Considering heading back to school to train for a career in the construction trades?
You’re probably looking at which trades are most in demand so you can be sure your educational investment will pay off with a steady, well-paid job.
You’re also probably looking to build a diverse set of skills, so you’ll be eligible for several different kinds of employment after graduation (keeping your options open).
One of the smartest ways to fulfill the above criteria is to select a “combined” pre-apprenticeship training program. You’ll learn skills from two different trades that are often paired together on the job. This means double the technical knowledge and double the job opportunities.
The Combined Plumber and Gas Technician program falls into this category.
Employers often seek trained plumbers with gas technician certification and vice versa, as these skills typically go hand-in-hand on job sites.
Read on to discover the most important skills you’ll learn in Herzing's Combined Plumber and Gas Tech program and how they give you a competitive edge in the job market.
1. Preparation to Earn Gas Technician 3 Certification
The Gas Technician 3 (G3) certificate is an essential component of the combined training program. Plumbers who are also G3 certified are sought after by maintenance departments of factories, plants, and similar establishments, and by plumbing contractors. In fact, many employers demand that the plumbers they hire are also certified gas technicians.
A Combined Plumber and Gas Technician program prepares students to take the G3 exam, covering all required elements including:
- Codes of Practice (the basics of protecting yourself and others, safe handling of propane and natural gas, industry regulations, etc.)
- Basics of electricity for Gas Technician 3, and piping and tubing systems for propane and natural gas
- Hands-on construction and testing of basic electrical circuits, how to activate gas-fired appliances, and the basics of pipe-joining
2. Service and Installation for Plumbing & Gas
Under the guidance and supervision of experienced instructors, Plumber and Gas Tech students get hands-on practice installing and repairing pipes, fixtures, and other plumbing equipment.
They also learn how to carry out a range of functions on appliances up to and including 400, 000 British Thermal Units per Hour (BTUH), such as:
- Installing, testing, activating, or purging gas piping or tubing
- Reactivating a previously installed or converted appliance
- Cleaning, removing, or replacing a vent connector or draft control device
3. Regulations & Best Practices in Workplace Safety
One of the most important elements of any pre-apprenticeship training program is learning best practices in workplace safety. Plumber and Gas Tech students cover a range of topics, procedures, and regulations, including:
- Electrical and mechanical safety requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act
- Environmental refrigerant laws (ODP)
- The use of MAPP & acetylene torches
- Fall Protection, Lock Out & Tag Safety, Confined Spaces Hazard Awareness, Aerial Platform, and Scaffold training
4. Professional Communication & Customer Service
The best trades training programs will also help students build the communication skills they need to secure an apprenticeship after graduation and build positive relationships with employers and clients.
Developing marketable technical skills is a priority, but so is learning how to represent yourself well on paper, during job interviews, while interacting with a team in the workplace, and more.
To prepare graduates for successful construction apprenticeships and long-lasting careers, Plumber and Gas Technician training also includes instruction on:
- Developing a persuasive cover letter and resume
- Successful approaches to job interviews
- How to provide superior customer service
- Creating professional time sheets
And there you have it. Four key skills you’ll learn in a Combined Plumber and Gas Tech program, and how they help pave the way to a successful career in construction.
Interested in plumber training that includes gas tech certification?
Your next step is to speak with admissions. An advisor will guide you through the Plumber & Gas Tech program, costs, financial aid, how to apply, and more.
Chat live with an Advisor now. Or click below to explore the program in more detail. We're here to help!
