Mountain West Trade School
Program Overview
The Plumbing Technician program is a 150-clock-hour, online distance-education course preparing learners for entry-level positions in plumbing service and new-construction support. The curriculum covers plumbing safety, tools, water properties and pressure, code awareness, pipe types and joining methods, water supply, drain-waste-vent (DWV) systems, fixtures, gas piping, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting. The program features six purpose-built VR scenarios covering soldering copper, plumbing hand tools, faucet installation, toilet installation, and gas and electric water heater troubleshooting. Graduates are positioned to sit for the OSHA 10 Construction Industry credentialing exam and earn the ATC Plumbing Technician Certification.
Quick Facts
| Program Length | 150 Clock Hours |
| Delivery Format | 100% Online — Asynchronous Distance Education with VR Lab Component |
| Modules | 12 |
| Lessons | 42 |
| VR Labs | 6 |
| Typical Duration | 20–26 weeks self-paced (maximum 52 weeks) |
| CIP Code | 46.0503 — Plumbing Technology / Plumber |
| SOC Codes | 47-2152 (Plumbers, Pipefitters, Steamfitters), 47-3015 (Helpers — Pipelayers, Plumbers, etc.) |
| Target Occupations | Plumbing Apprentice, Plumber Helper, Service Plumber Helper, Maintenance Plumber |
| Industry Credentials Targeted | OSHA 10 Construction Industry · ATC Plumbing Technician Certification |
Lead Instructor — Erik Bon Fleur, MBA
The Plumbing Technician program is led by Erik Bon Fleur, a Florida-based Master Plumber with more than a decade of residential and commercial plumbing experience. Erik is the named instructor of record for student Q&A, manual review, and the weekly virtual office hours.
Background & Credentials
- Master Plumber with 11+ years of hands-on plumbing experience in residential and commercial settings
- Plumbing professional with Andy Frattin Plumbing, Orlando, FL
- M.B.A., Warrington College of Business, University of Florida
- M.S., Industrial Engineering (MSIE)
- B.S., Industrial Engineering, University of Central Florida
Target Audience & Prerequisites
- Minimum age 18 years
- Reading and math fundamentals (fractions, decimals, basic algebra)
- Computer literacy and email proficiency
- Technology requirements per Program Policies (device, internet, webcam, microphone)
- Physical capability to perform plumbing field tasks (with or without reasonable accommodation)
Program Learning Outcomes
- Apply OSHA 10 Construction Industry safety practices to plumbing jobsites.
- Identify and safely use plumbing hand tools, power tools, and specialty equipment.
- Explain water properties, pressure, and flow behavior in residential plumbing systems.
- Read plumbing drawings and identify code-awareness requirements for residential plumbing.
- Select pipe materials and joining methods appropriate for water supply, DWV, and gas applications.
- Solder copper joints to a code-compliant, leak-free standard.
- Identify and install common residential plumbing fixtures including toilets, faucets, and tub/shower valves.
- Diagnose common plumbing failures using systematic troubleshooting procedures.
- Troubleshoot gas and electric water heaters using vendor-correct service procedures.
- Apply preventive maintenance and documentation practices to plumbing systems.
- Demonstrate workplace readiness including resume writing, customer communication, and apprenticeship pathways.
Course Schedule & Modules
The program is organized into 12 sequential modules totaling 150 clock hours. Modules are gated — students must pass each module’s assessment before advancing.
