Search | Menu 
-
Program Overview
Plumbers install, repair and maintain the water supply, wastewater treatment, drainage and gas systems in homes, commercial and industrial buildings. The work includes plumbing tasks to assemble, install and repair pipes, fittings and fixtures of heating, water and drainage systems according to specifications and plumbing codes. Plumbers also install sanitary facilities, such as lavatories, toilets, tubs, bathroom fixtures, showers, kitchen fixtures, drinking fountains and laundry equipment.
Plumbing work can be indoors or outdoors in existing and newly constructed buildings, in various weather conditions and around noise, dirt and mud. The work requires physical strength and stamina with prolonged standing, lifting heavy pipes and equipment, and working in cramped, awkward or uncomfortable positions. Training in safety practices prevents the risk of dangers with falls from ladders, cuts from sharp tools and burns from hot pipes or soldering equipment.
Training Plan
- 5-year training program
- 8,000 hours of on-the-job training
- 572 hours of paid related instruction
- 260 hours of unpaid related instruction
- Complete Red Cross First Aid, CPR, and OSHA Safety Training Courses during your first year
- Maintain yourFirst Aid/CPR Course Certification
- Complete the Transition-To-Trainer Course in your final year of apprenticeship.
Topics include plumbing code, repair and service, materials, installation of fixtures and appliances, system design, trade math, safety, science, blueprint reading and isometric drawing.
Learn more from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.
Program Details
Plumbing apprenticeship classes are offered at the Madison College Commercial Ave campus.
-
Program Courses
Here's a sample course sequence that shows how classes for full-time students are typically organized by semester.
Once you're admitted, your full curriculum and sequence—including any pre-requisites—is defined in your Degree Progress Report.
First Semester50-427-751Sanitary Drains 1
Plumbing related instruction of sanitary drain systems. Course includes a review of codes and trade practices related to sanitary drains, drainage systems, components and applications.2 creditsSecond Semester50-427-752Vents and Venting Systems
This course is designed to provide the apprentice with the skills to identify and design sanitary vent piping in a plumbing system in accordance with the Wisconsin Plumbing Code. The course focuses on theory, work experience, and the application of plumbing code principles through discussions, drawing exercises, work sheets, and evaluations.2 creditsThird Semester50-427-753Water Distribution 1
Provides the apprentice with the skills to identify, design, install, and service various applications for water supply systems listed in plumbing codes. Apprentices will use the code language and tables to in various plumbing systems in accordance with the Wisconsin Plumbing Code. Topics will include commercial to single-family and private well pump systems. Focuses on theory, work experience, and the application of plumbing code principles through discussions, drawing exercises, work sheets, and evaluations. Plumbing Apprentice students only.2 creditsFourth Semester50-427-754Water Distribution 2
Provides the apprentice with the skills to identify, design, install, and service cross connection controls, water treatment equipment and multi-purpose piping systems in various plumbing systems in accordance with the Wisconsin Plumbing Code. Focuses on theory, work experience, and the application of plumbing code principles through discussions, drawing exercises, work sheets, and evaluations.2 creditsFifth Semester50-427-755Sanitary Drains 2
Provides the apprentice with the skills to identify, design, install, and service various applications for storm water, clear water, and drainage systems. Apprentices will use the code language and tables to in various plumbing systems in accordance with the Wisconsin Plumbing Code. The course focuses on theory, work experience, and the application of plumbing code principles through discussions, drawing exercises, work sheets, and evaluations.2 creditsSixth Semester50-427-756Private On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems (POWTS)
Provides the apprentice with the skills to identify, design, install, and service various applications for private on-site wastewater treatment systems that are listed in plumbing codes or individual component manuals. Apprentices will use the code language and tables to in various plumbing systems in accordance with the Wisconsin Plumbing Code. Other topics will include pretreatment, soil evaluation, site planning, and new technologies. Focuses on theory, work experience, and the application of plumbing code principles through discussions, drawing exercises, work sheets, and evaluations.2 creditsSeventh Semester50-427-757Green Plumbing Applications
Provides Plumbing apprentices with an introduction to green applications and prepares students to take certification exams: Union Programs: UA Green Awareness Certification (geared toward journey workers, not apprenticeship) WTCS Programs: Green Plumbers USA Certification Program Learning materials from both certificate programs have been incorporated.2 creditsEighth Semester50-427-758Plumbing Advanced Topics/TSA
Provides the apprentice with the opportunity to select and complete an applied plumbing project in collaboration with the instructor. Projects will apply the skills required to identify, design, install, and service various plumbing applications that are listed in plumbing codes. Apprentices will use the code language and tables to in various plumbing systems in accordance with the Wisconsin Plumbing Code. The course builds upon the theory, work experience, and the application of plumbing code principles addressed in previous coursework to support completing an applied hands-on project.2 credits -
How to Apply
1. Apply through the Madison Plumbing Joint Apprenticeship Committee.
Get started by submitting the Plumbing Apprenticeship Application.
