Plumbing Apprenticeship Program (EXT)
About the Plumbing Apprenticeship Program
The Plumbing Apprenticeship Program at Roger Williams University (RWU) Extension School provides classroom-based Related Training Instruction (RTI) designed to help individuals meet the educational requirements for Rhode Island Journeyperson Plumber licensure. Approved by the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (RIDLT), the program emphasizes plumbing theory, industry standards, applicable codes, and safety practices, providing students with the foundational knowledge needed to pursue a successful career in the plumbing trade.
QUICK LINKS
Plumbing Apprenticeship Program Details
Format
In-person instruction on the Providence campus
Schedule
September 20, 2027 - April 5, 2028 (Mondays & Wednesdays)
Time Commitment
150 hours
This program runs for 4 years total (or 600 hours)
Cost
27-28 Cost: $TBD
Ways to Save
Parking validation is included.
Apply By
August 1, 2027
Upcoming Events
Attend the Trades Showcase | Dec. 9, 2026 | 6pm–8pm Explore our skilled trades programs and learn about training opportunities at RWU.
Questions About the Program? Schedule a 15-minute virtual meeting with our Program Advisor. Book your meeting here
Plumbing Apprenticeship Program Overview
The Plumbing Apprenticeship Program at Roger Williams University Extension School is a Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (RIDLT)-approved training program designed to help individuals meet the educational requirements for Rhode Island Journeyperson Plumber licensure.
In Rhode Island, becoming a licensed plumber requires both supervised on-the-job training through a registered apprenticeship and classroom-based Related Training Instruction (RTI), as outlined in R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-20-17. This program provides the RTI component, delivering structured education aligned with the requirements of the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.
Students complete a comprehensive four-year sequence of coursework designed to complement their registered apprenticeship training. The State of Rhode Island requires 576 hours of related instruction; our program exceeds this requirement by providing 150 hours per year, totaling 600 hours of instruction. This additional training reinforces key concepts and supports students in preparing for the journeyperson licensing examination.
Through a curriculum grounded in plumbing theory, industry standards, and safety, students develop the technical knowledge necessary to advance in the plumbing trade. The program provides classroom-based instruction that complements the practical, hands-on experience students gain through their apprenticeship employment.
Program Classification: The Plumbing Apprenticeship Program is a non-credit, non-degree program.
The Plumbing Apprenticeship Program is approved by the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (RIDLT), and RWU is the only higher education institution in Rhode Island with full National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) accreditation. Students complete regular chapter assessments and are required to maintain a minimum 70% annual testing average, reinforcing their knowledge of plumbing concepts and preparing them for the Rhode Island Journeyperson Plumber licensing examination.
Courses are taught by experienced professionals in the plumbing industry who bring real-world expertise into the classroom. Small class sizes promote personalized instruction, allowing students to receive direct support, ask questions, and engage more deeply with course material.
Our NCCER-based curriculum reflects current plumbing industry practices, safety standards, and applicable plumbing codes. Students also complete embedded modules focused on financial literacy, job readiness, communication, and time management, helping them develop essential professional competencies for success in the plumbing trade.
What To Expect In The Program
The Plumbing Apprenticeship Program is designed to be academically rigorous, emphasizing consistent attendance, active participation, and steady progress throughout the four-year curriculum.
Students are expected to actively engage with Brightspace, RWU's Learning Management System (LMS), where they can access supplemental learning materials, practice quizzes, and course resources. To succeed in the program, students should plan to dedicate additional time outside of class to studying, completing assigned readings, and reinforcing key plumbing concepts.
Program requirements include completing chapter assessments and maintaining a minimum annual testing average of 70%. Small class sizes promote personalized instruction, allowing students to ask questions, receive direct support, and engage more deeply with the course material.
Students receive a letter of completion at the end of each successfully completed academic year. Those who successfully complete all four years of the program are awarded a Certificate of Completion at the graduation ceremony.
Required textbooks and instructional materials follow the NCCER curriculum and are designed to reinforce plumbing theory, applicable codes, and industry safety standards in preparation for the Rhode Island Journeyperson Plumber licensing examination.
Program At a Glance
Schedule: September – April
Class Days: Mondays & Wednesdays, 6:00–9:00 PM
Location: 1 Empire Street, Providence, RI
Format: In-person, classroom-based Related Training Instruction (RTI)
Time Commitment: 150 hours of classroom instruction per year
Duration: 4 years (600 total RTI hours)
Parking: Free parking validation available at the Civic Center Parking Garage
Program Outcomes
- Complete the classroom-based Related Training Instruction (RTI) requirements needed to pursue Rhode Island Journeyperson Plumber licensure.
- Earn a Certificate of Completion upon successfully completing all four years of the Plumbing Apprenticeship Program.
- Build a strong foundation in plumbing theory, applicable codes, and safety standards to complement practical experience gained through apprenticeship employment.
- Establish a foundation for long-term career advancement in the plumbing industry, including opportunities for specialization, increased earning potential, or business ownership.
