Construction Technology: Plumbing Diploma

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Diploma: Construction Technology Diploma, Plumbing Track

Length: Five semesters

Purpose: A shortage of qualified plumbers, residential and commercial, and workers in the plumbing trades has created the need for trained personnel in the construction industry. The Construction Technology Plumbing Diploma track is designed for those seeking entry level employment in the Plumbing Trades and is a pathway to Virginia Tradesman Licensure. Successful completion of the two year Construction Technology. Plumbing Diploma meets eligibility requirements for those seeking Virginia Tradesman Licensure. In addition, a minimum of two years of documented work experience in the trade is required for licensure. The Plumbing Diploma (including the integrated Plumbing Trades Career Studies Certificate) provides training based on the current Virginia adoption of the Plumbing code. In addition, the track provides training and a pathway that can lead to a number of construction related credentials including Contractor Licensure, and OSHA 10-30 Construction Industry Safety Training.

Occupational Objectives:
Journeyman Plumbing Tradesman
Entry Level Plumber Helper
Entry Level Plumbing Trades Worker

Admission Requirements: In addition to the admission requirements established for the college, entry into the Construction Technology Diploma Program requires competency in English ENF 1 and Math Essentials MTE 1-3 as demonstrated through the placement and diagnostic tests, or by satisfactorily completing the required ENF or MTE units or equivalent.

The following list is a suggested sequence in which students may plan their class schedules to ensure graduation in two years.

First Semester

BLD 110 Introduction to Construction 3 credits
BLD 140 Principles of Plumbing Trade I 3 credits *
BLD 141 Principles of Plumbing Trade II 3 credits *
BLD 215 OSHA 30 Construction Safety 2 credits
SDV 100 College Success Skills 1 credits

Suggested Credits for Semester: 12

Second Semester

BLD 105 Shop Practices and Procedures 2 credits
BLD 111 Blueprint Reading and the Building Code 3 credits
BLD 142 Principles of Plumbing Trade III 3 credits *
BLD 200 Sustainable Construction 3 credits
ENG 100 Basic Occupational Communication 3 credits

Suggested Credits for Semester: 14

Summer Semester

BLD 144 Plumbing Code and Certification Preparation 3 credits *
BLD 190 Coordinated Internship 3 credits *
or
BLD 198 Seminar and Project 3 credits

Suggested Credits for Semester: 6

Third Semester

BLD 101 Construction Management I 3 credits
Elective Core Elective 3 credits **
ENE 105 Solar Thermal Active and Passive Technology 4 credits
MTH 111 Basic Technical Math 3 credits
BLD 195 Topics in Plumbing 3 credits

Suggested Credits for Semester: 16

Fourth Semester

Elective Core Elective 3 credits **
BLD 290 Coordinated Internship 3 credits
or
BLD 298 Seminar and Project 3 credits
BLD 143 Plumbing Blueprint Reading 3 credits *
MTH 130 Fundamentals of Reasoning 3 credits

Suggested Credits for Semester: 12

Total Minimum Credits Required for this Curriculum: 60

* Integrated 24 credit Plumbing Career Studies Certificate

** Core Electives: ELE 110 , ELE 115 , ELE 127 , AIR 121 , AIR 122

NOTE: Students may only earn ONE Construction Technology Diploma. Completion of additional coursework in multiple Construction Technology tracks MAY lead to the awarding of Career Studies Certificates in the other tracks if appropriate. Consult with your faculty advisor if you wish to earn multiple awards.