2. Secure an Apprenticeship Position
Once the committee approves you, you'll need to secure an apprenticeship position with a sponsoring employer. Think of it like applying for a job. You'll apply directly to employers who are hiring apprentices.
3. Apply to Madison College
After you secure an apprenticeship position, apply to the apprenticeship program at Madison College.
Application Dates
- Fall 2027 Application Open
- The application deadline is August 31, 2027
4. Complete the Apprenticeship Contract
Your sponsoring employer will work with the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) to complete the apprenticeship registration process.
5. Get Ready to Start Classes
Once Madison College receives your apprenticeship contract, you'll be admitted into the program and contacted with next steps.
-
Career Outcomes
Madison College Apprenticeship graduates are prepared to:
- Assemble pipe sections, tubing and fittings, using couplings, hangers, cement, and plastic solvent, soldering, brazing and welding equipment.
- Cut openings in structures to accommodate pipes and pipe fittings, using hand and power tools.
- Fill pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observe pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks.
- Hang steel supports from ceiling joists to hold pipes in place.
- Install pipe assemblies, fitting, valves, appliances such as dishwashers and water heaters, and fixtures such as sinks and toilets, using hand and power tools.
- Install underground storm, sanitary and water piping systems, and extend piping to connect fixtures and plumbing to these systems.
- Repair and maintain plumbing, replace defective washers, replace or mend broken pipes, and open clogged drains.
- Interpret building plans and inspect structures to assess material and equipment needs.
- Determine the material, methods and tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
- Maintain a working knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses and repairs.
- Maintain a working knowledge of blueprint reading, the plumbing code, math and theory.
- Students must be able to understand detailed written and verbal communication.
-
Graduate Summary
Graduate Report Summary Overview
2024 2025 Number of Program Graduates 2 1 Number of Surveys Sent Number of Surveys Returned Percent of Surveys Returned Available for Employment 0 0 Percent Available for Employment Not in Labor Market Percent Not in Labor Market Available for Employment
2024 2025 Graduates Employed 0 0 Percent of Graduates Employed Employed in Related Occupation 0 0 Percent Employed in Related Occupation Employed in Unrelated Occupation 0 0 Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation Employed - No Response 0 0 Percent Employed - No Response Seeking Employment 0 0 Percent Seeking Employment Reaction To Training at Madison College
2024 2025 Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4) 0 0 Number of Satisfaction Responses 0 0 Very Satisfied (4) 0 0 Percent Very Satisfied Satisfied (3) 0 0 Percent Satisfied Unsatisfied (2) 0 0 Percent Unsatisfied Very Unsatisfied (1) Percent Very Unsatisfied Primary Reason for Attending Madison College
2024 2025 Number of Primary Reason Responses 0 0 Preparation for Getting a Job 0 0 Percent Preparation for Getting a Job Career Change 0 0 Percent Career Change Improvement of Existing Skills 0 0 Percent Improvement of Existing Skills Preparation for Further Education 0 0 Percent Preparation for Further Education Personal Interest 0 0 Percent Personal Interest Other 0 0 Percent Other When Employment was Obtained
2024 2025 Number of When Employment Obtained Responses 0 0 Before Enrollment 0 0 Percent Before Enrollment While Attending the College 0 0 Percent While Attending the College After Training at the College 0 0 Percent After Training at the College Location of Employment (related and unrelated)
2024 2025 Number of Employment Location Responses 0 0 In College District 0 0 Percent In College District In Wisconsin, Not in District 0 0 Percent of In Wisconsin Outside of Wisconsin 0 0 Percent Outside Wisconsin Employer Location Unknown 0 0 Percent Location Unknown Salary Trend 2024 2025 Full Time Employment (Related Job) Full Time Salary Count Average Monthly Wage Average Hourly Wage Average Work Hours per Week Part Time Employment (Related Job) Part Time Salary Count Average Hourly Wage Average Work Hours per Week