(ABILENE, Texas) – In response to growing demand in Texas’ construction sector, Texas State Technical College is expanding its Plumbing and Pipefitting Technology program to its Abilene and Harlingen campuses beginning this fall.
The expansion comes as Texas continues to see increased residential and commercial construction, creating strong demand for licensed plumbers and pipefitters. According to onetonline.org, the need for plumbers is expected to increase 13% between 2022 and 2032 across the state in fields such as architecture, construction, installation and production.
“Having licensed plumbers is critical for all of Texas,” said Frank Denton, chairman of the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. “With the fastest-growing economy in the country, Texas will rely on these skilled professionals for years to come.”
Denton noted that the average age of a master plumber in Texas is 56, emphasizing the urgent need to attract and train younger professionals.
To help meet this workforce demand, TSTC will offer the Plumbing and Pipefitting Technology program at a new state-of-the-art lab currently under construction at the Power and Mechanical Center at its campus near Abilene Regional Airport.
“Our partnership with TSTC is key to building the future of the plumbing profession in Texas,” Denton said. “TSTC’s instructors deliver the hands-on, high-quality training needed to prepare students for licensing and leadership roles.”
Students enrolled in the associate degree program will be eligible to take the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners’ Journeyman Plumber licensing examination upon completion. Those completing the certificate track will qualify to take the tradesman exam.
“The industry is evolving, and we are proud to deliver training aligned with modern standards,” said Jimmy Bibb, TSTC’s statewide director of alignment for Plumbing and Pipefitting Technology. “There is strong regional interest in this program, particularly in the Big Country area.”
Stephen Torrez, who will be one of the Abilene instructors, said he is excited that the program is being offered in West Texas.
“This is a great opportunity for the Big Country and for the students who will have a great career,” he said.
TSTC students in Abilene will train with the latest equipment, including a two-story sandbox for installation practice, and rooms dedicated to simulating bathroom and kitchen fixture installations. The curriculum also includes blueprint reading, field measuring, sketching, layout, project management and pipefitting technologies. Students also will have the opportunity to participate in internships for real-world industry experience.
“Our mission is to provide our students with the latest tools and training to help them succeed from day one,” Bibb said. “We’re excited to bring this facility and opportunity to the Abilene community.”
Registration for TSTC’s fall semester is underway. For more information, go to tstc.edu.