Best Plumbing Schools in Connecticut

Updated August 13, 2025

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If you want to start a plumbing career in Connecticut, your first step is getting proper training. In this state, plumbing is a licensed trade. That means you can't work on most plumbing jobs without a state license. The fastest way to get there is by combining schooling with an apprenticeship.

This guide will cover the best plumbing schools in Connecticut and walk you through the licensing process so you know exactly what to expect.

Steps to Become a Licensed Plumber in Connecticut

Before picking a school, you should understand how Connecticut handles plumbing licenses. The Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) issues and regulates them1.

Here's the path most people take:

  1. Complete a plumbing trade program - Many students start at a technical high school, vocational school, or community college program that teaches basic plumbing skills, code, safety, and tools.
  2. Find an apprenticeship sponsor - You must work under a licensed contractor or union program. An apprenticeship in Connecticut is usually four years, with at least 8,000 hours of supervised work.
  3. Register your apprenticeship - This is done with the Connecticut Apprenticeship Training Program, under the Department of Labor (DOL)2.
  4. Pass the required exams - After your training, you take the state's journeyperson exam. You need to pass both written and practical parts.
  5. Apply for your license - Submit proof of training and test results to the DCP.

Note: In Connecticut, you cannot skip the apprenticeship requirement by going to school only. Schooling can shorten the time, but you still need on-the-job hours.

Top Plumbing Schools and Programs in Connecticut

These schools have strong reputations for preparing future plumbers. Always verify current details with the school before enrolling.

Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS)

Locations: Multiple across the state
Programs Offered: Plumbing and Heating Technology (high school and adult programs)
Highlights:

  • Covers pipefitting, blueprint reading, safety codes, and material handling.
  • Hands-on training in shop and simulated job sites.
  • Adult programs are often held evenings for career changers.

Website: https://cttech.org

Porter and Chester Institute

Location: Rocky Hill, Stratford, Waterbury
Program Length: About 12 months (full-time)
Focus Areas:

  • Residential and commercial plumbing systems
  • Soldering, welding, and cutting techniques
  • State plumbing code and safety rules

Website: https://porterchester.edu

Industrial Management & Training Institute (IMTI)

Location: Waterbury
Specialty: Trade-focused training for licensing requirements
Highlights:

  • Plumbing theory with heavy hands-on shop work
  • Prepares students for both apprenticeship work and licensing exams
  • Flexible schedules for working students

Website: https://imti.edu

Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 777 Joint Apprenticeship Program

Location: Meriden
Program Type: Union apprenticeship program, 5 years
Benefits:

  • You earn while you learn
  • Includes related classroom training
  • Members gain access to union benefits after probationary period

Website: https://ualocal777.org

Naugatuck Valley Community College (NVCC)

Location: Waterbury
Program: Continuing education plumbing classes
Best For: Licensed apprentice plumbers looking for code update courses or specialized training.

Website: https://nv.edu

Connecticut Plumbing Apprenticeship Requirements

If you want to work legally as an apprentice plumber, you must be registered with the Connecticut Department of Labor.

Requirement Detail
Minimum Age 16
Education High school diploma or GED recommended
Training Hours 8,000 on-the-job hours + 576 classroom hours
Program Length Typically 4 years
Registration Through DOL Apprenticeship Program

You may be able to earn credit toward those hours if you have completed a technical school program that's recognized by the state.

Choosing the Right Program

When deciding on a school, consider:

  • Accreditation - Use only state-approved schools so your classroom hours count toward licensing.
  • Hands-on training - Plumbing is a physical trade. Look for programs with shop hours and live projects.
  • Scheduling - Many adult students choose evening or weekend classes.
  • Job placement support - Schools with links to contractors or unions can help you get an apprenticeship faster.

Contact each school and ask if they have partnerships with Local 777 or other plumbing contractors in your area.

Tools and Safety Training

Plumbing work involves heavy tools, power equipment, and sometimes hazardous materials. The best programs will cover:

  • OSHA safety standards
  • Proper lifting and ladder use
  • Confined space awareness
  • Pipe and joint sealing techniques

Always follow OSHA guidelines and your employer's safety policies on the job3.

Summary and Next Steps

If you want to work as a plumber in Connecticut, you need both classroom and job-site training. Start by choosing a reputable trade school or program from this list, then line up a registered apprenticeship. Once you've met the state's training requirements, you can take your journeyperson exam and apply for your license.

Next Step: Make a shortlist of schools from this guide. Call their admissions offices to confirm program costs, start dates, and how they connect students with apprenticeship opportunities.

  1. Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection - Occupational Licensing: https://portal.ct.gov/DCP ↩

  2. Connecticut Department of Labor - Apprenticeship Training: https://www.ctdol.state.ct.us ↩

  3. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - Plumbing Safety: https://www.osha.gov ↩

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