Pathfinder Tech

PLUMBING & PIPEFITTING

SKILLS ACQUIRED AT EACH GRADE LEVEL

Grade 9

  • Osha 10 Certification
  • Hot works certification
  • Introduction to Plumbing
  • Materials, Tools and Joining Methods
  • Education and experience requirements per Mass code section 248 CMR:11
  • Valves and devices used in plumbing
  • Residential blueprint reading’
  • Math

Grade 10

  • Drainage
  • Building sanitary waste and venting systems
  • Allowable materials and approval procedures
  • Traps
  • Cleanouts plumbing code
  • Hands on installation of plumbing fixtures
  • Potable water supply
  • Hot water tank Installation
  • Math 
  • Gas fitting
  • Underground plumbing

Grade 11

  • Venting
  • Drainage 
  • Water supply
  • Testing and Safety
  • Storm drains
  • Fixture installation
  • Gas code and installation
  • Introduction to welding

Grade 12

  • Sizing waste and vents
  • Sizing potable water
  • Sizing natural gas and propane
  • Plumbing Code
  • Plumbing rough in
  • Welding
  • Hydronic heating and cooling
  • Managing a plumbing business

Plumbing & Pipefitting

Pathfinder ‘s Plumbing & Pipefitting program starts students on a path to obtain the hours of training they need to take the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Journeyman Plumbing License by combining the Code, theory, and hands on training in both residential and commercial applications needed to complete 3 of the 5 tiers required for licensing. Pipefitting, Sprinkler fitting Hydronic Heating, welding, and process piping are incorporated in the curriculum to introduce the students to a broad spectrum of opportunity in their plumbing/ pipefitting career

NOTEWORTHY PROJECTS
  • Plumbing underground (Hands on Plumbing foundation)
  • Plumbing rough in (Hands on Mock-up House)
  • Plumbing fixture repair and install throughout the school and community
  • Introduction to welding and commercial piping application
OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDUSTRY RECOGNIZED CREDENTIALS
  • Journeyman plumber
  • Master Plumber
  • Foreman 
  • General Foreman
  • Supervisor
  • Business owner
  • Inspector
  • Teacher
  • Maintenance
  • Engineering
  • Project management
  • Industrial 
THIS PROGRAM RELIES HEAVILY ON THE FOLLOWING ACADEMIC SKILLS and/or DISCIPLINES
  • Math
  • Algebra
  • Science
  • Geometry

POSSIBLE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES UPON COMPLETION OF PROGRAM

Upon graduation:
  • Plumbing Apprenticeship
  • Sprinkler fitting apprenticeship
  • Pipefitting Apprenticeship
  • Plumbing sales
  • Maintenance
  • Union training
After completion of 1-2 years of post-secondary technical training (apprenticeship, certificate program or associate’s degree):
  • Opportunity to take the Massachusetts Journeyman Plumbing Exam
  • Opportunity to take the Massachusetts Master Plumbing Exam
  • Self-Employment
  • Inspector
After completion of Advanced degree (4 year college degree or higher)
  • Business owner
  • Engineering
  • Project Management

Pathfinder Tech offers a wide range of vocational technical programs that give students a competitive advantage both in college and the workforce. These sixteen programs are designed to help students create and follow pathways to a career of their choice.  Pursue your passion and enjoy your education!

To schedule a tour please contact our Guidance Department:
413-283-9701 Ext. 247
Email Our Guidance Department

The Cooperative Education Program at Pathfinder is an optional experience for seniors and juniors (second half of the school year) having a minimum 1,000 hours in their technical area. Through a cooperative arrangement between the school and employer, the student will receive job placement related to their technical area of study during their “shop week” with wages paid by the employer. To be eligible, a student must have the recommendation of their technical program teachers, meet the required grade, attendance, and discipline standards. The student must also have their OSHA 10-hour card. Some technical areas may require additional certifications prior to entering the program.