PLUM 100 - Introduction to the Plumbing Trades

Credit(s): 3

Prerequisite(s): This course is for plumbing apprentices in their first year of their apprenticeship program. Apprentices/students must be in a registered apprenticeship or have instructor permission to enroll in this class.
In this initial course of the FVCC Plumbing Apprenticeship Program, apprentices will begin to learn about the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and Montana Code Annotated (MCA) as well as cover the following NCCER modules: Introduction to the Plumbing Profession; Plumbing Safety; Tools of the Plumbing Trade; Introduction to Plumbing Math; Introduction to Plumbing Drawings, and Plastic Pipe and Fittings. Students may have the option to test with NCCER-certified master instructors in order to earn related NCCER credentials, but any such testing falls outside the scope of this course and program. This course is approved as an official Related Technical Instruction by Montana Registered Apprenticeship for registered Plumbing Apprenticeship programs. (Fall Semester)

Course Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the course, students will be able to

Understand the core components of the Uniform Plumbing Code and Montana Code Annotated, and how to use the code book and resources effectively.
Describe the plumbing profession and identify the responsibilities of a person working in the plumbing industry.
Identify methods for preventing accidents as well as the safety precautions required when using tools of the trade in various work areas.
Describe hand and power tools used in the plumbing trade.
Perform basic mathematical calculations and explain how pipe is measured.
Understand how to read drawings and how to identify the different types of drawings used to install plumbing systems.
Identify the types, uses, and properties of plastic pipe and fittings.
Describe the different methods for joining, supporting, protecting, and testing plastic pipes.
Apply code knowledge to assess compliance in plumbing installations.
Prepare for licensing exams by demonstrating code fluency in relevant code.
Interpret relevant sections of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and Montana Code Annotated.