2024 – 2025
Plumbing
Jeff Wildrick, Academy A Adminstrator – Ext. 291
Course & Program of Studies
Statement of Purpose
In an era marked by the booming expansion of the piping industry, the demand for proficient plumbers and pipefitters has reached new heights. At GNBRVTHS, we wholeheartedly embrace this growth and extend a warm invitation to students from diverse backgrounds and abilities, fostering an inclusive environment where every
individuals can thrive. Our program is meticulously designed to provide a thorough exploration of both residential plumbing techniques and exposure to commercial applications. By the time of graduation, our students emerge as qualified apprentices, equipped with the versatile skills demanded by today’s dynamic industry.
Aligned with the Vocational Technical Education Frameworks established by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, our curriculum stands as a testament to quality education in plumbing and pipefitting. Students delve into a myriad of fundamental plumbing skills, ranging from pipe threading to soldering copper tubing, oxy-acetylene brazing, and cutting. Our curriculum covers a broad spectrum of techniques essential for success in the field, emphasizing hands-on experience. Through projects like the installation of a complete plumbing system in a simulated house within our workshop, students immerse themselves in practical learning. They gain invaluable experience in various aspects, including waste and vent piping, plumbing fixtures, hot water heaters, and even the installation of hydronic heating systems.
Our program places a strong emphasis on the repair and maintenance of plumbing fixtures, ensuring that graduates are not only adept at installation but also well-versed in the ongoing care and upkeep of plumbing systems. With this comprehensive skill set, our graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce as apprentice plumbers or pursue further education in the field.
Exploratory Program
The freshmen plumbing exploratory is a brief synopsis of the plumbing and pipefitting trade. They get hands-on experience using plumbing basics. The students will learn to use plumbing tools safely and correctly, and demonstrate their ability to use plastic piping, copper piping, and carbon steel piping. Upon completion of the exploratory program, students will have an understanding of the plumbing and pipefitting trade. Exploratory students are introduced to trade related careers. Assessments include grades for pipe assembly projects, and observation of skill attainment.
Freshman Program
The freshmen plumbing shop students study the fundamentals of the plumbing and pipefitting trade. They get hands-on experience using plumbing basics, which consists of many hands-on projects. The students will learn and demonstrate their abilities to use plumbing tools safely and correctly, demonstrate basic bench projects using plastic piping, copper piping, carbon steel piping, cast-iron piping, and joining no-hub and spigot pipe using resilient pop gaskets. This foundation will prepare the student for his/her sophomore year, where the student will assemble more advanced bench/wall projects and water heaters. This course utilizes the competencies from the Vocational Technical (VTE) Frameworks, and Objectives contained within the six strands of the Plumbing VTE Frameworks. Assessments include grades for pipe assembly projects, and observation of skill attainment, along with daily employability and performance skills. Instruction consists of OSHA 10 hour Hazard Awareness Course for Construction, the history of the plumbing trade, materials, tools, and pipe joining methods, safety and installation practices, as well as valves and devices.
Sophomore Program
The sophomore plumbing shop course gets hands-on experience with the latest installation techniques, materials, tools, and fixtures. The Sophomore Plumbing students will have a continued concentration of the plumbing basics, with more advanced hands-on bench and wall projects. The students will learn and demonstrate their abilities from what they have learned in their first year and continue using plumbing tools safely and correctly. He/she will demonstrate advanced bench projects using plastic piping, copper piping, carbon steel piping, cast-iron piping, and joining no-hub and spigot pipe using resilient pop-gaskets. Students will also learn and demonstrate their ability to install gas and electric water heaters, hydronic-heating boilers and various piping installations. This foundation will prepare the students for their junior year, with an after-graduation goal of becoming an apprentice, and then a licensed plumber. This course utilizes the competencies from the 2021 Vocational Technical (VTE) Frameworks, and Objectives contained within the six strands of the Frameworks. Assessments include grades for pipe assembly projects, and observation of skill attainment, along with daily employability and performance skills.
Sophomore Related Class 1
Technical Code Science
Instruction consists of Plumbing students studying the theory, design, installation, and maintenance of plumbing and hot water heaters, residential blueprint reading, trade-related math, code definitions and terminology, portable water supply, as well as building waste and venting systems. Students will follow the Massachusetts State Board of Plumbers and Gas Fitters Plumbing Tier Program along with the Chapter 74 Frameworks. Upon successful completion and passing a final exam the student will receive Tier 1 credit and 110 hours of theory toward Qualifications for Admission to the Journeyman Plumber exam.
Sophomore Related Class 2
Technical Solutions
The GNBRVTHS HVAC/R Technical Solutions course is a comprehensive program designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to address various technical challenges in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC/R) systems. Tailored by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), this course focuses on practical solutions for enhancing HVAC/R efficiency, performance, and sustainability.
Throughout the program, participants delve into the fundamental principles of HVAC/R systems, gaining insights into heating and cooling technologies, ventilation strategies, and air quality management. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including equipment selection, system design, installation practices, and maintenance procedures.
Participants engage in case studies to deepen their understanding of HVAC/R concepts and apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. They explore innovative technologies and emerging trends in the HVAC/R industry, such as energy-efficient equipment, smart controls, and renewable energy integration.
