Table of Contents
- What you need to know about Plumbing
- Plumbing License Requirements In New Jersey
- How To Become A Master Plumber
- Top 2 New Jersey Trade Schools for Plumbing
- A Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing a Trade School For Plumbing.
- 8 Best Schools For Plumbing In New Jersey – 2022
- #1. Adult and Continuing Education-BCTS
- #2. Hohokus School of Trade and Technical Sciences
- #3. Camden County College
- #4. Eastwick Education – Plumber Apprenticeship Diploma Program
- #5. UA Local 9
- #6. Atlantic County Vocational School District – Adult Education
- #7. Passaic County Technical Institute – Adult Division
- #8. Master Plumbers Educational
- Cost of Attending a Plumbing School In New Jersey
- Demand For Plumbing Jobs In New Jersey.
- Frequently Asked Questions on Best Trade Schools for Plumbing In New Jersey in 2022
- Conclusion
- We Suggest You Read
If you’re looking for plumber certification, plumber classes, plumber courses, plumber education, plumber programs, schools for plumbing, or plumber training, then you’ve come to the right place. Check out our full list of Schools for Plumbing & Training Programs across the United States.
When there are so many alternatives, choosing which trade schools for plumbing to enroll in might be difficult. As online education opportunities expand, you are no longer limited to schools in your immediate area. Even some ‘big name’ universities are already offering online courses. There are also a number of trade schools for plumbing with programs that you could be interested in.
The Academic Guide has created this ranking of the Best Trade Schools for Plumbing in New Jersey to help you arm yourself with the information you need to make an informed decision.
What you need to know about Plumbing
Plumbing is one of those technical talents that never goes out of style. While that demand fluctuates, it is always there. The demand for competent plumbers in New Jersey is constantly increasing, and you must have the appropriate training to be considered for open positions.
This post will look at the best plumbing schools in New Jersey and give you some things to think about while making your decision. We also go through the state’s license regulations and all you need to know about becoming a successful plumber in New Jersey.
Plumbing License Requirements In New Jersey
The licensing process for plumbers in New Jersey is one of the most stringent and perplexing in the country. Let’s try to clear up some confusion. To begin with, you do not need a plumbing license to work as a journeyman plumber. You must, however, be registered with the state and obtain the consent of the state board.
Because the registration approval process is similar to that of licensing, it is typically recommended that you obtain a license rather than simply register. Before anything else, an apprenticeship registration must be submitted to the board for approval.
Once you’ve been authorized, you’ll be able to start working as an apprentice plumber, where you’ll need to complete both classroom and hands-on instruction. You can take the journeyman level license exam once you have enough hours and schooling. You can now start working as a plumber without the supervision of a master plumber.
How To Become A Master Plumber
It takes a little more effort to advance from journeyman to master plumber. To begin, you must have completed four years as an apprentice and one year as a journeyman. The state board must be informed of these working hours.
With board approval, you can also skip the apprenticeship hours if you have a bachelor’s degree in engineering and one full year of work experience.
In addition, you must pass three exams: Trade, Practical Application, and Business & Law. Each exam has its own set of proctors and costs that must be paid before you may take the exam. Finally, you must be at least 21 years old, receive state board clearance for testing, and carry a $3,000 bond insurance policy for plumbing.
You will be licensed as a master plumber if you have received clearance, obtained bond insurance, and passed the tests. After that, you can start your own company and hire journeyman or apprentice plumbers to work alongside or for you.
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Top 2 New Jersey Trade Schools for Plumbing
The table below shows the top 2 schools for plumbing in New Jersey and the rest of the schools can be seen as you continue reading
Ranking | Plumbing Schools | Location |
---|---|---|
#1. | Adult and Continuing Education-BCTS | Hackensack, NJ |
#2. | Hohokus School of Trade and Technical Sciences | Paterson, NJ |
A Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing a Trade School For Plumbing.
It can be difficult to choose the correct institution to gain the requisite hours, education, and knowledge. But it doesn’t have to be difficult. Consider the following variables while deciding which schools for plumbing to apply to or attend.
