PA Dept of Education | CIP Code 46.0502 & 47.0201

This field affords great opportunities. Upon completion, individuals may obtain employment with an industrial plant, HVAC/Plumbing contractor, or go into business for themselves. The training in this program provides the opportunity for students to prepare themselves in the installation, maintenance, and repair of all types of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration equipment, soil and waste sanitation, venting, gas and air lines, installation of plumbing fixtures, installation of large and small self-contained air conditioning.

The HVAC/Plumbing program also gives students the opportunity to read and interpret blueprints and drawings. On smaller installations the technician may have to prepare his or her own work diagrams and do simple layout work such as measuring and cutting pipe. They also get experience in making soil pipe joints, joint wiping, soldering, threading, welding and brazing. The installation of plastic pipe, copper, and cast are also covered.

Fundamental knowledge of electrical practices, reading schematics, electrical controls, building circuits, working with chemicals, piping practices, types of furnaces, efficiency testing, energy management, and related safety in all of the above curricula areas provides students the opportunity to prepare themselves for the working world.

Occupational Profile: For information on this occupation’s description, required knowledge, job tasks and related job titles, state and national wages, and employment trends, visit the U.S. Dept. of Labor’s site for this career field at:     http://online.onetcenter.org/link/summary/49-9021.01