Alaska Vocational Technical Center

AVTEC's Plumbing and Heating program is a 5 month course designed to prepare students for jobs and apprenticeships in Alaska's workforce. Plumbing and Heating technicians install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems. They also install, maintain, and repair plumbing systems. Students at AVTEC are also trained to troubleshoot and repair electrical controls and residential wiring. Their knowledge and skills are in demand throughout Alaska in homes, office buildings, and public buildings.

AVTEC’s Plumbing and Heating program is credentialed through the Residential Construction Academy (RCA) program. The RCA certifies that the Heating and Plumbing program at AVTEC has exceeded industry standards in its instruction, curriculum, student, faculty qualifications, and facilities set forth by industry in areas of Residential Plumbing and Heating.

The blend of classroom instruction, lab, and live work practice, helps students to learn the necessary skills to become a Plumbing and Heating technician. The course is fast-paced and challenging. The student should have some mechanical aptitude, good mathematics and reading skills, and an ability to use their time productively. Students train on a variety of plumbing and heating systems. Heat pumps, air conditioning, air distribution systems, compressors, evaporators, condensers, control devices, control valves, electrical controls and motors, and electrical trainers are also used in training.

Approximately 50% of the training is hands-on and 50% is classroom instruction. Training includes some outdoor activities, so students need appropriate clothing for cold and wet working conditions.

Accreditations and Credentials
AVTEC's Plumbing and Heating program is accredited through the Partnership for Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA) program. Accreditation from PAHRA certifies that the HVACR program at AVTEC has exceeded industry standards in its instruction, curriculum, student, faculty qualification and facility standards set forth by industry in areas of residential air conditioning and heating and commercial refrigeration.

AVTEC's Plumbing and Heating program is also accredited through the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER).

AVTEC's Plumbing and Heating program is also credentialed with the Residential Construction Academy.

Industry Certifications
During the program, students receive training and testing for the following industry certifications:

• 10-hour OSHA Construction Safety Certification
• EPA Technician Certification Exam Section 608
• Industrial First Aid and CPR
• RCA HVAC Certification
• RCA Plumbing Certification

Students also complete the RCA exams which places them on a national registry that employers may access to verify skill levels.　

Program Content
To achieve a Plumbing and Heating certificate, students must complete the following requirements.

Occupational Levels
Occupational levels of Plumbing & Heating Technician, Plumbing & Heating Repairer, and Plumbing & Heating Assistant Repairer will be assigned upon successful completion of the training program, based on the student’s proficiency of the program’s competencies　

Participate in school safety orientation, complete achievement tests, obtain First Aid & CPR card, complete applied math class, participate in resume writing and job search training, and participate in interview and communication training

Identify and properly use common plumbing tools; install piping materials and fittings, valves, faucets and meters; install and maintain hot and cold potable water systems; install and repair drain, waste, and vent systems; and read and sketch plumbing and heating prints and isometric drawings.

Understand basic electricity theory and use of test instruments; build and test motor control circuits; perform electrical tests; analyze basic series, parallel, and combination resistive AC and DC circuits; sketch wiring diagram symbols; maintain and replace solenoids, pressure switches, thermostats and relays; identify, select, install and maintain common electrical control devices’ demonstrate circuit construction workmanship, techniques and practices; identify, install, and maintain common motors.

Understand thermodynamics and heat transfer; install and maintain gas burning equipment; demonstrate correct piping practices and sizing; demonstrate venting practices and sizing. Identify, install, and maintain oil heat components and electrical heating equipment. Identify, install and service hydronic heating boilers. Install, test and maintain air humidifying and filtration systems and air distribution systems.

Discuss theory of refrigeration and describe major components of refrigeration systems. Install, troubleshoot, and maintain air conditioning controls and refrigeration components. Review EPA refrigerant regulations and take the EPA 608 refrigerant Handling exam.　

Identify, select, install and maintain humidifiers and de-humidifiers, air-conditioning, air distribution, and filtration systems; select, install, and service thermostats, anticipators, sequential and electronic controllers, and air handler controls. Discuss and measure conditioned air characteristics. Measure and adjust air flow.

Mission
To provide students with the foundation knowledge and skills required for entry level employment in the Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning trades including methods for installation, maintenance, service, repair, and diagnostics of plumbing and heating equipment and systems.

Length of Course: 612 clock hours, 102 training days

Enrollment: Early January

Training Hours: 8:30am to 3:30pm, Monday through Friday

Certificate Level: Plumbing and Heating

Prerequisites:
Reading and math skills at or above the 8th grade level. For specific program entry guidelines and testing requirements in reading and mathematics, contact the Admissions Office at (800) 478-5389.

TABE tests scores for this program must be:
   Reading - 552
   Combined Math - 552

Students train on a variety of plumbing and heating systems. Heat pumps, air conditioning, and distribution systems, compressors, evaporators, condensers, control devices, control valves, electrical controls and motors, and electrical trainers are also used in training.

Physical requirements of the occupation are the ability to lift and carry 50 lbs., stoop, crawl and walk continuously. It also requires being able to work from a ladder and on rooftops. The occupation may require working outdoors where physical hazards may exist.