Trade Schools
If you live in Nebraska and want to start a career in plumbing, this page is for you.
Here we have compiled information about the best schools in your state that offer training for this profession.
Typically plumbers learn the skills for this profession on the job, by enrolling in an apprenticeship.
Some also attend a vocational school before starting the apprenticeship.
The programs included in our list focus on teaching job-ready skills, such as:
- Reading blueprints
- Understanding and applying plumbing code requirements
- Installing plumbing systems
- Repairing plumbing fixtures
- Math for plumbers
- Providing information to customers about their plumbing
- And more
Classes are available in person as well as online to fit different lifestyles.
We encourage you to read further and choose the format that best works for you.
1Steamfitters & Plumbers 464
About the School
Steamfitters & Plumbers 464 has represented skilled workers in Mechanical Trades since 1915.
The union provides apprenticeship training that allows participants to learn through a combination of classroom study and on-the-job training.
Courses Offered
The apprenticeship training curriculum includes the following topics:
- Piping and Tubing
- Inspection and Testing
- Plumbing Fixtures
- Welding
- Gas Systems
- Safety
- Related Science, Code, and Blueprint Reading
- Green Technology
- And more
Students receive instruction in the identification and use of tools, proper care of tools, oxy-fuel cutting, math problems, rigging and signaling, and many other skills and topics.
Contact Information
- Address: 3375 Oak View Drive, Omaha, NE 68144
- Phone: 402-333-5859
- Website: https://lu464.org
2Metropolitan Community College
About the School
Metropolitan Community College offers a Plumbing Apprenticeship program that leads to an Associate in Applied Science.
The four-year program consists of three quarters during the first three years and two quarters during the last year of training.
Courses are offered in the evening.
After completing the apprenticeship and the required on-the-job training period, students may apply for the Journeyman’s Plumbing Licence offered by the city of Omaha.
The following degrees and certificates are offered at Metropolitan Community College:
- Plumbing Apprenticeship- Associate of Applied Science
- Pre-Apprenticeship Plumbing- Certificate of Applied Science
- Plumbing Fundamentals- Career Certificate
Contact Information
- Address: 5300 N. 30th St., Omaha, NE 68111
- Phone: 531-622-2272
- Website: https://www.mccneb.edu
3Northeast Community College
About the School
Northeast Community College provides training programs in more than 115 career and transfer pathways, including degrees, diplomas, certificates, training, and non-credit continuing education programs.
Skilled and Technical Training programs are also available at the college.
These programs are designed to combine hands-on learning, classroom instruction, and labs to prepare students for careers in drafting, construction, electricity, welding, plumbing, and a variety of other in-demand fields.
Among many other career paths, Northeast Community College offers a Diploma program that prepares students for skilled, high-demand careers in residential, commercial, and new-construction plumbing.
Students gain hands-on experience and technical knowledge in:
- Piping selection
- Layout procedures
- Plumbing codes
- Blueprint reading
Installation and maintenance of plumbing systems
The program helps students develop practical trade skills as well as reasoning and problem-solving skills.
Courses Offered
The curriculum includes a diverse range of courses, including:
- Plumbing and Piping Fundamentals
- Trenching and Shoring
- Gas Operation and Maintenance
Contact Information
- Address: 801 East Benjamin Avenue, Norfolk, Nebraska 68701
- Phone: (402) 371-2020
- Website: https://northeast.edu
4Southeast Community College
About the School
Southeast Community College offers a Plumbing Technology program that gives students the opportunity to study water supply systems, water sources, waste, and sewage disposal systems with reference to the Uniform Plumbing Code.
Students learn how to read blueprints, measure, cut, solder, braze, and thread pipe, and install and troubleshoot various plumbing fixtures in residential and commercial settings.
After passing the OSHA exam, students receive an OSHA 10 Certificate.
Program completion counts toward one year of required experience for a journeyman license.
The estimated program cost is $5,465.
This program leads to a Diploma and includes 30 credits in total.
Contact Information
- Address: 4771 W. Scott Road, Beatrice, NE 68310-7042
- Phone: 402-228-3468
- Website: https://www.southeast.edu
5Western Nebraska Community College
About the School
Western Nebraska Community College offers a Construction Trades program for students interested in electrical, general carpentry, plumbing, or HVACR fields.
The Plumbing course Level I is intended for students who want to get an entry-level job as helpers or have the goal of becoming a plumbing apprentice.
Students enrolled in the 93-hour program take classes about:
- The Plumbing Profession
- Plumbing Safety
- Plumbing Math
- Plumbing Drawing
- Plastic Pipe and Fittings
- Copper Tube and Fittings
- Cast Iron Pipe and Fittings
- Steel Pipe and Fittings
- Plumbing Fixtures
- And more
Tuition for this course is $2,300.
