Pipe Trade Career
The Training Center offers a five-year apprenticeship program with a standard curriculum.
Each year consists of 1760 hours of on-the-job training, under the direct supervision of a Journey person. Apprentices spend two evenings per week in class, with a traditional summer break. During class, students are taught science, theory, and practical application of the chosen trade.
At the end of the five-year training period the apprentice is granted Journey-level status and awarded a completion certificate from the State of California. Apprenticeship classes may be applied toward an Associates degree from Foothill College.
A Bachelor of Science Degree in Construction Management is also available to individuals who wish to take their education to the next level through a special program with Eastern Michigan University.
Plumbling
Steamfitter
Refrigeration / Air Conditioning
Plumbing Course Topics:
First Year of Instruction
- General Safety and Heath
- Basic Piping Materials and Methods of Installation
- Fundamentals of Mathematics
- Physical Science and the Properties of Matter
- Knots, Hitches, and Slings
- Crane Hoisting and Lift Equipment Operation
Second Year of Instruction
- Advanced Trade Mathematics
- Fundamentals of Mechanical Drawing
- Principles of Piping Design
Third Year of Instruction
- Advanced Drawing and Blueprint Reading
- Advanced Piping Design
- Plumbing Codes
- Plumbing Fixture Installation
Fourth Year of Instruction
- Techniques of Welding
- Medical Gas Installations
- Specialized Piping Installations
Fifth Year of Instruction
- Comprehensive Safety Training
- Tube Bending Geometry
- Backflow Prevention and Safe Water Practices
- Computer Applications
Steamfitter Course Topics:
First Year of Instruction
- General Safety and Heath
- Basic Piping Materials and Methods of Installation
- Knots, Hitches, and Slings
- Crane Hoisting and Lift Equipment Operation
- Advanced Trade Mathematics
Second Year of Instruction
- Fundamentals of Mechanical Drawing
- Basic Science
- Oxy-Fuel Cutting and Welding
- Fundamentals of Welding
Third Year of Instruction
- Advanced Science
- Hydronics Design and Installation
- Basic Electricity
- Air Conditioning General Safety & Health
Fourth Year of Instruction
- Steam Technology
- Comprehensive Safety Training
- Medical Gas Installations
- Specialized Piping Installations
Fifth Year of Instruction
- Advanced Piping Design
- Advanced Welding Techniques
- Tube Bending Geometry
- Computer Applications
Refrigeration/Air Conditioning Course Topics:
First Year of Instruction
- General Safety and Heath
- Fundamentals of Mathematics
- Principles of Science
- Basic Electricity
Second Year of Instruction
- Refrigeration Theory
- Safe Handling of Refrigerants
- Air Conditioning
Third Year of Instruction
- Air Conditioning & Industrial Control Systems
- Basic DC Electronics
Fourth Year of Instruction
- Temperature Controls
- Advanced Refrigeration
- Customer Relations
Fifth Year of Instruction
- Building Automation
- System Start, Test, and Balance
- Mechanical Codes