Plumber Apprenticeship

A unique plumber apprenticeship path of study.

• Study close to home at our campus in Paterson
• Graduates are prepared to enter the NJPHCC’s apprenticeship program as second-year apprentices, and are eligible for OSHA 10

Plumbers are best known for showing up when a burst pipe fills the basement with water or the hot water heater fails and showers are suddenly ice cold, but residential work makes up just one part of the career, as plumbers also play a vital part in new construction and commercial settings, consulting blueprints, installing or maintaining pipe systems, and securing different types of fixtures. Professionals in this field make up one of the largest and highest paid construction occupations in the country, with excellent job opportunities.

Prepare for a career in both residential and light commercial plumbing, with training in the installation and maintenance of plumbing fixtures, drainage, vent, and waste systems, and hot water and radiant heating systems, following OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards for safety and building codes.

This program prepares the student with the skills and knowledge of a plumber apprentice to pursue a career in the areas of plumbing, heating, and pipefitting. The student will be trained to install, repair, and troubleshoot equipment in residential and light commercial settings. Blueprint reading, joining, soldering and other techniques will be used.

Upon successful completion of the program, the HoHoKus School of Trade and Technical Sciences will award the student a Diploma in Plumber Apprenticeship.

Student learning outcomes. Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Install and maintain a variety of residential and commercial plumbing fixtures
• Install and maintain drainage, vent, and waste systems
• Install and maintain hot water, steam, and radiant heating systems
• Practice all techniques learned in the program following OSHA standards for safety and complying with building codes
• Develop a job search portfolio and display a professional conduct and appearance at job interviews

• Personal attention and personalized education—HoHoKus School of Trades and Technical Sciences ensures that its class sizes are kept manageable so that there is always a clear line of communication and guidance between student and instructor.
• Hands-on training—featuring a variety of modern welding and machine shops, HoHoKus School of Trades and Technical Sciences provides students with the real world training needed to succeed on the job, not just lessons from a textbook.
• An accelerated route to graduation—our programs can often be completed in as little as 6 months, allowing you to receive quality training and start a job in your chosen career as quickly as possible.
• Courses that you can take with you—a variety of certifications are available through our programs, offered by some of the top names in the trades industries such as the American Welding Society, American Petroleum Institute, U.S. Navy Welding Code Specifications, the U.S. Coast Guard – Merchant Marine Transports and Facilities, and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
• Small classes and free tutoring are just two things that set us apart from other schools. The HoHoKus School charges no placement fees to either graduate or employer.

Prospective students must interview with an admissions representative, submit proof of high school completion or GED equivalency, complete an entrance exam, and meet all other requirements disclosed in the Admissions section of this catalog.

For admission to the HoHoKus School of Trade and Technical Sciences, students submit a completed Application for Admission or call for a priority appointment to visit the school and receive a tour of its facilities. All applicants are required to complete a personal interview with an admissions representative, submit proof of high school completion or GED equivalency, or the award of an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Parents and spouses are encouraged to attend. The school follows an open-entry system. Individuals may apply up to one year in advance of a scheduled class start.

Program length: 36 weeks (day); 72 weeks (evening); 900 clock hours; 54 quarter credits.

Program duration (school website): 9 Months (Day) – 18 Months (Evening).

The school is open between 8:00 AM to 10:10 PM Monday through Thursday and Friday between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

The school follows an open-entry system. Individuals may apply up to one year in advance of a scheduled class start. The catalog refers start dates to its Catalog Addendum, which is not published online; contact admissions for the next start date.

HoHoKus limits class sizes: 12 students per instructor in the welding shop, 15 in the building, plumbing and electrical shops, and 30 in classroom didactic instruction.

Program cost. Tuition: $23,173. Books: $334. Tools: $440. Application fee: $25. Registration fee: $100. Total cost: $24,072 (Tuition Schedule, effective as of September 30, 2022; catalog says "See addendum for updates" but no addendum is published).

The school’s Tuition Price Table lists the tuition cost per quarter hour as $429.13.

Cost of attendance. Direct costs are the costs directly incurred at the institution. They include tuition, books, supplies, and fees. Cost of attendance budgets include tuition and fees (actual), books and equipment fees (actual), and a transportation/home maintenance and personal expense allowance. The school furnishes all tools, equipment, and required materials to complete our program offerings.

Payment plan. HoHoKus Payment Plan: Monthly payments for the duration of the program. Payments are accepted in cash, checks, and money orders. American Express, Discover, Visa, and Mastercard charges are also accepted.

Federal aid. The school is an eligible institution under the Federal Pell Grant, Federal SEOG Grant, and the Direct Loan programs. To apply for Title IV aid, a student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); the HoHoKus federal school code is 008494. For the 2025 – 2026 award year, the maximum Pell Grant is $7,395. Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans and Parent PLUS loans are available to those who qualify.

Other funding. NJ Class: If qualified, HoHoKus students may borrow at low interest up to the full cost of the program (less their financial aid received). HoHoKus Trades Grant: HoHoKus offers an institutional grant to offset the cost of books and/or tools, applied by the financial aid office upon enrollment to the accounts of students who meet all admission requirements. Eligible HoHoKus students may apply for scholarships available through the Eastwick Foundation.

Veterans. Approved by the New Jersey Department of Education to train eligible veterans under Title 38, US Code. While payment from the VA (Post 9/11 G.I. Bill® Ch. 33 or Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Ch. 31) is pending, HoHoKus will not prevent the student’s enrollment, assess a late penalty fee, require alternative funding, or deny access to school resources.

The cost of tuition does not include the cost of transportation to and from school. Tuition charges are subject to change. Please contact the admissions department for updated program costs.

Graduates of this program are prepared to enter positions in companies that provide residential or light commercial services in the areas of plumbing, heating, and pipe fitting. Graduates of this program are recognized by the New Jersey Association of Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling Contractors as having completed the first year of apprenticeship (subject to meeting certain requirements, which include passing a drug test, holding a valid driver’s license and a personal interview).

Student achievement (ACCSC 2025 Annual Report, updated September 25, 2025).

• Day session (cohort 03.01.2023 – 02.01.2024): 45 students in cohort; graduation rate 91%; employment rate 73%
• Evening session (cohort 01.01.2022 – 12.01.2022): 9 students in cohort; graduation rate 89%; employment rate 75%

Upon graduation, HoHoKus will help you find the job that is right for you. Unlike many other institutions, HoHoKus does not charge a placement fee to either employer or graduate. The HoHoKus School of Trade and Technical Sciences, like all other schools, does not guarantee placement.

The following States do not have licensure requirements for this profession: New Jersey. (Gainful Employment Disclosures – 2019)

The HoHoKus School of Trade and Technical Sciences occupies over 23,550 sq. feet with ample space for instruction and training in all phases of welding, fabrication, plumbing, electrical and building maintenance trades. The facilities include classrooms; a variety of different welding, trade and machine shops complete with the most modern equipment; and a student lounge and a new resource center. The school furnishes all tools, equipment, and required materials to complete our program offerings.

There are additional shop and classroom facilities at 887 East 25th Street (within walking distance of the main building). The train station is within walking distance and the #712 bus stops in front of the school. Street parking is available. HoHoKus is a commuting school; there is no boarding at the school.

Students needing help with course work are given personal assistance and peer tutoring (at no additional cost) when necessary and available. A resource library is available to all students.