Apprentice Class Descriptions
First Year:
Related Math
Basic review of algebra and introduction to pipe formulas, offsets, and measurements.
OSHA-30
OSHA regulations and awareness of potential job-site hazards in the construction industry.
Solder/Braze/Pipe Joining
The preparation and joining of copper tube, cast iron, pvc and threaded pipe used in the installation, service & repair of piping systems.
Science
A solid understanding of the scientific and mechanical principles that are basic to the work of the piping industry.
Second Year:
Drawing/Plan Reading
Learn how to interpret drawings and sketches associated with piping installations.
Plumbing Fixtures
The installation, maintenance and repair of the various types of plumbing fixtures and appliances.
Drainage
Learn the proper sanitary disposal of wastes, efficient disposal of storm water and proper wastewater disposal systems.
Welding One
Weld shop safety, terminology and basic fundamentals.
Third Year:
Plumbing Service & Repair
The service, maintenance and repair of plumbing systems, fixtures and equipment.
Water Supply
The proper installation, maintenance and repair of various water supply systems and the use and care of the tools and equipment that are used.
Backflow
Backflow prevention and cross-connection control methods to protect potable water supply systems.
Gas Installations
The proper installation, maintenance and repair of gas piping, and associated appliances and equipment, according to industry standards.
Fourth Year:
Plumbing Code
Study the regulations and standards that plumbing systems are installed by and the proper materials and joining methods to be used.
Piping Lay-Out & Design
Practice various techniques for pipe lay-out, fabrication and offsets in a wide range of circumstances that may be seen on the job-site.
Rigging/Signalperson
Learn and understand the various types of rigging materials and equipment and how to perform rigging operations safely. Achieve signalperson cert.
Advanced Plumbing Code
The continued study of proper plumbing codes and regulations in preparation for the Texas State Journeyman Plumbing License.
Fifth Year:
Medical Gas
Learn and understand the proper installation of medical gases and code requirements that pertain to health care facilities.
AutoCad
Become familiar with the basic functions of the AutoCad program and learn to make and understand shop drawings.
Foreman Certification
Become familiar with some of the factors and considerations involved in the matrix of a job foreman.
Orbital/Tube Bending
Orbital welding procedures and progressive tube bending installations in clean room environments, process piping and pharmaceutical plants.
First Year:
Solder/Braze/Pipe Joining
The preparation and joining of copper tube, cast iron, pvc and threaded pipe used in the installation, service & repair of piping systems.
Science
A solid understanding of the scientific and mechanical principles that are basic to the work of the piping industry.
Related Math
Basic review of algebra and introduction to pipe formulas, offsets, and measurements.
OSHA-30/Heritage
OSHA regulations and awareness of potential job-site hazards in the construction industry.
Second Year:
Welding One
The terminology and fundamentals of welding. Shop safety, torch safety and torch hook-up. Cut and weld on plate.
Hydronic Heating/Pumps
The installation, maintenance and repair of hydronic heating and cooling systems. The installation, use and principles of pump operation.
Welding Two
Cut and weld on pipe. Introduction to layout and fabrication.
Drawing/Plan Reading
Learn how to interpret drawings and sketches associated with piping installations.
Third Year:
Welding Three
Intermediate pipe welding. Introduction to shielded metal arc welding.
Pipefitter Lay-Out
From the interpretation of mechanical drawings to the layout of piping systems on the job site.
Welding Four
Intermediate pipe welding. Introduction to gas tungsten arc welding.
Refrigeration/Steam
Basic understanding of the components and piping that make up a refrigeration system, steam system and pumps.
Fourth Year:
Rigging/Signalperson
Learn and understand the various types of rigging materials and equipment and how to perform rigging operations safely. Achieve signalperson cert.
Welding Certification – One
Advanced Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
Piping Lay-Out & Design
Practice various techniques for pipe lay-out, fabrication and offsets in a wide range of circumstances that may be seen on the job-site.
Welding Certification – Two
Advanced Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)
Fifth Year:
Orbital/Tube Bending
Orbital welding procedures and progressive tube bending installations in clean room environments, process piping and pharmaceutical plants.
Foreman Certification
Become familiar with some of the factors and considerations involved in the matrix of a job foreman.
AutoCad
Become familiar with the basic functions of the AutoCad program and learn to make and understand shop drawings.
Advanced Lay-Out & Star Certification Review
Learn and practice advanced techniques for pipe lay-out and fabrication. Review and prepare for Star Exam.
First Year:
Solder/Braze/Pipe Joining
The preparation and joining of copper tube, cast iron, pvc and threaded pipe used in the installation, service & repair of piping systems.
HVAC Related Math
This course is a review of basic math and principles for using formulas that are related to the HVAC field.
OSHA-30/Heritage
OSHA Regulations and awareness of potential job-site related hazards in the construction industry.
Basic Electricity
Basic information on electrical devices, circuits, and electric measuring instruments as they relate to the installation of mechanical equipment.
Second Year:
Basic Refrigeration/Code
Basic refrigerant components and refrigeration cycle, basic rigging, and obtaining an EPA 608 universal certification.
Electrical Two
Construction and applications of single phase motors, three phase motors and motor starters.
Refrigerant Systems
Components of a refrigeration system. Installation and common periodic maintenance required for refrigeration equipment and accessories.
Advanced Electricity
Wiring of single and three phase motors, starters, controllers and overcurrent devices. Circuits and wiring diagram symbols.
Third Year:
Pumps
Installation and application of pumps, fans, dampers, and belt drives. The use of dial indicators and micrometers.
Force Air Heating Systems
Safe furnace installation, procedures and maintenance. Sequence of operation and troubleshooting of furnace.
Refrigeration Systems
The theory and best practices of RTU, VAV, air handling units and other light commercial units. Guideline for customer service calls.
VFD’s/Motors/Mech. Code
Proper installation requirements and troubleshooting of different types of VFD’s and pumps. Review the uniform mechanical code.
Fourth Year:
Refrigerants Low/Mid/High
Application of typical operating controls, components, maintenance, refrigerant line sizes, pressure drop charts.
Hydronic Heating
Hydronic heating systems, combination heating systems, device controls, boiler controls and accessories.
Load, Design, & Balance
HVAC system load calculations, design and balancing. Heat pump review, cooling towers and boilers.
Steam
Basic fundamentals and principals involved in the installation, testing, repair, maintenance and servicing of steam systems and related equipment.
Fifth Year:
Fluid distribution
Basic air flow calculations. Adjusting and balancing water flow, water pressure and air flow for hydronic and HVAC systems.
Building Automation
Functions of a building automation system. Types of air cleaning equipment, air distribution systems, terminal units and life safety functions.
Energy Efficiency
Types of building commissioning, basic operation and maintenance plan program. Energy audits, cost calculations and energy star program.
Codes & Standards/HVAC Star Mastery Review
Review mechanical code, service skills, customer service and problem solving. Electrical and mechanical shop projects. Prepare for Star Exam.