If you enjoy working with your hands and are looking for a career that will provide long-term stability, you should consider becoming a plumber.
Piping systems are standard in nearly all buildings, providing plumbers with numerous opportunities in various industries. Plumbers will always be required to keep these vital structures in good working order.
Working as a plumber requires a high level of physical stamina due to the nature of the work.
Visual acuity and manual dexterity will be required for inspecting and repairing pipes, often requiring working in cramped, dimly lit spaces.
Plumbers will also need to learn a lot about the materials they work with and the building codes in their local areas.
Read on to discover more about the best plumbing schools in Arkansas.
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Are there Plumbing Schools in Arkansas?
There are very few plumbing schools in Arkansas. These plumbing schools are:
- Northwest Arkansas Community College
- South Arkansas Community College
- Pulaski Technical College
- Ultimate Technical Academy
- Arkansas Construction Education Foundation
- National Apprenticeship Training Foundation (NATF)
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How Does One Become A Plumber in Arkansas?
To work as a trade professional, you must have both knowledge and qualifications, as evidenced by a license.
Plumbers and general contractors in Arkansas are required to have a plumbing license.
To obtain it, a prospective plumber must apply with the state and provide proof that they meet the requirements and pass an exam.
The state requires licenses to be renewed every year.
After you obtain a license, you may wonder if you can use it in other states.
Arkansas does not provide reciprocal plumbing license agreements on a state-by-state basis.
Plumbers from other states who want a reciprocal license in Arkansas can apply individually with the State Committee of Plumbing Examiners.
Requirements for an Arkansas Master Plumber License
Each state has its licensing requirements that each applicant must meet.
A master plumber is defined by the Arkansas state government as someone skilled in planning, supervising, and installing plumbing and familiar with the laws, rules, and regulations governing the same.
To become a master plumber in Arkansas, you must first fulfill the following requirements:
- Five years of on-the-job experience; a journeyman license held for at least one year;
- A master plumber license application (including a $125 application fee) to the state;
- Passing the state examination
Requirements for an Arkansas Plumbing Journeyman License
A Journeyman plumber license is another license that can be obtained.
A journeyman plumber in Arkansas is engaged in the practical installation of plumbing and is not the same as a master plumber.
To become a journeyman plumber in Arkansas, you must meet the following requirements:
- Four years of on-the-job experience; completion of a recognized apprenticeship program
- A state journeyman plumber application (including a $75 application fee);
- Passing the state examination
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Requirements for Plumbing Apprenticeship
Each plumber in Arkansas must work as an apprentice before obtaining either of the licenses mentioned above.
Arkansas defines an apprentice plumber as someone who is learning and assisting in installing plumbing and drainage while enrolled in a state-approved apprentice program.
When your future as a plumber is at stake, this is the first step you must take.
- A prospective plumber must submit an apprenticeship application and be accepted into a state-approved apprenticeship program to be registered as an apprentice plumber with the state of Arkansas.
In Arkansas, the following are the possible costs for various license types:
- A Master plumbing license costs $200.00 per year.
- The master plumber examination costs $125.
- A Journeyman plumbing license costs $75.00 per year.
- The journeyman examination is $75.
- An Apprentice plumbing license costs $25.00 per year.
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What are the Best Plumbing Schools in Arkansas?
Below are the best plumbing schools in Arkansas:
1. Northwest Arkansas Community College
Northwest Arkansas Community College’s Workforce and Economic Development Program offers a Plumbing Apprenticeship program.
The program consists of 160 hours of evening classroom instruction and 2,000 hours of on-the-job training under the supervision of a qualified mentor.
Upon registration, an Apprentice Plumber license for Arkansas is issued.
2. South Arkansas Community College
The El Dorado Plumbing Apprenticeship School classes are held at the SouthArk Center for Workforce Development.
Requirements include:
- You must be at least 16 years old.
- A high school diploma or GED is required.
- A driver’s license is required.
- Must be physically capable of performing the essential functions of the apprenticeship program, with or without reasonable accommodation and without endangering the individual’s or others’ health and safety.
- You must be employed while enrolled in the program to receive on-the-job training.
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3. Pulaski Technical College
The Electrical and Plumbing Construction Technology Program’s mission is to prepare students for careers as electricians and/or plumbers in the rapidly growing construction industry.