Contact Information
- Address: 1750 Sweetwater Ave. Alliance, NE 69301
- Phone: 308.763.2000
- Website: https://www.wncc.edu
6Plumbers Local No. 16
About the School
Plumbers Local No. 16 brings quality plumbing to the entire Omaha metro area for both residential and commercial services.
The union also offers an apprenticeship that consists of over 1,200 hours of classroom study, as well as up to 10,000 hours of on-the-job training.
This is a nationally recognized apprenticeship program.
Apprentices receive on-the-job training during the day and attend comprehensive classes at night.
For five years apprentices learn the newest techniques, and the value of swift, careful craftmanship.
The program also covers the proper methods of combining plumbing and architecture.
The union partners with more than 30 local union shops.
Contact Information
- Address: 4801 F Street Omaha, NE 68117
- Phone: (402) 734-6274
- Website: https://www.plumberslocal16.org
7John Henry's Plumbing, Heating, Air, and Electrical
About the School
John Henry’s Plumbing, Heating, Air, and Electrical trains students to become Journeyman plumbers.
The exclusive multi-step program is designed for people with every experience level and coaches them to be fully experienced plumbers.
The plumbing program covers topics such as Sump Pump, Water Softeners, Water Heaters, Remodels, Septic Plumbing, Leak Detection, Emergency Plumbing Services, and more.
Drain classes such as Hydro Jetting, Drain Cleaning, Sewer Line Repair, and more are also available.
Training is available in Lincoln and Omaha.
Contact Information
- Address: 2949 Cornhusker Highway, Lincoln, NE 68504
- Phone: (402) 809-1159
- Website: https://www.jhlincoln.com
8Plumbers Training Institute
About the School
Plumbers Training Institute offers the following Nebraska Plumber Professional Development courses:
- Professional Development 2021 IPC Update- a six-hour course that costs $79
- Professional Development Master Plumber Isometrics- a three-hour course that costs $59
- Professional Development Introduction to Fire Sprinklers, Valves, And Hydraulic Calculations- a three-hour course that costs $59
- Professional Development NFPA 13D Basics Layout- a one-hour course that costs $19
- Professional Development Hazard Communication- a one-hour course that costs $19
Safety courses such as Professional Development Confined Spaces are also available.
Contact Information
- Phone: 855-284-8738
- Website: https://www.plumberstraininginstitute.com
9U.S. Career Institute
About the School
Courses are also available online, at schools located in other states.
U.S. Career Institute offers a self-paced online plumbing school that teaches students everything they need to know in order to obtain a Plumbing Apprentice position.
Students learn skills such as:
- Applying basic customer service principles to on-the-job situations.
- Describing tools of the plumbing trade and their proper use
- Describing common plumbing fixtures, faucets, and valves
- Interpreting plumbing drawings and sketches
There are no set class schedules, so students can study anytime, from anywhere.
If paid in full, this course costs $1,239.
Tuition includes access to instructors, all the learning materials, and career support.
Contact Information
- Address: 2001 Lowe Street, Fort Collins, CO
- Phone: 866-262-7883
- Website: https://learn.uscareerinstitute.edu
10Penn Foster
About the School
Penn Foster offers a Plumber School that leads to a career diploma in just six months.
The school offers flexible online classes that equip students with skills such as pipefitting, reading blueprints, installing water heaters, and more.
The program is designed to prepare students for entry-level jobs like plumbing technician, pipefitter technician, steamfitter technician, and fire sprinkler installer.
The online program includes interactive study guides, how-to-videos, and animations that allow students to apply what they have learned to real-world plumbing situations.
Courses Offered
Courses include:
- Modern Plumbing
- Introduction to Plumbing and Pipefitting
- Reading Piping Prints
If paid in full, this program costs $839.
Contact Information
- Address: 200 Hickory Street, Scranton, PA 18505
- Phone: 800-275-4410
- Website: https://www.pennfoster.edu
Schools Summary Table
Regional Salary in Nebraska
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Island, NE | 120 | $60,830 | $29.24 | $92,460 | $41,270 |
| Lincoln, NE | 640 | $63,200 | $30.39 | $91,000 | $43,470 |
| Omaha, NE-IA | 2,650 | $72,060 | $34.64 | $95,520 | $46,730 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
If you want to start a rewarding career in trades, the plumbing profession is worth exploring.
Now that you have read our list of the best Plumbing schools in the state of Nebraska, is time to continue the research and apply for the program that best meets your learning style and career aspirations.