#1. Location
The school’s location is less crucial than other considerations. However, if you have trouble getting to school due to traffic or the time of day, you may struggle, fall behind, or quit. Finding decent technical schools for plumbing that is close to your home or workplace is critical to your success.
#2. Authorized/Accredited School
Check to see if the institution is accredited. Most will claim to be on their websites and social media accounts. You can double-check by searching the national database. If a school is not accredited, it does not fulfill minimal educational standards, and your diploma or degree may not qualify you for further education or even employment.
#3. Provides High-Quality Education
Before enrolling in trade schools for plumbing, visit the campus in person. You should speak with current students and staff to learn how the system operates and whether the education provided is as outstanding as the websites claim. Seeing it for yourself is the most powerful motivator.
#4. Provides On-the-job Training
Hours in the lab and hands-on training are required. At least half of the course should be completed in the lab. It may not be the ideal decision if the school you are considering has less lab time than classroom time.
#5. Connects you to an Apprenticeship or Internship Program.
Job placement, apprenticeship and internship support, and other services are available through post-graduate programs. These apps assist you in contacting potential companies, filling out applications, and ensuring that all of your paperwork is in place. Because these programs are also free, you should use them as much as possible.
#6. Provides Customer Service Skills Training.
Plumbers must have customer service training. Because you interact with consumers and vendors on a daily basis, you must be able to communicate and deal with any situation. This is something that most plumbing schools will overlook. Only the best will include customer service training in their programs.
#7. Affordable
You need to be able to afford the price. You must ensure that the tuition prices are something you can live with, whether through cheap costs, financial aid, or the acceptance of student loans or scholarships.
8 Best Schools For Plumbing In New Jersey – 2022
The best plumbing trade schools in the state are highlighted and reviewed below. For you, each one is compared and evaluated. We’ve also broken them down by region so you can pick the best school in your neighborhood.
Top New Jersey Trade Schools for Plumbing
#1. Adult and Continuing Education-BCTS
Location: Hackensack, NJ
Adult & Continuing Education-BCTS was voted the best school in New Jersey for plumbing and water supply students in our 2022 rankings. Bergen Career Institute is a public school with a small student population that is located in the major suburb of Hackensack.
#2. Hohokus School of Trade and Technical Sciences
Location: Paterson, NJ
Hohokus School of Trade and Technical Sciences came in second place out of the two institutions in New Jersey that were included in this year’s rating. Hohokus School of Trade and Technical Sciences is a private for-profit institution with a very small student population, located in the major suburb of Paterson.
#3. Camden County College
Address: 200 College Dr, Blackwood, NJ 08012
Camden County College’s continuing education program is one of the best trade schools for plumbing in NJ. The Blackwood campus offers a variety of continuing education courses that all qualify for licensing requirements.
The hydro technology course is designed to educate modern and practical procedures while also providing ample lab and hands-on experience for certification. A plumbing inspector ICS course is also available.
The best aspect is that all of the courses can count toward the 60-credit associate degree in technical studies.
#4. Eastwick Education – Plumber Apprenticeship Diploma Program
Address: 634 Market Street, Paterson, NJ 07513
One of the greatest courses for apprenticeship advancement is offered by Eastwick Education Center in Paterson. Graduates of the program are able to enroll as second-year apprentices in the NHPHCC’s apprenticeship program.
Aerial lift and OSHA 10 certification are also included. This is the best course for you if you want to become an apprentice and take the first stages toward becoming a journeyman plumber. You’ll not only acquire a lot of hands-on experience, but the certification programs involved are some of the best in the country.
#5. UA Local 9
Address: 450 Rt. 33 & Iron Ore Road, Englishtown, NJ 07726
If you’re going to be a plumber, you might as well do it right the first time. The UA Local 9 union has a comprehensive apprenticeship program that includes more benefits than any trade school or college.
You will receive a 5-year curriculum that will provide you with all of the resources necessary for a successful apprenticeship, including free classroom lectures. You can also apply for an associate’s degree at any New Jersey college with up to 32 free college course credit hours.
