Best Plumbing Schools in Montana

If you want a trade that's always in demand, plumbing is worth considering. In Montana, licensed plumbers are needed in nearly every community. The key to getting started is proper training. Most people begin by choosing a quality plumbing school or apprenticeship program.

This guide covers the best plumbing schools in Montana, what to look for in a program, and the steps to get licensed.

How to Become a Plumber in Montana

Montana requires plumbers to be licensed by the Montana Board of Plumbers. To qualify, you need the right mix of classroom training and hands-on experience.

The main routes are:

1. Attend a trade school or community college - Learn the basics in plumbing codes, math, safety, and pipefitting.
2. Join a registered apprenticeship - Work under a licensed plumber while taking related coursework.
3. Apply for licensing exams - After enough experience hours, test for a journeyman or master plumber license.

Montana licensing rule: Journeyman applicants must document 4 years (8,000 hours) of practical experience, with at least 3 years under a licensed journeyman or master plumber.

For the official rules, see the Montana Department of Labor & Industry - Board of Plumbers.

Top Plumbing Schools and Programs in Montana

Here are some respected Montana schools and training options that can help you start or advance in plumbing.

1. Montana State University - Gallatin College (Bozeman)

Gallatin College offers a Certificate of Applied Science in Plumbing Technology. Students learn pipe assembly, blueprint reading, system design, and plumbing codes. The program combines classroom teaching with shop training, preparing graduates for apprenticeship positions.

Highlights:

• Focuses on residential and commercial plumbing
• Includes OSHA safety training
• Offers career placement support

Website: Gallatin College MSU

2. Montana State University - Northern (Havre)

This university has several trade-related programs and works closely with apprenticeship sponsors. While it does not have a stand-alone plumbing degree, students can access HVAC and construction technology coursework that overlaps with plumbing skills, which can count toward apprenticeship requirements.

Highlights:

• Flexible scheduling for working students
• Industry-connected faculty
• Hands-on training facilities

Website: MSU-Northern

3. Missoula College - University of Montana

Missoula College works as a training partner for local apprenticeship programs. Students can complete related technical instruction in blueprint reading, soldering, safety codes, and system installation.

Highlights:

• Coursework fits state apprenticeship educational requirements
• Access to modern lab facilities
• Located in a major Montana trade hub

Website: Missoula College

4. Montana Registered Apprenticeships

If you prefer to start earning while you train, apply for a Montana Registered Apprenticeship through the Department of Labor & Industry. Many plumbing companies hire directly into these programs.

Highlights:

• Paid on-the-job training
• No tuition for worksite learning
• State-registered instruction counts toward licensing requirements

Website: Montana Registered Apprenticeship Program

5. Local Union Training Centers

UA (United Association) Local 41 in Montana offers a five-year plumbing apprenticeship that includes paid work and classroom training. Union apprenticeships often have strong job placement rates after completion.

Highlights:

• Industry-recognized credentials
• Benefit packages while in training
• Direct path to journeyman licensing

Website: UA Local 41

Comparing Plumbing Training Options in Montana

Here's a quick look at the different types of plumbing training available.

What to Look for in a Plumbing Program

When choosing a school or apprenticeship, check for:

• State approval or recognition for licensing credit
• Hands-on lab work in modern facilities
• Experienced instructors with trade backgrounds
• Job placement support
• Flexible schedules if you're working while training

Ask if their classroom hours count toward Montana's licensing requirements.

Steps to Get Your Montana Plumbing License

Here's the general process to become licensed.

1. Choose your training path. Trade school or apprenticeship.
2. Log the required hours. For journeyman, 8,000 hours of experience plus classroom instruction.
3. Apply with the Montana Board of Plumbers. Include verified work hours and proof of training.
4. Pass the state exam. Covers code knowledge, system design, and safety.
5. Maintain your license. Renew and take continuing education as required.

Why Quality Training Matters

Plumbing is a precision trade. A mistake in installation can damage property or create unsafe living conditions. Quality training builds solid technical skills and teaches you how to follow Montana building codes. It also makes you more employable.

Poor or incomplete training can delay your licensing or limit your career options.

Final Thoughts

Getting into plumbing in Montana starts with choosing the right training. Whether you go through a trade school, community college, or union apprenticeship, make sure the program meets state licensing requirements and provides hands-on practice.

Here's what to do next:

• Visit each school's website and request program details.
• Check program start dates and application deadlines.
• Confirm that coursework counts toward the Montana journeyman license.

Starting with the right school puts you on track for a steady career in one of Montana's most essential trades.

Sources:

[^1] :Montana Department of Labor & Industry - Board of Plumbers: https://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/plumbing
[^2] :Montana Registered Apprenticeship: https://apprenticeship.mt.gov

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