Module 1 — Introduction and Ethics | 6 Hours
- Introduction to Plumbing
- Ethical Work Practices & Customer Service
- Plumbing Safety & Hazard Awareness
Module 2 — OSHA 10 Construction Industry | 10 Hours
- Introduction to OSHA
- Fall Hazards
- Avoiding Electrocution Hazards
- Struck-By Hazards
- Caught-In or -Between Hazards
- Personal Protective Equipment
- Health Hazards in Construction
- Excavations
- Materials Handling, Storage, Use, and Disposal
- Scaffolds
- Hand and Power Tools
- Safe Driving Practices
- Emergency Action Plans and Fire Protection
- Cranes
- Welding and Cutting
- Final Assessment
Module 3 — Tools, Material, and Measurement | 10 Hours | VR Lab
- Plumbing Hand Tools
- Power Tools and Specialty Equipment
- Measurement and Layout
- VR Lab SIM-P02: Using Core Plumbing Hand Tools
Module 4 — Plumbing Fundamentals and Water Science | 12 Hours
- Water Properties: Pressure and Flow
- The Plumbing System as a Whole
- Blueprint Reading and Plumbing Drawings
- Plumbing Code Awareness
Module 5 — Pipe Types, Fittings, & Joining Methods | 18 Hours | VR Lab
- Copper Pipe and Tubing
- PVC, CPVC, and ABS Plastic Pipe
- PEX Tubing
- Cast Iron, Galvanized, and Specialty Pipe
- VR Lab SIM-P01: Soldering a Copper Pipe Joint
Module 6 — Water Supply Systems | 14 Hours
- Water Distribution Fundamentals
- Fixture Supply & Rough-In
- Water Heaters: Gas, Electric, and Tankless
- Backflow Prevention & Cross-Connection Control
- Boiler Systems & Hydronic Heating Awareness
Module 7 — Drain, Waste, and Vent Systems | 12 Hours
- DWV Principles & Code Requirements
- Drain & Waste Pipe Sizing and Slope
- Traps, Cleanouts, & Common DWV Configurations
- Drain Clearing and Troubleshooting
Module 8 — Fixtures and Appliance Connections | 18 Hours | VR Lab
- Toilets: Installation, Repair, and Troubleshooting
- Faucets, Sinks, and Lavatories
- Bathtubs, Showers, & Tub/Shower Valves
- Appliance Connections
- VR Lab SIM-P03: Installing a Kitchen Faucet
- VR Lab SIM-P04: Installing a Toilet
Module 9 — Gas Piping Awareness | 8 Hours
- Natural Gas and Propane Safety
- Gas Piping Materials & Connections
- Gas Appliance Connections & Testing
Module 10 — Preventive Maintenance & Inspection | 16 Hours | VR Lab
- PM Schedules for Plumbing Systems
- Common Plumbing Failures & Early Detection
- Inspection Checklists & Documentation
- Boiler Preventive Maintenance
- VR Lab SIM-P05A: Troubleshooting a Gas Water Heater
- VR Lab SIM-P05B: Troubleshooting an Electric Water Heater
Module 11 — Career Readiness and Job Transition | 6 Hours
- Plumbing Career Pathways
- Resume Writing (Plumbing-Focused)
- Interviewing & First Day Success
Module 12 — ATC Plumbing Certification Prep | 20 Hours
- Plumbing Safety
- IPC Fundamentals (Articles, Definitions, Permits)
- UPC Fundamentals (and Differences from IPC)
- Water Supply & Distribution
- DWV (Drain, Waste, Vent) Systems
- Joining Methods & Materials
- Fixtures & Rough-In Dimensions
- Backflow Prevention & Cross-Connection Control
- Plumbing Calculations
Grading & Assessment
| Component | Pass Standard | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Module quizzes & knowledge checks | Pass each | Online |
| Virtual reality labs & skills simulations | Pass each | Online / VR headset or desktop |
| Mid-program competency assessment | Must pass | Online (proctored) |
| Participation & timely completion | Required | LMS activity tracking |
| Final comprehensive exam | Must pass | Online (proctored) |
Completion Requirements
- Pass all 12 modules in sequence
- Pass the mid-program competency assessment
- Complete all 6 virtual reality lab tasks with passing scores
- Pass the final comprehensive exam (proctored)
- Sit for the OSHA 10 Construction Industry credentialing exam and the ATC Plumbing Certification exam
Student Supports
- Instructor office hours held weekly via video conference and asynchronous messaging
- Technical support for LMS, VR headset configuration, and proctoring software (response within one business day)
- ADA accommodations available — contact Student Services within the first two weeks of enrollment
After the Program
Graduates pursue entry-level positions including Plumbing Apprentice, Plumber Helper, Service Plumber Helper, and Maintenance Plumber. Graduates may pursue state licensure pathways (apprentice and journeyman plumber depending on jurisdiction) and many enter registered apprenticeship programs through PHCC, UA, or municipal utilities.
Academic Integrity & Attendance
Students are expected to log into the learning management system and engage with course material at least three days per week. A student who has not logged in for 14 consecutive days will be contacted by Student Services and may be required to submit a written catch-up plan. Students must complete all coursework independently. All proctored exams use identity verification and session recording.