Individuals looking to become a plumber in the St. Louis area should be glad to know that there are a few options.
With the outlook looking bright for the plumbing industry, there is a need for new students to become certified and look for work.
Below, we’ve summarized a few schools, their programs, and what they have to offer.
1 Ranken Technical College
About the School
Ranken Technical College is one of the oldest schools in St. Louis and has continued to grow over the years.
Now, the college includes various degree types, including certificate, degree, and training programs.
Additionally, the college has connections to a handful of businesses around the St. Louis area, which can help students connect with jobs after their education.
Courses Offered/Program Name
Ranken offers a Certificate in Plumbing Technology, which takes about a year to complete.
The certificate program is provided in person, and you’ll learn the basics of plumbing technology.
Some subjects include general electricity principles, pipefitting, and sanitary drainage systems.
Aside from that, the program also includes related industries, including domestic hydronic heating systems, boiler and steam fundamentals, and computer skills to help improve employment rates.
Students also get advanced industry knowledge before they even enter an apprenticeship program.
Address: 4431 Finney Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63113
2 St. Louis Community College
About the School
The St. Louis Community College is a public college that serves the area.
It includes many pathways and programs, including technical ones.
The college is popular because it has many college-transfer options, 80 career programs, and even continuing education programs.
Courses Offered/Program Name
The Foundations of Plumbing is an online class that students can enroll in.
It’s a certificate program that totals 145 hours.
It takes 12 months to complete but is self-paced, which means you can work on it when you want.
This certificate program is comprehensive and teaches plumbers a wide variety of skills.
Some include drainage future units, plumbing traps, and winning customer service techniques.
Additionally, the instructors have over 25 years in the industry, ensuring that even though the classes are online, they are still worth every penny.
The certificate program costs $2,245 and can be paid in installments using Affirm.
This can bring the total costs to $110 a month.
Address: 3221 McKelvey Road Bridgton, MO 63044
3 Plumbers Training Institute (Online)
About the School
The Plumbers Training Institute (PTI) offers classes to Missouri citizens.
All of their classes are Tailored to the IPC and UPC, and most are self-paced.
They include professional instructors, dedicated support, and On-Demand courses on any device.
Courses Offered/Program Name
All courses are provided online and can be purchased for a specific price.
Pricing changes depending on what class you’re taking and the hours of video recorded.
Classes are usually only a few hours and are under $100.
Here are the selected courses you can find at the PTI:
- Pricing Plumbing for Profit ($59)
- Ethics and Morality in the Professional Setting ($39)
- Master Plumber Isometrics ($59)
- Personal Protective Equipment ($19)
- Etc…
Most of the courses are classes you can find at a college or things you’d normal learn in an apprenticeship.
PTI should be used as a resource to get an entry-level position or to polish your skills after you’ve become certified.
Address: 3135 Logan Valley Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686
4 MOPHCC
About the School
The Missouri Association of Plumb, Heating, and Cooling Contractors (MOPHCC) is a place for plumbers to find resources inside the state.
However, it also includes an educational foundation E-learning apprenticeship program.
Members can access the classes and work towards an entry-level apprenticeship and certificate.
Courses Offered/Program Name
All E-learning courses are open enrollment, self-paced, and can be taken anywhere.
A few options include a plumbing pre-apprentice course and an apprenticeship program.
The apprentice course gets individuals ready to work as an entry-level assistants.
The program provided is a four-year program that allows students to get certified and work on their own.
The MOPHCC provides classes each year; students can choose where to start.
However, students who skip a year must provide proof of previous class enrollment and eligibility.
The total cost of a year’s worth of classes is estimated at $2,150, including books.
Address: 11472 Schenk Dr, Maryland Heights, MO 63043, United States
Schools Summary Table
Rank | School | |
---|---|---|
#1 | Ranken Technical College | |
#2 | St. Louis Community College | |
#3 | Plumbers Training Institute (Online) | |
#4 | MOPHCC |
Read the full guide: How to Become a Plumber