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Plumbing Technology

Plumbers evaluate, install, and repair piping systems in businesses, residences, and other places where there are pipes or septic systems. Demand for workers is high because there are not enough skilled technicians to fill all the available positions.

Our Plumbing program will give you the experience and skills you need to be a successful Plumber. We use lab simulations and real-life scenarios to put classroom theory into practice. We cover soft skills so you can tackle customer service and employee accountability with confidence. Our program is designed to give you the core competencies employers are looking for. These include troubleshooting, problem-solving, customer service, and professional skills in addition to technical Plumbing skills. Graduates of our program enter the Plumbing industry as quality, well-trained entry-level plumbers.

Degree Description

The Plumbing program will provide students with technical understanding and skills development and integrates theory with practical experience. Through the program, the student develops skills in piping techniques and procedures, plumbing and piping systems, residential and commercial system installations, blueprint reading and isometric interpretation. The successful graduate is eligible for one years' credit on his or her apprenticeship card and employment at an advanced apprenticeship level in a variety of businesses found in rural and metropolitan areas.

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Application Process

1. Complete Western Dakota Tech Admissions Application
2. Complete the ACCUPLACER test ($15 fee)
3. Schedule your Admissions Advising Session
4. Submit High School transcript or GED scores (also submit official college transcripts if you have previously attended a post-secondary institution)
5. Submit Immunization Records verifying two doses of MMR vaccinations
6. Once you receive your acceptance letter, schedule a time to register for classes

(The ACCUPLACER test will be waived if you have an ACT sub-score of 18 or better in English, Math, and Reading, or a SAT sub-score of at least 40 in Verbal and Math.  The scores must be within the last five years.)

The ACCUPLACER test is offered Monday - Friday at 8:00 a.m. or 12:00 p.m.

Please call 605-718-2565 to make an appointment.

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Career Description

Plumbers evaluate, install, and repair piping systems that in businesses, residences, and other places with pipes or septic systems. They work with their hands and a variety of tools and power tools. Plumbers use equipment such as piping, tubing, clamps, screws, bolts, caulking, plastic solvent, and soldering or welding equipment. They install plumbing systems in newly constructed buildings and install or repair systems for appliances such as sinks, toilets, dishwashers, water heaters, and others. They use pressure gauges to detect leaks. Plumbers work on location and maintain records of their work and travels. 

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General Education EMT

After Earning Your Degree

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for Plumbers is expected to grow 12 percent from 2014 to 2024. This growth will be driven by construction of new buildings which require plumbing installation and repair of existing plumbing systems. The median pay for Plumbers in 2016 was $24.74 per hour.  Learn more about the job outlook for Plumbers here.

Meet Your Faculty

Western Dakota Tech has a low student-to-faculty ratio, meaning more one-on-one learning. Individual attention from your professor can make your college experience more fulfilling.


  • Walter Cline

Financial Aid

Continuing your education is crucial and Western Dakota Tech wants to make sure that any student who wants to attend school, has the opportunity to do so. For this reason, WDT is dedicated to administering the U.S. Department of Education’s Title IV Financial Assistance Program fair and consistently to anyone who needs it.

Build Dakota Scholarships

The Build Dakota Scholarship at Western Dakota Tech will pay all your tuition and fees and prepare you for a career that is in-demand and growing in South Dakota. Build Dakota Scholarships will be awarded to students entering high-need workforce programs at South Dakota’s technical institutes to fill the state’s technical careers with skilled professionals.

Student Housing

While Western Dakota Tech does not offer on-campus housing, we understand that finding a place to live within town while you go to school can be difficult. We have a few resources to help prospective students find affordable housing.

Child Care

Finding child care during school is a challenge for many students. Western Dakota Tech currently does not offer on-campus child care, but here are some resources that may help you in your search.

Youth & Family Services is an organization dedicated to helping children in Western South Dakota. They offer a variety of services, including child care at multiple locations.

The Y of Rapid City offers child care and other services.

Disclaimer: Western Dakota Tech provides these links to you only as a convenience, and the inclusion of any link does not imply affiliation, endorsement or adoption by Western Dakota Tech of any site or any information contained therein. When you leave wdt.edu, you should be aware that our terms and policies no longer govern. Western Dakota Tech makes no claim or representation regarding, and accepts no responsibility for, the quality, content, nature or reliability of third-party websites or vendors.

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