WSCC professional programs offer students the opportunity to explore and achieve more than a trade skill. WSCC students embark on a career path guided by experienced faculty members and mentors. Every day, students can put their skills to work on the job, earn competitive compensation, graduate with little to no debt, and continue their life long journey of learning.
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Disclaimer: WSCC offers apprenticeship programs approved by the US Department of Labor. WSCC is a degree granting institution.
HVAC/R Service Technicians install, maintain and repair, heating ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems in the residential, commercial and industrial sectors. The demand for this expertise is predicted to grow by more than 30 percent in the next several years. These technicians also perform essential work toward our nation’s goal to improve energy efficiency.
Duties of an HVAC/R Service Tech include cleaning, adjusting and repairing HVAC/R systems, performing warranty services, troubleshooting defective HVACR systems and equipment, performing preventative maintenance by cleaning reheat coils and air handling units, improving air quality, performing emergency repairs and ensuring compliance.
Every day is a new challenge. These challenges include equipment, controls, people or anything in the environment. I always get to learn new products, equipment and concepts that allow me to better myself.
Kurt, HVAC Service Tech
Program offered at the following campuses:
Estimated Annual Cost
Average Salary
Program Length:
HVAC Technician is a five year program. Students will receive a minimum of 1,700 hours per year of on-the-job-learning and approximately 252 hours per year of related instruction.
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Pipefitters play a significant role in all aspects of mechanical construction and mechanical service, including residential, commercial, and industrial markets. A Pipefitter installs, maintains, and repairs piping systems vital to the operation of many processes, including refrigeration, heating, cooling, steam, controls, and the transportation of liquids/gases. As a Pipefitter you can work on a wide range of projects including power generation plants, oil refineries, bio diesel plants, pharmaceutical plants, chemical plants, hospitals, schools, office buildings, sports complexes, retail stores, manufacturing plants, defense and aerospace industries and more.
Pipefitters must be able to understand theories involved with the transfer of gases and liquids. They must also be proficient in trade related mathematics, trade related science, interpreting construction and control drawings, soldering, brazing, welding, rigging, and pipe fabrication are a few of the skills that are necessary to a successful career. As a Pipefitter Journeyman you can have a very successful career.
The career path for a pipefitter is filled with possibilities. Students can seek positions beyond the position of journeyman as a welder, foreman, general foreman, ACAD detailer, estimator, quality control/quality assurance manager, project manager and mechanical contractor.
I have 20 years of plumbing experience and 10 years of welding experience. I chose a career in plumbing because my Dad was already in the trade and he seemed to enjoy his work. I would do the same thing again if I had too. I like this trade because I like working with my hands and the wage is competitive with those who went to college. I’ve always enjoyed welding and it helps that welders are always in high demand. This trade has helped me support my family very well. The union provides a good wage now and a pension to retire someday.
Eric, Fab Shop Plumber Foreman | Murphy Company
Estimated Cost
Average Salary
Program Length:
Pipefitting is a five year program. Students will receive a minimum of 1,700 hours per year of on-the-job-learning and approximately 252 hours per year of related instruction.
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Plumbers perform work that is essential to the health and safety of the nation and its citizens. Plumbers install domestic (drinking) water systems, sanitary waste and vent systems, sanitary storm drainage systems, utility piping, natural gas piping and Medical Gas systems. Plumber installations can be in industrial settings, commercial buildings and residential housing. Plumbers complete new construction, remodels, retrofits and service work.
Plumbers are often the first and the last trade on the jobsite. They begin with the underground piping of a building, install the vertical construction and complete the project by setting the fixtures and completing start-up of all plumbing systems in the building. Plumbers also provide service for all plumbing systems, regardless the type of building or home.
The daily responsibilities of a plumber can include installation of any of the systems listed above, with a wide array of different materials including reading and interpreting plumbing system drawings and fixture specifications, fixture installation, troubleshooting and repair of plumbing systems or fixtures, testing, inspecting and repairing of backflow prevention devices, installation, and repair and maintenance of Medical Gas systems.
With a growing focus on green technologies, water conservation and energy efficiency, the demand for plumbers will significantly increase in the coming years.
To me, being a union plumber means pushing through any obstacle, working with pride and integrity. It is up to me to protect the health of my community and set the work standard for other trade-workers.
Beto, Program Director
Program offered at the following campuses:
Program Length:
Plumbing is a five year program. Students will receive a minimum of 1,700 hours per year of on-the-job-learning and approximately 246 hours per year of related instruction.
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Sheet metal workers are unique from other trades in that they are the only trade that takes the raw material and fabricates HVAC systems, ductwork and architectural pieces they install. Because the role requires full knowledge of the sheet metal lifecycle — from raw materials and fabrication to installation, testing, and balancing — employees of SMACNA contractors all receive four years of apprentice training before they graduate to a journeyperson role and can work on a job site without supervision.
Sheet metal workers work in a shop or on the job site and can work in varied sector specialties depending on their employer including residential, commercial, architectural and industrial contractors.
I enjoy learning and working with my hands.
Sheet Metal Apprentice
Program offered at the following campuses:
Estimated Cost
Average Salary
Program Length:
Sheet Metal Technician is a four-year program. Students will receive a minimum of 1,800 hours per year of on-the-job-learning and approximately 200 hours per year of related instruction.
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The vision of WSCC is to provide the opportunity for each member of our community to build and sustain an exceptional career while making a positive difference in our community and our country.