Discover the 15 best plumbing schools in Maine in 2023 and learn how to apply for admission. Explore the top institutions that offer comprehensive plumbing programs and kickstart your career at the 15 best plumbing schools in Maine.
In Maine, working as a plumber entails a great deal of responsibility, but it also has the potential to be a lucrative and long-term career.
Plumbing, as one of our most important infrastructures, is found in nearly every building and provides the structure that allows many different systems to function. Plumbing, while commonly associated with water and sewer transportation, is also used in heating, air conditioning, and gas delivery systems for medical and industrial gases. Working in the industry can entail all of the above: planning, installing, maintaining, and repairing.
Working as a plumber can be physically demanding, as it may necessitate crawling or sliding into tight spaces. You will be required to use tools regularly, and you must have good hand-eye coordination and the ability to detect small leaks and other problems. Excellent communication skills will be required when dealing with clients and colleagues.
To become a plumber in Maine, you must first obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Training can be completed after an educational program, an apprenticeship, or a combination.
So if it has been your dream to study plumbing and have a promising career in this field of trade, this article will serve as a stepping stone for you to know the plumbing schools in Maine you can enroll in.
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Table of Contents
Is Plumbing a Good Career Path in Maine?
Plumbers have a promising future, with a 13.7 percent growth rate expected nationwide between 2018 and 2028. Unfortunately, Maine’s predicted growth is in stark contrast to the rest of the country, which is expected to decline by 1.3 percent over the same period.
Because plumbers are needed in many industries, the career options are numerous and diverse. As a result, plumbers can find work in the private or public sectors or even start their own businesses.
Furthermore, obtaining specialized training and certifications will allow you to move your career in a new direction at any time. Whatever your goals are, a career as a plumber could give you the edge you need to succeed.
Are there Plumbing Schools in Maine?
- Northern Maine Community College
- Eastern Maine Community College
- Washington County Community College
- MEMA Technical Education Center
- Northeast Technical Institute
- Central Maine Community College
- Lewiston Regional Technical Center
- United Technologies Center
- Capital Area Tech Center
- Southern Maine Community College
- UA Local 716 Plumbers, Pipefitters & HVAC/R Techs
- Harding’s Plumbing School
How to Become a Licensed Plumber in Maine?
To obtain a plumber’s license in Maine, you must complete an application in one of the four categories: trainee plumber, journeyman-in-training plumber, journeyman plumber, or master plumber. You can apply online or download the forms, fill them out, and return them with the appropriate fees.
Each level of plumbing license requires you to pay a $21 fee for a criminal background check. The board may deny you a plumbing license if you have been convicted of a serious crime or have recently committed one.
To become a journeyman or master plumber in Maine, you must first pass the examination. Prov administers the plumber license exams; you can find all the exam information here. The plumber’s license examination costs $65.
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How to Renew Your Plumbing License in Maine
If you are a licensed plumber in Maine, you must renew your license every two years. A trainee plumber’s license costs $100 to continue, while a journeyman or master plumber’s license costs $200 to renew.
To renew a license, the licensee must follow the board’s online renewal procedure and pay the license fee outlined in Chapter 10, Section 5(29) of the Office of Licensing and Registration’s rules, titled “Establishment of License Fees.”
How Much Do Plumbers Make in Maine?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, plumbers in Maine earn an average annual salary of $53,770. You can earn up to $15 per hour as a trainee plumber or journeyman-in-training plumber, and with more experience and higher-level licenses, you can expect to earn around $28.62 per hour. A licensed master plumber can earn up to $50 per hour.
Salary ranges can vary greatly depending on the city and other important factors such as education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have worked in your field.
How Long is Plumbing School in Maine?
The time it takes to obtain a license is determined by your path. If you take classes while still in high school, you can get your Journeyman-in-Training license as soon as you pass the Journeyman examination. Then you must wait one year (2,000 hours) before taking the Journeyman License exam. Then you’ll need one more year of experience before taking the Master Plumber License exam.
You can also enroll in a one-year college program, pass the Journeyman Exam, and obtain your Journeyman license. Again, you’ll need to work as a licensed journeyman for another year before taking the master plumber’s exam. Another option is to work as a trainee plumber for four years before taking and passing the Master Plumber examination.
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12 Best Plumbing Schools in Maine
After thorough research, rankings, reviews, and value offers, we have curated a list of the best plumbing schools in Maine from the best MOOC platforms.
Below is a list of the best plumbing schools in Maine.
#1. Eastern Maine Community College
The Plumbing program is intended to give students a basic understanding of the tools and materials used by plumbers to complete residential and light commercial plumbing projects.
Students will have the opportunity to learn how to design, install, maintain, and repair standard plumbing systems per the Maine State Plumbing Code. The EMCC Plumbing courses are taught at the United Technologies Center, located 2 miles from the EMCC campus.
