However, many of the approved plumbing programs listed here are part of apprenticeship programs where tuition may be reimbursed by or paid for outright by the student’s employer. There will be some variations in fees at each school, so be sure to review all the costs involved. 

There are also always 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 any state grants apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form online.

Program Length

Plumbing apprenticeships in Indiana are four years long and require classroom instruction. Many apprentices apply that instruction toward an associate of applied science degree (AAS) or a long-term certificate. AAS programs typically require students to add general education classes to the plumbing classes to fulfill the broader degree requirements.

Benefits

There are many benefits to formal education if you want to join the plumbing profession. As stated above, formal education is required in Indiana in conjunction with an approved apprenticeship, but 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 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.

If you know your learning style relies on personal instruction, more traditional in-person classes are 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 have to learn to do 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 remodels, new installations that involve 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 state approved plumbing apprentice programs listed above all also meet the rigorous standards of the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship. That means they are all at least four-year programs with a minimum of 1,700 hours of on-the-job experience per year and at least 144 classroom hours per year.  Many of these programs have also been accredited by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) or follow the NCCER curriculum.

Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC) programs in Indiana receive classroom instruction through Ivy Tech Community Colleges. There are detailed instructions about how to get started on the apprenticeship page of their website.

• Evansville Plumbers & Pipefitters Training Local 136 in Evansville

• Indianapolis Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 440 JATC in Indianapolis

• Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 166 JATC in Fort Wayne

• Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 210 in Merrillville

• Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 661 JAC in Muncie

• South Bend & Vicinity Plumbers & Pipefitters JATC in South Bend

• Terre Haute Plumbers & Steamfitters JAC Local 157 in Terre Haute

• Local 392 JATC in Cincinnati

Indiana Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors Plumbing Apprenticeships have similar hands-on training, and the classroom instruction is supplied by various schools including career and technical centers, Vincennes University, and distance learning classes.

• Fort Wayne Area Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors Inc. in Fort Wayne

• North Central Indiana Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling in Plymouth

• NWIPHCC Apprenticeship School Inc. in Munster

• NWIPHCC Apprenticeship School Inc. in Rensselaer

• Southeastern PHCC at Prosser School of Technology in New Albany

• South Central Indiana Association of PHCC in Jasper

• SWIPHCC (Southwestern Indiana Association of PHCC) in Evansville

Associated Builders and Contractors of Indiana Plumbing Apprenticeship is certified by the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) and the educational instruction is provided by Vincennes University. Apprentices have the option of earning a tuition-free Associate of Applied Science Degree. 

Each of the Vincennes University locations below offer plumbing apprenticeship:

• Indianapolis (North Central)

• Muncie (North Central)

• Ft. Wayne (Northeast)

Mechanical Skills Inc. offers classes year-round at its Indianapolis location and through distance learning classes. The curriculum for this nonprofit apprenticeship training program is written by a team of contractors, educators, and code and industry experts and the instructors are contractors.

If you know as a high school student that this is a path you want to pursue you can receive Career and Technical Education (CTE) in school districts throughout the state. There are 23 area technical centers throughout Indiana that serve high school students. You can begin learning the plumbing industry through the construction trades career pathway. Check with your high school for more information.

Steps for Enrollment in Indiana

The first step to becoming a plumbing apprentice in Indiana is to apply for an approved apprenticeship. If you want a union apprenticeship, you will want to contact the JATC or local union 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 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 and provide a copy.

• WorkKeys Assessment Tests will be scheduled following submission of the application. Applicants must meet or exceed required levels in all tests to be eligible.

• All applicants will be subject to a drug screen and criminal background checks.

Plumbing Career Requirements in Indiana

As has been repeatedly addressed here, Indiana requires education and on-the-job training to legally perform plumbing work. If you begin your career in the plumbing profession in this state, you must complete a board-approved plumbing apprenticeship program. If you move to Indiana and are already a licensed plumber in another state, you will need to apply for a license through the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency and submit an Affidavit of Experience in Plumbing Trade showing four years of experience including a signature from your employer. You will also need to pass a statewide examination.

Indiana does not have any reciprocal agreements for plumbing licenses with any other states. For a detailed explanation of Indiana’s plumber licensing requirements and how to fulfill them, check out our essential guide to getting your Indiana Plumbing License. 

Salaries for Plumbers in Indiana

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

• Entry level <2 years: $47,100

• Intermediate 2-4 years: $57,100

• Senior 4-6 years: $61,800

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

Industry Apprenticeships

Again, as stated above, the most common way in Indiana to get the training you need to become a plumber is through a formal apprenticeship. Most plumbing apprenticeships in Indiana are four years long. You must also 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. 

The Indiana Office of Work Based Learning and Apprenticeship connects job seekers with employers in Indiana. There are both union and nonunion apprenticeships.

The local union chapters of the United Association of Plumbers and Steamfitters in Indiana are:

• LU 136 Evansville

• LU 166 Fort Wayne

• LU 440 Indianapolis

• LU 210 Hobart

• LU 172 South Bend

• LU 157 Terre Haute

The Indiana PHCC Apprenticeship Schools are:

• Fort Wayne Area

• Mechanical Skills (Indianapolis & Surrounding Area)

• North Central Chapter (South Bend/Elkhart & Surrounding Area)

• Northwest Chapter (Highland/Merrillville & Surrounding Area)

• South Central Chapter (Jasper & Surrounding Area)

• Southeastern Chapter (New Albany/ Charlestown/Jeffersonville Area)

• Southwestern Chapter (Evansville & Surrounding Area)

• St. Joe Valley (South Bend & Surrounding Area)

Apprentices work for member contractors with an opportunity for increased wages each year until reaching journeyman status.

Lastly, some plumbing companies will hire applicants with no previous training as helpers and provide the training themselves — creating an in-house apprenticeship that is linked with one of the approved programs. A typical model of that is pairing a new employee with an experienced one for the hands-on part of training and then requiring new hires to attend classes at night at a community college or an approved program.

Other School Options

We’ve highlighted many of the approved training thus far. There are so many programs throughout the state to get the training you need to be a plumber in Indiana. In addition to all those already mentioned, you might try applying to an established plumbing business to see how to get the approved training from the state while filling a novice role at the company. Some independent plumbing contractors that help facilitate your training are:

• Peterman Brothers Heating Cooling Plumbing — apprentices are trained at the Peterman Top Tech Academy located on Commerce Road in Indianapolis near Greenwood.

• Plumbing Heating Paramedics of Greater Indianapolis is based in Noblesville.

• Dilling Group Apprenticeship — Bootcamp is the first two weeks of your employment emphasizing safety and basic skills with opportunities in Warsaw, Fort Wayne, Logansport, and Indianapolis. The company emphasizes you do not need experience; they will train you.

Indiana has plumber apprenticeships and classes all across the state. You can find the training you need to excel in a career in plumbing in Indiana. The opportunities are all around you.