Apprenticeship Mandate
According to the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (RIDLT), individuals pursuing Rhode Island Journeyperson Plumber licensure must satisfy both classroom-based Related Training Instruction (RTI) and supervised on-the-job apprenticeship requirements (Rhode Island General Law § 5-20-17). The Plumbing Apprenticeship Program at Roger Williams University provides the classroom instruction component, while students are responsible for securing apprenticeship employment to complete the required on-the-job training hours.
Roger Williams University does not determine apprenticeship registration, approval, or the acceptance of training hours. These decisions rest with RIDLT. Students should consult RIDLT regarding the timing and recognition of classroom instruction in relation to their registered apprenticeship.
Although RWU does not provide direct apprenticeship placement, we can share resources, including contractor listings and job-search guidance, to support students seeking apprenticeship employment.
Understanding Apprenticeship vs. Related Training Instruction (RTI):
A registered plumbing apprenticeship provides supervised, paid, hands-on training under a licensed plumbing professional. Rhode Island requires 8,000 hours of qualifying on-the-job training to pursue Journeyperson Plumber licensure. Students are responsible for securing their own apprenticeship employment and registration through the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (RIDLT).
Related Training Instruction (RTI) provides the classroom-based education component required for Rhode Island Journeyperson Plumber licensure. Roger Williams University delivers 150 hours of instruction annually through its four-year Plumbing Apprenticeship Program, totaling 600 hours. The curriculum emphasizes plumbing theory, applicable codes, industry standards, and safety practices.
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Application & Enrollment Process
- New Students - Application
- New Students - Enrollment
- Advanced Entry & Transfer Options
- Returning Students - Enrollment Process
- For International Applicants
- Applicants must be 18 years of age or older by the program start date.
- A high school diploma or GED is not required for admission; however, employers may require one when hiring apprentices.
- Applicants seeking advanced entry into the Plumbing Apprenticeship Program based on previously completed Related Training Instruction (RTI) from a technical, vocational, CTE, or trade school must provide supporting documentation, such as transcripts or records of completed training. All requests for advanced standing or recognition of prior RTI are subject to review and approval by the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (RIDLT). Roger Williams University does not independently grant advanced standing or waive instructional requirements.
- Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.
- Applicants must have a strong command of the English language.
- Complete the online application form.
- Attend a virtual meeting (info session) with the program advisor.
- Once accepted, submit payment of tuition to confirm enrollment.
Applications are accepted year-round; however, acceptance letters will be issued starting March 1.
Applicants who have completed prior plumbing-related education or Related Training Instruction (RTI) through another training provider may be eligible to enter the Plumbing Apprenticeship Program at Year 2.
All advanced entry and transfer requests require review and approval by the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (RIDLT). Prior training does not automatically qualify applicants for advanced placement.
Applicants seeking advanced entry or transfer must submit documentation of previously completed training, such as a transcript, certificate, or official letter from their previous school or training provider.
Transfer from Another Apprenticeship Program
Students who have completed Year 1 of a plumbing apprenticeship program through another approved training provider may be eligible to transfer into Year 2 at RWU, subject to RIDLT approval.
Credit for Prior Training (CTE, Vocational, or Trade School)
Applicants who have completed relevant plumbing-related coursework through a CTE, vocational, or trade school may be eligible to receive recognition for prior Related Training Instruction (RTI) and enter the program at Year 2, subject to RIDLT approval.
Returning students must use this payment links below to enroll in the corresponding year:
Register for Year 2
Register for Year 3
This program is not structured to offer visas to foreign nationals. You’ll need to be already in the U.S. with work authorization, such as: U.S. citizens, permanent residents (green card holders), individuals with asylee/refugee status, DACA recipients (if the sponsor accepts them). Please reach out to us for more information.
Your Plumbing Program Questions Answered
Financial Information: Scholarships & Refund Policy
A limited number of one-time partial scholarships may be available exclusively to the first 10 incoming Year 1 students who register for the program, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Students are also encouraged to explore external scholarship opportunities, including Bring Back the Trades, the David L. Taton Family Vocational/Technical Scholarship Fund through the Rhode Island Foundation, and additional opportunities listed by the Rhode Island Associated General Contractors.
Some apprenticeship employers may also offer full or partial tuition assistance. Students are encouraged to inquire directly with their employers about available educational benefits.
External scholarships are administered independently of Roger Williams University. Eligibility, application deadlines, and funding availability vary by organization.
Career Opportunities in the Skilled Trades
Trade occupations offer opportunities for sustainable and reliable employment, providing practical and valuable skills, the potential for reduced student loan debt, and the opportunity to earn as you learn. The strong earning potential of the plumbing trade, combined with a relatively low upfront financial investment compared to traditional degree pathways, creates a promising pathway toward economic development and financial self-sufficiency for program graduates.
Learn more about careers in the plumbing trade:
View the Occupational Outlook Handbook – Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
Request Information
Have questions about this program? Fill out our request information form and a member of our enrollment team will be in touch.
