Plumbing, Heating and Cooling
Course description

EXPLORATORY AND INTRODUCTION TO PLUMBING, HEATING AND COOLING (3 credits)
All Grade 9 students go through the Exploratory Program.  Please see page 7 for more detail. Students deciding to enter the plumbing, heating and cooling field will be exposed to the basics of safety and sanitation, as well as the use and care of hand tools, power tools and stationary equipment. The students will be able to identify pipe, valves and fittings. Students will be able to demonstrate the basic assembly skills required for various materials used in the mechanical field, such as copper, steel pipe, plastic pipe and cast iron, and assemble basic sheet metal fittings. The students will be introduced to basic residential mechanical systems and demonstrate an understanding of the apprenticeship system. Shop safety will be introduced and reinforced at all times. Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary, blueprint reading and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.

RESIDENTIAL SYSTEMS – HEATING/COOLING (3 credits)
In Grade 10, the plumbing, heating and cooling program is designed to provide students theoretical information covering the calculations of heat loss and gain in a residential building to determine required heating/cooling system capacities. The student will be able to identify warm air and hydronic heating and cooling systems found in residential structures and the advantages and disadvantages of each type. Each basic system is investigated using either oil or gas as the primary fuel for heating, and a direct expansion type of cooling system. Basic service, repair and maintenance of these systems are covered. The students will demonstrate knowledge of combustion of fuels, efficiencies, operating costs and some of the environmental concerns of burning fossil fuel. The students will demonstrate knowledge of installations using the latest edition of the International Mechanic Code. They will investigate control and power wiring of basic heating and cooling systems. Students will participate in in-school and outside plumbing projects for customers as it relates to the current curriculum and their skill level. The students will demonstrate knowledge of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements for job sites, ladder safety and use of ground fault circuit interrupters. Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary, blueprint reading and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.

RESIDENTIAL SYSTEMS – PLUMBING AND PIPING (3 credits)
In Grade 11, students will demonstrate their knowledge of the latest edition of the International Plumbing Code and apply the code to real-world installations. They will demonstrate knowledge of basic residential systems such as drain, waste, vent and water distribution, and knowledge of back-flow and cross connections and installation of various pumps and pumping systems. Students will be able to demonstrate the installation, repair and maintenance of various residential fixtures and appliances, including the installation of water heating equipment, safety devices and insulation. Students will also demonstrate knowledge of water chemistry and treatment. The students will perform both in-school and outside plumbing projects for customers as it relates to the current curriculum and their skill level. Students reaching an acceptable level of proficiency may be eligible for Work Based Learning (WBL). Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary, blueprint reading and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.

ADVANCED SYSTEMS – PLUMBING, HEATING AND COOLING (3 credits)
In Grade 12, students will continue investigating more advanced plumbing, heating and cooling systems and installations. Students will demonstrate knowledge of various types of heating systems including hydro air systems, ground coupled heat pumps, radiant, water-cooled systems towers and steam heating systems. Students will demonstrate competency in service and repair and maintenance of these systems. Students will demonstrate competency in use of the International Plumbing and Mechanical (IPMC) and the International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) by designing a plumbing, heating and cooling system for a small house, which includes creating a proposal using a set of plans and industry-standard labor factors, and justify a labor rate for their project. The students will advance in their participation in in-school and outside plumbing projects for customers as it relates to the current curriculum and their skill level.  Students will demonstrate the ability to complete a job application and interview and to perform entry-level job readiness and trade skills.  Each student will take the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) exam, which is a performance-based test.  Students reaching an acceptable level of proficiency may be eligible for Work Based Learning (WBL). Technology-related mathematics, blueprint reading and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.

Students successfully completing this course of study will be able to pursue a two year or a four year engineering degree.  Students can obtain immediate employment in the plumbing, heating and cooling field.  Employment opportunities  include:  residential and commercial heating and air conditioning apprenticeship in installation and service apprenticeship; refrigeration mechanic; sheet metal apprentice; sheet metal design; gas system technician; oil burner technician; sales representative; wholesale supply representative; appliance repair technician; residential and commercial plumbing and heating apprenticeship; sprinkler-fitters apprenticeship; pipe-fitters apprenticeship; steamfitters apprenticeship; gasfitters apprenticeship; estimators; plumbing and heating service technician; plumbing and heating maintenance; plumbing and heating sales representative; and, wholesale supply representative.