Plumbing Schools in Vermont: The Ultimate Guide

Accredited Vermont 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 this holds true in Vermont. 

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

Vermont allows plumbing license reciprocity and will recognize a master, journeyman, or specialist plumber’s license issued in another state or municipality, as long as the issuer maintains standards equivalent to or greater than those of Vermont.

A reciprocal military license may be obtained by submitting a copy of the applicant’s DD-214, showing proof of honorable discharge from the military no more than two years prior to submitting, and a copy of 12K Course completion or equivalent and 8,000 hours of experience. All hours require signed documentation from a licensed master plumber.

The Vermont Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety is responsible for issuing Vermont plumbing licenses across the state. Vermont requires a state-issued license for journeymen and master plumbers. Additionally, candidates may apply for special limited licenses to work with water heaters, heating systems, and water treatment systems. 

To apply for the journeyman plumber's license, candidates must obtain a certificate of completion provided by the Vermont State Apprenticeship Council demonstrating at least 8,000 hours of on-the-job experience, or a certified statement of licensure or completed apprenticeship from another state acceptable to the Plumbers Examining Board. 

The following Vermont trade schools offer plumbing programs:

• Stafford Technical Center in Rutland

• Central Vermont Career Center in Barre

• Vermont Technical College in Randolph

Vermont Apprenticeships

A plumbing apprenticeship is the first step to starting a career as a licensed plumber. Candidates typically need a high school diploma or GED, photo ID, and a valid driver’s license to be eligible. 

The Vermont Registered Apprenticeship Program allows an individual to earn a certificate of completion while performing plumbing work under the direction of a licensed journeyman or master plumber. Candidates can visit the Vermont State Apprenticeship Council for more information about the Registered Apprenticeship Program.

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 Vermont, 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 Vermont such as:

• The University of Vermont

• Vermont State University

• Norwich University

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 Vermont community colleges on average is $6,566 per year for in-state students and $12,130 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 Vermont require 8,000 on-the-job hours and 144 hours of classroom instruction each year of the apprenticeship, which takes about four years. On completion, interested applicants can sit for the Vermont Journeyman’s Licensure 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 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 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

Let’s take a look at plumbing training centers and trade schools in Vermont.

Stafford Technical Center 

• Offers a pre-apprenticeship plumbing program to high school students and adult learners

Central Vermont Career Center

• Offers a pre-apprenticeship plumbing program to high school students and adult learners

Vermont Technical College

• Offers a Registered Apprenticeship program

Steps for Enrollment in Vermont

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 Vermont

There are several plumbing licenses in Vermont based on the scope of the work being performed, and each has its own requirements for licensure.

After completing the required work experience as an apprentice plumber, candidates become eligible for a journeyman plumber license. All candidates must pass a journeyman plumber exam to earn the license. To apply for the master plumber’s license, candidates must work as a licensed journeyman plumber for at least 12 months or meet other experience requirements and pass an examination.

All Vermont plumber licenses must be renewed every two years. License renewal requires eight hours of continuing education. For a detailed explanation of Vermont’s plumbing licensing requirements and how to fulfill them, check out our essential guide to getting your Vermont Plumbing License.

Salaries for Plumbers in Vermont

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

• Entry level <2 years: $45,800

• Intermediate 2-4 years: $55,500

• Senior 4-6 years: 59,800

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

Industry Apprenticeships

Employers sponsor plumbing apprenticeships directly, so interested applicants should apply to their employer of choice. The Vermont Department of Labor maintains a list of Vermont Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors.

Other School Options

In addition to the training programs and schools already mentioned, there are training centers in nearby New Hampshire and Maine.

• Central Maine Community College, Auburn

• Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester

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