Graduates of the program are eligible to take the journeyman’s plumbing examination in Maine. Also, Graduates who pass the exam are awarded the journeyman-in-training license.
Graduates with this credential can work under the supervision of a journeyman or master plumber. The license is upgraded to journeyman after accumulating 2,000 hours under the supervision of a journeyman or master plumber. Graduates can look for work as service technicians, installers, draftspeople, warehouse workers, and salespeople.
#2. Northern Maine Community College
During the first year of classroom and lab experiences, students in the Plumbing and Heating program learn how to properly install and service domestic water pumps, plumbing fixtures, drainage and vent lines, and potable water lines. The Maine state plumbing code will be thoroughly discussed. The student will be qualified to take the Maine Plumbers’ Journeyman exam and, if successful, will be issued a Journeyman in Training License.
Training options include heating, refrigeration, propane, natural gas, solar heating systems, and heat pump installation.
Graduates will be qualified for various plumbing, heating, and cooling jobs, such as service technicians, installers, sales, and eventually self-employment.
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#3. Washington County Community College
The Plumbing Technology program teaches students how to assemble, maintain, and repair plumbing systems according to the Maine State Plumbing Code. Students learn how to design, layout, and install theories in the classroom. Students learn basic plumbing operations while working in a shop with an entire house layout. Mathematics, soldering, water pumps, and electrical applications are part of the curriculum.
Graduates are eligible to take the State of Maine journeyman’s plumbing examination upon completion of the program. Students are issued journeyman-in-training licenses after passing the state exam. The license is upgraded to that of a journeyman after accumulating an additional 2000 hours under the supervision of a journeyman or master plumber.
Plumbing graduates may find work as construction plumbers, maintenance personnel, plumbing draftspeople, plumbing warehouse workers, and salespeople for plumbing contractors. Additional experience may lead to opportunities for managers, supervisors, or business owners.
#4. MEMA Technical Education Center
The plumbing classes are designed to align with the Maine Plumbing and Heating Cooling Contractors Association’s standards (PHCC). They provide comprehensive training in plumbing procedures and materials used.
Students will learn about plumbing basics courses, plumbing codes, and licensing details, potable and non-potable sanitary plumbing, domestic cross connections, how to read blueprints and conversion charts, material joining methods and workmanship, including soldering copper pipe, threading steel pipe, connecting pet pipe, and more.
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#5. Northeast Technical Institute
NTI’s plumbing school offers industry-standard plumbing training to help you start or advance your career. The curriculum teaches you precisely what you need to get started and is driven by the specific needs of service contractors to ensure you have the most in-demand skills they look for in new employees.
The Plumbing Course is designed to fit your schedule, with the weekend, weekday, morning, midday, and evening class options. Furthermore, NTI provides a unique Fusion Training Program that allows students to learn online and hone their skills in the plumbing labs one day a week.
Depending on your program selection, the institute will provide students with a diverse program that will guide them through becoming plumbing technicians in as little as 12 or 16 weeks.
Plumbing fundamentals, mathematics, blueprint reading, waste systems, water supply systems, finishing, and advanced plumbing will all be covered in the classes. It will also strive to develop leaders in the field by emphasizing professional development and job placement skills.
Students are equipped with technical knowledge and positive work habits to succeed in this expanding field.
#6. Central Maine Community College
The Plumbing and Heating Technology program prepares students for a career in the plumbing and heating industry by teaching them how to install and repair systems in residential and commercial settings.
Students can earn an associate in applied science degree or a one-year certificate.
Plumbing coursework includes hands-on practices in plumbing and heating assembly, sizing potable water and distribution systems, and blueprint interpretation.
Graduates can work for plumbing, heating, and fuel oil companies.
Graduates can work as maintenance technicians, salespeople, plumbing and heating contractors, managers, supervisors, and independent business owners.
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#7. Lewiston Regional Technical Center
The plumbing department provides two one-year programs that teach all aspects of plumbing and heating technology. Students will learn how to install, repair, and maintain plumbing and heating systems.
Both courses follow a nationally recognized curriculum, including a national registry for qualified students. Graduates have basic entry-level skills that will allow them to enter the workforce or further their education in plumbing and heating at a technical college.
Students in Plumbing Year 1 will learn about the different types of piping and fittings and the tools needed for proper installation. Plumbing installations will be completed. Students will learn about various pumps, tanks, and plumbing fixtures, as well as participate in installing and maintaining the equipment. Domestic water heating methods such as electricity, gas, oil, and solar will be discussed.
Students in Plumbing Year 2 will learn the fundamentals of oil and gas heating systems. They will learn how to maintain, install, and troubleshoot heating systems using the tools provided. In the lab, students will work on boilers and furnaces. Students will help with equipment installation, maintenance, and adjustment.
