Plumbing+Program+Description

Plumbing Program Description


The Plumbing technical program at Shawsheen Valley is an approved Chapter 74 program. The program offers a carefully planned validated curriculum, consistent with Shawsheen Valley’s mission, which reflects the needs of the students, community, and industry. In developing the Plumbing curriculum the integration of academic and vocational skills is consistently emphasized whenever possible. Shop projects and experiences are structured to provide a wide range of instructional materials and activities that allow students to reach their full potential.

The scope and sequence for the Plumbing program begins with an **Exploratory Program** which consists of a 30-hour shop week w/approximately 3 hours of related theory. Freshmen students are taught safety rules and regulations. The objective of this course is to give a brief overview of the opportunities in the Plumbing field and the knowledge and skills required to pursue a career in Plumbing. Students are introduced to the fundamentals required to install and join copper tubing, cast iron soil pipe and thread steel pipe. General and shop safety is stressed to begin to develop a safe work attitude.

In Related the students are introduced to the requirements of the Plumbing trade and the licenses needed to work as a Plumber. They are taught shop safety, basic trade math, reading of the ruler, and the steps of joining copper tubing and steel pipe.

At this level in shop the students fabricate projects in all the materials used for water distribution, sanitary drainage, venting and gas projects. They also work on material identification, sizes, selection of tools, and their uses. Shop safety is strongly emphasized at all times during this course. The objective of the related theory course at this level is to advance the student through the use of textbooks, codebook, demonstrations and lectures as well as written examinations. The student learns to identify different fittings, pipes and hangers and their uses. The student is introduced to basic trade math and science. 
 * Sophomore** students perform (20 weeks of shop) approximately 540 hours and 20 weeks of related with approximately 110 hours of related theory.

Students at this level in shop are introduced to the layout and fabrication of practical projects such as bathrooms, kitchen, etc. Shop safety is emphasized at all times since the students are now working more independently. They are also introduced to repair, maintenance, appliances, equipment and practical application of Plumbing theory. The objective of the related theory course is to advance the student through the use of the Plumbing codebook, demonstrations, lectures and written examinations. The student’s work covers safety, math, science, formulas, licenses, water heaters, cleanouts, traps sanitary drainage, venting and water distribution.   The first week of school **Seniors** review all safety procedures. Students at this level review the basics and then, with emphasis on safety, proceed with projects that will expand their skill in working with all types of pipes and fittings, fixtures, faucets, hot water heaters, tankless heaters, and gas appliances. All types of power and hand tools are used. If sufficient opportunities exist and the students are eligible, seniors may participate in the co-op program. During this program the student works in the field for a Master Plumber on the shop week. The objective of this related theory course is to finalize the students work in the Plumbing code book. The lessons cover repair and maintenance, soil and waste pipe systems, private disposal systems, venting, cross-connections, gas systems, and hot and cold water systems. After successful completion of this course the student will be prepared to pass the Journeyman Plumbers examination.
 * Junior ** year commences with a review of all Plumbing safety procedures on equipment and tools. They also attend a 10-hour OSHSA safety course in the spring and receive an OSHSA safety credential at the completion.

** Licenses and/or Certificates **

 * Registered Apprentice, State of Massachusetts
 * Safety Credentials **
 * Career Safe (SkillUSA) Safety Card
 * Ten-hour OSHA Construction Safety Card.

** Work-Based Learning/Cooperative Education Opportunities **
Jobs include Residential, Commercial and Industrial Plumbing Employers. Sprinkler companies, Hydrauntic Heating companies and Gasfitting companies.
 * Numerous Co-op employers