Thinking about a career in plumbing? PHCC San Diego's 9-week plumbing pre-apprenticeship program is the place to start — hands-on training, industry connections, and job placement support to launch you into the trade.
Applications are submitted through our Academy Programs page.
Are you ready to jumpstart your career in the plumbing, heating, and cooling (PHC) industry? PHCC San Diego has a dedicated interest in growing the trades industry, and our plumbing pre-apprenticeship program is designed as the on-ramp — whether you're straight out of high school, changing careers, or simply looking for a hands-on trade with real earning potential.
A pre-apprenticeship is different from a full plumbing apprenticeship: it's a shorter, structured introduction that builds the foundational skills, safety knowledge, and industry connections you need before you step into a formal apprenticeship or an entry-level job with a contractor. Our comprehensive 9-week program combines a rigorous curriculum, hands-on training, and job placement support, making it your stepping stone toward a successful career in the plumbing trade.
Skilled plumbers are in short supply nationwide, and the outlook keeps improving. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters was $63,800 in 2025, and employment in the field is projected to grow 7% from 2025 to 2035 — much faster than the average for all occupations, adding roughly 34,500 jobs over the decade. See the full BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry.
Every pre-apprentice gets the same foundation: real classroom instruction, real tools, and a real path to employment.
The plumbing pre-apprenticeship curriculum is built on the NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research) standard, moving from safety fundamentals to real plumbing systems over nine weeks:
Want to see what comes after pre-apprenticeship? Read our guide to must-know plumbing training and courses, or browse the rest of the PHCC Academy course catalog.
Two schedule options, one goal. Whether you need daytime hours or an evening track, the plumbing pre-apprenticeship program is built to fit around work, school, or family commitments — so scheduling isn't what stands between you and a career in the trades.
A plumbing pre-apprenticeship program is a short, structured training course that teaches the foundational skills, safety practices, and industry knowledge needed to enter the plumbing trade. PHCC San Diego's program runs 9 weeks and prepares graduates for a formal apprenticeship or an entry-level position with a sponsoring contractor.
No prior plumbing experience is required. The program is designed for people who are new to the trade, including recent high school graduates and career changers, and starts with the fundamentals: basic safety, hand tools, and program orientation.
A pre-apprenticeship, like this 9-week program, builds the basic skills and industry connections needed to get started. A full plumbing apprenticeship is a longer, paid, employer-sponsored program (typically several years) that leads to journeyman status. This program is the stepping stone that helps you get placed with a contractor sponsor.
Graduates leave with a foundational understanding of the plumbing trade and access to PHCC San Diego's contractor sponsor network, plus job placement support to help connect you with local employers and apprenticeship opportunities.
Pay varies by experience and employer, but nationally the median annual wage for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is $63,800, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with demand projected to keep growing.
Applications are submitted through PHCC San Diego's Academy Programs page, where you'll fill out a short form to get started.