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#6. Atlantic County Vocational School District – Adult Education
Address: 5080 Atlantic Avenue, Mays Landing, NJ 08330
You can enroll in adult education classes at Atlantic County Vocational Apprenticeship Program if you are currently employed as a plumber or in the plumbing trade. Your employee will need to sponsor paperwork, and applications can be submitted at any time.
Although the classes aren’t the most rigorous, they all count toward apprenticeship hours. Your training will cover everything from theory to customer service to invoicing and pipe threading. You can do all of this without becoming the oldest student in the class.
#7. Passaic County Technical Institute – Adult Division
Address: 45 Reinhardt Road, Wayne, NJ 07470
You’ll need classroom hours and lab work to get the most out of an apprenticeship. Both are available at Passaic County Technical Institute, and at a very reasonable price. In fact, the first course, which comprises both Level 1 and Level 2 courses, costs less than $500.
The second course, Levels 3 and 4, is equally all-inclusive and costs less than $500. You can also take classes on your own time, although spaces fill up quickly. To maximize the learning experience, our institution emphasizes small class sizes.
#8. Master Plumbers Educational
Address: 28 Kill Rd, Columbia, NJ 07832
Master Plumbers Educational is a one-stop-shop for all you need to know about plumbing, from novice to master plumber. The courses available will provide you with theory, customer service, and hands-on experience for entry-level applicants.
Exam prep seminars, OSHA 10, and master plumber continuing education requirement classes are also available. The classes are small, the instructors pay close attention to detail, and the entire program is designed to get you started and keep you going forward.
Cost of Attending a Plumbing School In New Jersey
Tuition and fees differ from one school to the next, as well as from one region to the next. It will also be determined by the type of school, the number of classes, and the course duration. Longer courses and universities that give degrees will cost more than single classes or certificate programs.
For a single class, continuing education, and 4- to 6-week programs, you can anticipate paying between $200 and $800 on average inside the state. The cost of ordinary courses will range from $2,000 to $6,000.
Fees will be greater if you are pursuing a degree or attending a college or university for your education. In-state citizens can expect to pay roughly $25,000 for most degree-granting courses.
Demand For Plumbing Jobs In New Jersey.
The plumbing business isn’t experiencing the same boom as other trade industries right now.
While other trades, such as heating and air conditioning, are predicted to expand at a pace of up to 13% over the next ten years, plumbers are expected to grow at a rate of only 4%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The national average is about correct for New Jersey, and while there is a demand for plumbers in the state, there is also a lot of competition. The trade-off is that earnings are greater and there are more jobs available.
Frequently Asked Questions on Best Trade Schools for Plumbing In New Jersey in 2022
How long is plumbing school in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, you can become an apprentice plumber in as little as a few weeks, assuming state board clearance. However, you must complete a four-year apprenticeship before becoming a journeyman and working independently. After this, you must work as a journeyman for at least 12 months before taking the master plumber licensing exam.
Are all plumbers also gas fitters?
No. Gasfitters, also known as pipefitters, are a subset of plumbers. This requires more education and expertise, and it involves a wider range of pipelines, high-pressure pipes, hazardous chemicals handling, and other specialized tasks.
Will my New Jersey plumber’s license work in any other states?
No. Reciprocity can be applied for both out-of-state plumbers and New Jersey plumbers operating outside of the state. This is a one-time agreement to work in another state using your current credentials. Most states will not require anything else, although they may restrict the types of employment you may do or the length of time you can work while you are there.
How can I renew my plumbing apprentice license in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, you only need to renew your master plumber’s license once. There is no renewal process because the state does not require a journeyman or apprentice license, only registration. Master plumbers, on the other hand, must renew every two years for a price of $150 and maintain a minimum of 5 credit hours in continuing education credits during that time.
Conclusion
Choosing the best trade schools for plumbing can help you get off to a good start in your career as a plumber. While it may appear to be a straightforward endeavor, selecting the right school can be more difficult than it appears.
This article has provided you with all of the information and tools you require to make the best decision possible. Your education should meet and surpass your expectations, as well as assist you in launching your new profession.
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