Printed on 5/21/2025

Plumbing Apprentice

50-427-5 Apprenticeship (A) 16 Credits Not Financial Aid Eligible Location*: Appleton

*If general education courses are required, they may be available at multiple locations.

Plumbers work on residential, commercial and industrial projects providing potable water and sanitary drain and vent systems. In this program, you will learn the proper installation techniques for these systems, and through a combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction, you’ll gain the skills to install the associated piping, fittings and fixtures, and the code knowledge related to the trade. You’ll also learn to plan and lay out plumbing systems around the work of other trades. This program involves both paid and unpaid instruction and requires you to first be employed before starting your on-the-job and classroom instruction.

COURSE LIST

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Course list for reference only. Current students please refer to your individualized program plan or see your advisor.
**Outside effort hours are an estimate based on state standards, and may vary from person to person.

    Occupational Specific (16 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Early College Credit Options
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • Sanitary Drains 1
    50-427-751
    2Credit
    72
    0
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50427751
    • Credits: 2.00

    Plumbing related instruction of sanitary drain systems. Course includes a review of codes and trade practices related to sanitary drains, drainage systems, components and applications.

    Student is in progress in Plumbing Apprentice (50-427-5) Program of Study

  • Vents and Venting Systems
    50-427-752
    2Credit
    72
    0
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50427752
    • Credits: 2.00

    This course is designed to provide the apprentice with the skills to identify and design sanitary vent piping in a plumbing system in accordance with the Wisconsin Plumbing Code. The course focuses on theory, work experience, and the application of plumbing code principles through discussions, drawing exercises, work sheets, and evaluations.

    Student is in progress in Plumbing Apprentice (50-427-5) Program of Study

  • Water Distribution 1
    50-427-753
    2Credit
    72
    0
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50427753
    • Credits: 2.00

    This course provides the apprentice with the skills to identify, design, install and service various applications for water supply systems that are listed in plumbing codes. Apprentices will use the code language and tables in various plumbing systems in accordance with the Wisconsin Plumbing Code. Course topics will include commercial to single family and private well systems. The course focuses on theory, work experience, and the application of plumbing code principles through discussions, drawing exercises, work sheets, and evaluations.

    Student is in progress in Plumbing Apprentice (50-427-5) Program of Study

  • Water Distribution 2
    50-427-754
    2Credit
    72
    0
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50427754
    • Credits: 2.00

    This course provides the apprentice with the skills to identify, design, install and service cross connection controls, water treatment equipment and multi-purpose piping systems in various plumbing systems in accordance with the Wisconsin Plumbing Code. The course focuses on theory, work experience, and the application of plumbing code principles through discussions, drawing exercises, work sheets, and evaluations.

    Student is in progress in Plumbing Apprentice (50-427-5) Program of Study

  • Sanitary Drains 2
    50-427-755
    2Credit
    72
    0
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50427755
    • Credits: 2.00

    This course provides the apprentice with the skills to identify, design, install and service various applications for storm water, clear water, and drainage systems. Apprentices will use the code language and tables in various plumbing systems in accordance with the Wisconsin Plumbing Code. The course focuses on theory, work experience, and the application of plumbing code principles through discussions, drawing exercises, work sheets, and evaluations.

    Student is in progress in Plumbing Apprentice (50-427-5) Program of Study

  • Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (POWTS)
    50-427-756
    2Credit
    72
    0
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50427756
    • Credits: 2.00

    This course provides the apprentice with the skills to identify, design, install and service various applications for private onsite wastewater treatment systems that are listed in plumbing codes or individual component manuals. Apprentices will use the code language and tables in various plumbing systems in accordance with the Wisconsin Plumbing Code. Other topics will include pretreatment, soil evaluation, site planning and new technologies. The course focuses on theory, work experience, and the application of plumbing code principles through discussions, work sheets, and evaluations.

    Student is in progress in Plumbing Apprentice (50-427-5) Program of Study

  • Green Plumbing Applications
    50-427-757
    2Credit
    72
    0
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50427757
    • Credits: 2.00

    This course provides plumbing apprentices with an introduction to green applications and prepares students to take certification exams.

    Student is in progress in Plumbing Apprentice (50-427-5) Program of Study

  • Plumbing Advanced Topics/TSA
    50-427-758
    2Credit
    72
    0
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 72
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50427758
    • Credits: 2.00

    This course provides the apprentice with the opportunity to select and complete an applied plumbing project in collaboration with the instructor. Projects will apply the skills required to identify, design, install and service various plumbing applications that are listed in plumbing codes. Apprentices will use the code language and tables in various plumbing systems in accordance with the Wisconsin Plumbing Code. The course builds upon the theory, work experience, and the application of plumbing code principles addressed in previous coursework to support completing an applied hands-on project.

    Student is in progress in Plumbing Apprentice (50-427-5) Program of Study

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Expected Competencies


For more information visit our Credit For Prior Learning page.
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Eligible Dual Credit Course

What is Dual Credit?

FVTC courses taught at the high school by certified high school teachers. These teachers receive mentorship from FVTC faculty to ensure alignment in competencies, curriculum, and assessments.


  • Students earn both high school and college credits, with grades applying to both transcripts.
  • There is no cost to the school district or family.
  • Dual Credit course availability varies by high school based on factors such as lab space, equipment, and teacher qualifications.

Process:

As part of the annual course planning, students and families should meet with their High School Guidance Counselor to discuss future college and career goals. This conversation will help identify Dual Credit courses that best align with specific pathways.

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Recommended Start College Now Course


What is Start College Now?

Qualified public-school juniors and seniors may enroll in college level classes at FVTC or online, if a comparable course is not offered within their district.

Student Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must have parent/guardian approval.
  • Must meet all course entry requirements.
  • Must be in good academic standing with an acceptable disciplinary record.

Application Process:

Interested students should consult their High School Guidance Counselor to explore course options and complete a “Start College Now” application. Applications must be submitted to High School Counselors by March 1st for fall courses and October 1st for spring courses. If approved by the school board, the cost is covered by the high school.

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Eligible Dual Credit & Recommended Start College Now Course:


What is Dual Credit?

FVTC courses taught at the high school by certified high school teachers. These teachers receive mentorship from FVTC faculty to ensure alignment in competencies, curriculum, and assessments.

  • Students earn both high school and college credits, with grades applying to both transcripts.
  • There is no cost to the school district or family.

**Dual Credit course availability varies by high school based on factors such as lab space, equipment, and teacher qualifications.

What is Start College Now?

Qualified public-school juniors and seniors may enroll in college level classes at FVTC or online, if a comparable course is not offered within their district.

Student Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must have parent/guardian approval.
  • Must meet all course entry requirements.
  • Must be in good academic standing with an acceptable disciplinary record.

Application Process:

Interested students should consult their High School Guidance Counselor to explore course options and complete a “Start College Now” application. Applications must be submitted to High School Counselors by March 1st for fall courses and October 1st for spring courses. If approved by the school board, the cost is covered by the high school.

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N/A


This course is not available for Dual Credit or Start College Now due to factors such as course rigor, necessary equipment, and prerequisite requirements.