Electrical theory, residential/commercial print reading and wiring techniques, load calculations, conduit bending, National Electric Code, plumbing fixtures and installation, pipes and fittings, water distribution, and drainage installations are all skills that graduates of the Electrical and Plumbing Construction Technology program will have.
Classroom (theory) and hands-on lab assignments are used in training to allow students to demonstrate mastery of the core skills required for employment in the electrical and plumbing fields.
4. Ultimate Technical Academy
Because of what technicians learn in a short period, UTA’s training program provides the best return on investment.
Technicians can apply what they have learned after only one week of training when they return to work.
UTA provides new Plumbers with a “jump-start” by teaching the practical side of the trade because this course not only teaches the theory of “how it works” but also the “hands-on” lab training that teaches the “how to” procedures that get the job done and increase productivity today!
This course teaches apprentices the fundamentals of understanding and maintaining a residential plumbing system.
Students leave the class not only with a better understanding of the principles but also with the ability to perform most of the plumbing system’s routine maintenance repairs.
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5. National Construction Education Foundation
A plumber is someone who installs water, waste, and gas systems. Plumbers maintain and repair the operations of these systems to ensure the facility’s continuous operation.
The Arkansas Department of Health must license plumbing apprentices in Arkansas.
This program lasts four years and includes 640 hours of classroom instruction and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training.
You will attend ACEF classes weekly and work full-time for a plumbing company.
When a student completes the program, they will be given a “release to test” and will be able to apply to take the journeyman plumber’s exam.
6. National Apprenticeship Training Foundation (NATF)
The National Apprenticeship Training Foundation (NATF) is a training organization that specializes in tailoring training programs for businesses and individuals across the country.
The United States Department of Labor has registered and certified many programs. Since 1992, the NATF staff has worked with employers to implement training programs.
Their main goal is collaborating with industry, employers, organizations, and individuals to achieve their objectives through training initiatives.
The training programs assist employees at all levels in becoming competent in their current positions while developing them for future roles.
The goal is to become a truly integrated, seamless partner in the fabric of every company with which they work.
How Long are Plumbing Schools in Arkansas?
A journeyman plumber license in Arkansas requires 8,000 hours or at least four years of work experience.
After one full year of experience as a journeyman plumber, candidates are eligible to apply to take the master plumber exam.
The typical program length is four years, though every educational institution has different programs for different amounts of time.
Through this four-year practical course, you will acquire the fundamental plumbing skills necessary to start your career in one of the most significant sectors of the global economy.
How Much are Plumbing Schools in Arkansas?
By school and region, tuition and fees vary. The kind of school, how many classes there are, and how long the course is will all matter.
Universities and longer courses will cost more than individual classes or certificate programs.
You will pay between $200 and $800 for a single class, continuing education, and 4- to 6-week programs within the state. The cost of typical courses ranges from $2,000 to $6,000.
If you’re pursuing a degree or going to a college or university for your education, your fees will be higher. Most degree-granting courses will cost about $25,000 for residents of the state.
How Much Do Plumbers Make in Arkansas?
The BLS reports that the salary range for plumbers in Arkansas in 2019 was $27,450 to $62,390.
For the same year, the average salary was $44,230. Those just starting in the field should reasonably anticipate lower pay, with the possibility of pay increases as they gain experience, obtain higher licenses, and apply for better jobs.
With a predicted 16.4% job growth between 2018 and 2028, the state’s employment growth potential for plumbers is quite strong. This translates into an average of 480 open positions per year in employment.
Conclusion
The BLS reports that local governments, employment services, utility system construction companies, non-residential building construction companies, and building equipment contractors employ the most plumbers.
Potential employers in Arkansas include the Army National Guard, GEMCO Constructors, Community Health Systems, the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services, and the Arkansas Department of Transportation.
Plumbing should equip you with the knowledge and abilities you need for long-term stability and financial potential wherever you start your career.
I hope you find this article helpful.
FAQs
How much does a plumbing apprentice make in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, an apprentice plumber makes a yearly salary of $28,500. In Arkansas, apprentice plumber salaries can range from $17,500 to $45,000 and are based on several variables, including experience, employer, bonuses, and tips.
Do you need a plumbing license in Arkansas?
A plumbing license is required in Arkansas for any person, corporation, partnership, or other entity engaged in plumbing or performing plumbing installations unless you work solely on your home or agricultural buildings.
What type of plumber in Arkansas makes the most money?
Your earnings as a master plumber can be affected by the type of plumbing work you do and whether or not you own your own business.Â
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