Honor students who are employed will be able to take the Journeyman-in-Training exam for oil licensing.
#8. United Technologies Center
This demanding and relevant program prepares you for the State of Maine Journeyman’s License exam, which is available to you before you graduate high school.
The Maine Plumbing and Heating Codes serve as the foundation for this program. You will learn how to install and maintain residential and light commercial plumbing and heating systems. Solar power and other alternative energy and heating sources will be introduced to students.
If you want to continue your education and training, you will be better prepared for college or apprenticeship programs. This two-year program consists of one year of plumbing and one year of heating technology.
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#9. Capital Area Tech Center
Both plumbing and heating offer two one-year programs that cover all aspects of plumbing and heating technology. Students will learn how to install, repair, and maintain plumbing and heating equipment.
During the plumbing year (2023), students will learn about the various types of piping and fittings and the tools needed for proper installation. Domestic water heating methods such as electricity, gas, oil, and solar will be discussed.
Students who complete the course will be able to receive credit for Plumbing Fundamentals in the Energy Services Technology program at Kennebec Valley Community College. Students will learn the fundamentals of oil and gas heating systems during the heating season (2023). They will learn how to maintain, install, and troubleshoot heating systems using the tools provided.
Graduates have basic entry-level skills that will allow them to enter the workforce or further their education in plumbing and heating at a technical college.
#10. Southern Maine Community College
Students in the Plumbing program learn how to install, repair, and maintain plumbing equipment. Students learn about plumbing system components and construction and how to read blueprints. This program includes a hands-on practical approach in the lab with plumbing equipment.
Graduates enter their fields with the knowledge and skills required for journeyman plumbing. Green technology integration will receive special attention. Advanced courses, such as hydronic piping design, teach advanced design and application skills. Plumbing technicians can work in private homes, commercial offices, industrial complexes, and other structures.
The Plumbing department offers an Associate of Applied Science in Heating and Plumbing. Individual certificates in plumbing are also available through the program. The program is intended to prepare students for entry-level positions in the Plumbing industry.
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#11. UA Local 716 Plumbers & Pipefitters Techs
Plumbing, HVAC, and pipefitting are three trades that UA 716 apprentices in. Each trade pays you for five years while you learn to program. Journey workers will mentor students on the job, and students will attend school to learn trade-specific subjects. UA 716 collaborates with the United Association to provide high-quality training.
Furthermore, UA 716 offers competitive pay and benefits, including medical, dental, and life insurance, a pension, and an annuity retirement plan. The Veteran will also be able to use their GI Bill benefit in the plumbing program, and because of the full scholarship, they will be able to keep their GI Bill benefit for additional income.
#12. Harding’s Plumbing School
This is a rigorous 18-hour classroom-based course to help you pass the state plumbing code exam. All covered are trade safety practices, essential construction print reading, basic shop math, and the Uniform Plumbing Code.
This course is designed for those who have been in the trade for several years but have been unprepared, uncomfortable, or unable to pass the plumbing state exam to obtain their license, and anyone interested in learning more about the code.
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How Much Do Plumbing Schools Cost in Maine?
The cost of plumbing trade schools in Maine varies greatly depending on the institution. A community college’s online associate degree in plumbing technology can cost anywhere from $3,000 to more than $20,000. Trade schools differ from community colleges because they do not provide as much general education and instead concentrate on hands-on training for a specific business or trade.
The average tuition for public community colleges is around $3,500; many locations offer low or no-cost tuition options for state, city, or county residents.
Plumbing Schools in Maine FAQs
How do I obtain a Maine plumbing license?
Examination: A minimum of one year with 2,000 hours of plumbing installation work as a licensed journeyman plumber; or a minimum of four years with 8,000 hours of plumbing installation work as a licensed trainee plumber under the supervision of a licensed master.
What is the cost of a plumbing education?
The cost of plumbing trade schools in Maine varies greatly depending on the institution. A community college’s online associate degree in plumbing technology can cost anywhere from $3,000 to more than $20,000.
How Much Does a Plumber Make in Maine?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, plumbers in Maine earn an average annual salary of $53,770. You can earn up to $15 per hour as a trainee plumber or journeyman-in-training plumber, and with more experience and higher-level licenses, you can expect to earn around $28.62 per hour. A licensed master plumber can earn up to $50 per hour.
Conclusion
Plumbing is a popular profession, and there is a growing demand for plumbers. If you live in Maine and want to become a plumber or start your own business, you must enroll in a plumbing school and obtain a plumber license.
I hope this guide helped provide you with all the information you need about plumbing schools in Maine and becoming a licensed plumber in Maine.
References
- wetrainplumbers. com
- www.pvcworkshop.com–
- www.law.cornell.edu–
- www.servicetitan.com
- university. org–
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