(ABILENE, Texas) – Students in Texas State Technical College’s Plumbing and Pipefitting program are working toward a shared goal — earning their journeyman plumber’s license and advancing their careers.
When students complete TSTC’s associate degree in Plumbing and Pipefitting – Journeyman, they become eligible to take the journeyman’s license exam. According to Nathan Loflin, the program’s team lead, it typically takes 8,000 hours of field experience to qualify for the test without the college program.
“I wanted to study to become a journeyman so I would be able to do everything in this field,” said Dale English, of Abilene. “I knew that I would be eligible after two years, and that’s why I chose this trade.”
English is already employed with a contracting firm and appreciates his employer’s flexibility with his class schedule.
“I had to find a job that fit with my school schedule, and they have been great about it,” he said.
Brandon Goodan, also of Abilene, balances work with his studies at TSTC.
“It’s a little tough for me,” he said of managing both responsibilities. “It’s easier sitting in an air conditioned building learning than being outside sweating in the field.”
Goodan said he was drawn to plumbing after working for Steve Longmire, one of his current instructors.
“It’s cool that there is a lot of hands-on learning,” he said. “A lot of people learn better with their hands. It’s great that we can come in here and physically learn what to do.”
English and Goodan are among six current students who work while attending classes. Loflin said they serve as strong examples of how students can improve their skills and provide for their families at the same time.
TSTC’s Plumbing and Pipefitting curriculum is endorsed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners.
“The plumbing needs are high in Texas,” Loflin said. “By completing the associate degree program at TSTC, you could test for the master plumber license in five years. If you do that in the field, it would take you seven years.”
According to onetonline.net, the need for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters in Texas is projected to grow by 13% between 2022 and 2032. The median annual salary for those jobs is $58,560.
TSTC offers the Plumbing and Pipefitting program at its Abilene, Harlingen and Waco campuses. In addition to the associate degree, students can pursue a 12-month certificate in Plumbing and Pipefitting – Tradesman.
Registration for the spring semester is underway. To learn more, visit tstc.edu.