Additionally, the course emphasizes compliance with relevant codes, regulations, and industry standards to ensure safe and reliable HVAC/R operations. Participants learn about best practices for troubleshooting common issues, diagnosing problems, and implementing effective solutions to optimize system performance and minimize downtime. Overall, the MA DESE HVAC/R Technical Solutions course equips participants with the expertise and confidence to tackle complex HVAC/R challenges, enhance system performance, and contribute to sustainable building practices in Massachusetts and beyond.
Junior Program
The plumbing junior program consists of students using mechanical skills. They have a large segment of time that will be spent on plumbing fixture installation. This course will prepare students to move on to their senior year and future employment through the school’s co-op program in the plumbing & pipe fitting trade. This course is based upon the 2021 Plumbing Vocational Technical (VTE) Frameworks and Objectives contained within the six strands of the VTE Frameworks. Assessments include grades for pipe assembly projects, and observation of skill attainment, along with daily employability and performance skills.
Junior Related 1
Technical Code Science
Instruction consists of allowable materials for storm, sanitary, and venting systems, plumbing traps, cleanouts, joints and connections, general provisions governing the conduct of plumbing and gas work performed in the commonwealth, portable water supply, math, as well as introduction to gas fitting. Students will follow the Massachusetts State Board of Plumbers and Gas Fitters Plumbing Tier Program along with the Chapter 74 Frameworks. Upon successful completion and passing a final exam the student will receive Tier 2 credit and an additional 110 hours of theory toward Qualifications for Admission to the Journeyman Plumber exam.
Junior Related 2
Applied Technical Math I for Plumbing
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Senior Program
The senior Plumbing program consists of students continuing to master the mechanical skills that they have already learned. The students will continue to apply these skills to residential plumbing as well as some commercial applications. The students will learn how to repair faucets, water closets, lavatories and urinals, and practice these skills on live fixtures. This program is based upon the Plumbing 2021 Vocational Technical (VTE) Frameworks, and objectives contained within the six strands of the VTE Frameworks which are covered in this course. This program of study will prepare senior students for the Post-secondary schooling needed after graduation and for steady employment. Assessments include grades for pipe assembly projects, and observation of skill attainment, along with daily employability and performance skills.
Senior Related 1
Off-Campus
Off-campus plumbing & pipefitting students leave the school to work on construction projects within the community along with the other construction trades. The students work on new residential and light commercial plumbing installations. Students also work on additions to existing plumbing systems; they are instructed on how to make necessary repairs to the existing system as needed, while troubleshooting plumbing systems. Students are introduced to service work by performing plumbing service work in the building under the supervision of the instructor. All off campus plumbing & pipefitting projects meet the guidelines as required by the local plumbing inspectors. Assessments include grades for observation of skill attainment, along with daily employability and performance skills from live work situations.
Senior Related 2
Technical Code Science
Instruction consists of blueprint reading, definitions, math, gas fitting, code relating to drainage waste and venting, as well as code related to water supply and distribution. Grade 12 students are introduced to fixture installations, storm drains, and testing and safety. Students will follow the Massachusetts State Board of Plumbers and Gas Fitters Plumbing Tier Program along with the Chapter 74 Frameworks. Upon successful completion and passing a final exam the student will receive Tier 3 credit and an additional 110 hours of theory toward Qualifications for Admission to the Journeyman Plumber exam.
Certifications
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OSHA 10 hour Construction Safety and Health training and certificate
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Tiers 1, 2 and 3 of the educational requirements for licensure under the Massachusetts Plumbing Code
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Hot Works
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Viega Press(Copper & Mega Press)
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CSST Gas piping
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Bradford White Water Heaters
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Apprentice Card(Senior Year)
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3M FireStop training
Career Opportunities
- Plumbing, gas fitting, sprinkler fitting, and oil burner technician
- Wholesale industry opportunities
- such as material handling, counter sales, inside as well as outside sales
- Plumbing supply sales
- Eversource Bunker Hill Program
- Riley Brothers Underground utilities
Post-Secondary Education
Post-Secondary Education
Tiers 1 and 2 and 3 of the educational requirements for licensure under the Massachusetts Plumbing Code, a total of 5 tiers are required to be eligible to take the journeyman exam. The remaining two tiers are offered through area adult education Programs.
The provisions of 248 CMR 11.00 govern the requirements for providers of plumbing and gas fitting primary and continuing education. Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical School’s Plumbing Department provides delivery of this instruction to comply with the following mandates:
Education Hours Requirements for Apprentice Plumbers who must follow the 550-clock hour program:
- The course shall be segregated into five Tiers.
- Each Tier shall contain 110-clock hours.
- Each Tier shall be consecutive and shall be designed to coincide with the years of experience of the apprentice student.
- Each Tier shall be administered and designed in compliance with the standards issued by the Board.
- Students shall be required to demonstrate proficiency and competency in each tier by passing an examination designed by the school and/or the instructor.
- Each Tier shall include coverage in but shall not be limited to the following subject areas:
- M.G.L. c. 142: Supervision of Plumbing;
- The Board adopted most current edition of 248 CMR 3.00 through 11.00;
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Rules and Regulations including the Construction Outreach Training Program;
- Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS);
- Dig Safe Systems in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, M.G.L. c. 82 § 40.
- Students may not advance from one Tier to another until the clock hour and examination requirements of the preceding Tier have been successfully completed.
- Students need not complete all Tiers with the same school/provider, however, each individual Tier must be completed with the same school/provider. Notwithstanding this prohibition, a student may petition the Board to be permitted to complete an incomplete Tier with a different school/provider when the new provider is able to certify that the student will be able to complete all content areas of said Tier.