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  • Navigate to course(s) below and click "Apply Now"
  • Completed application will be reviewed by LJAC
  • Once approved, you will receive a welcome email helping you get started

All online Plumber/Pipefitter Apprenticeship courses currently available for UAW-Ford Apprentices are listed below. Before registering, it’s always useful to speak with your local joint apprenticeship coordinator (LJAC) to make sure you’re taking the right number of classes, in the correct order, are meeting your apprenticeship requirements, etc.

Browse the list below to enroll in the course(s) of your choice. You may register for multiple classes at once, but you will need to complete a new registration form for each course. Once you’ve registered and your LJAC approves you for enrollment, you will receive a welcome email containing a different student ID for each class you are enrolled. You will, however, have the same username and password for all courses, and can easily jump between them in your student portal.

We’ll be adding more new courses each month so be sure to check back periodically if you don’t see a course you’re interested in listed below!

course catalog

PLUMBER/PIPEFITTER COURSES

ALL COURSES

Shop Arithmetic (65522110)

In this course you'll review the basic math functions you'll need on a daily basis for working in an industrial setting. This course will help reinforce concepts of basic algebra, fractions, decimals, percentage, ratio and proportion, and practical measurements like area, volume, temperature, and energy. You'll also learn how to apply these concepts to real-world, trade-related problems like measurements, calculations, and conversions.

Course Details

Lessons in this program include:

  • Addition and Subtraction
  • Multiplication and Division
  • Fractions, Percents, Proportions, and Angles
  • Metric System
  • Formulas
  • Introduction to Algebra
  • Math for the Trades

Maximum Course Duration: 8 weeks

Total Contact Hours: 35

Note: Shop Arithmetic is not required if you have previously successfully completed IRCP 1.

Intermediate Algebra (65523110)

In this course, you'll learn about basic algebraic concepts, linear equations and inequalities, relations, functions, systems of linear equations, polynomials, rational expressions and equations, and radical and complex numbers. This course will also help you apply algebraic concepts in real-world problems. By the end of this course, you'll be able to understand mathematical relationships and creatively solve problems by interpreting and representing patterns in numbers by using variables, expressions, and equations.

COURSE DETAILS

Lessons in this program include:

  • Basic Algebraic Concepts
  • Linear Equations and Inequalities
  • Relations, Functions, and Systems of Linear Equations
  • Polynomials, Rational Expressions, and Inequations
  • Radicals and Complex Numbers

Maximum Course Duration: 12 weeks

Total Contact Hours: 45

Basic Size and Shape Interpretation (65518110)

A drafter uses a graphical language of pictures to convey information. This graphical language can be understood by people throughout the world and is therefore aptly called a ""world language"". In this course, you'll learn about this world language of drafting, how to draw different views of an object, the relationship between different views, and how you can use the drafter’s world language to accurately convey your ideas to others. This course will also provide an overview of the visual communication skills necessary for reading and interpreting technical drawings. By the end of this course, you'll have a firm grasp of print reading, symbol and abbreviation interpretation, dimensioning, and tolerancing. Finally, you'll gain an idea of computer-aided drawing and its role in modern technology. You'll learn about basic AutoCAD software functions, layers, colors, line types, and how to draw lines and circles.

Course Details

Lessons in this program include:

  • Computer-Aided Design Basics
  • Lines, Essential Tools, and Drawing Circles
  • Drawing Aids, Layers, Colors, and Linetypes
  • Templates, Copies, Arrays, Arcs, and Polar Arrays
  • Mirror Images, Page Setups, and Object Snap

Maximum Course Duration: 8 weeks

Total Contact Hours: 36

Geometric Principles (65524110)

In this course, you'll expand your knowledge of basic math skills and applied and analytical geometry. By the end of this course, you'll have a good grasp on the concepts of conic sections, functions, coordinate systems, equation of a straight line, slope, intercept, and inclination angles, relation between lines, and mensuration. You’ll learn how analytical geometry is used to solve geometric problems by calculation, or analysis. You'll also learn how to use calculator operations to help you in your work.

COURSE DETAILS

Lessons in this program include:

  • Applied Geometry
  • Analytical Geometry, Part 1
  • Analytical Geometry, Part 2

Maximum Course Duration: 8 weeks

Prerequisites: Shop Arithmetic

Total Contact Hours: 25

Physical Science: 65532110

In this course, you'll learn about temperature measurement, linear and distance measurement, and bulk measurement. You'll also learn how energy, force, and power all relate to machines and industrial applications, and study a variety of instruments and gauges used to measure pressure and flow rates of fluids. You’ll review basic chemistry concepts such as the classification of matter, fundamental laws, and mathematical calculations, and learn how they are applied to various industrial processes. The basic scientific concepts taught in this course are extremely applicable across of variety of trades and career paths, and provide a strong foundation from which to grow.

Course Details

Lessons in this program include:

  • Linear and Distance Measurement
  • Bulk Measurement
  • Temperature Measurement
  • Energy, Force, and Power
  • Fluid Measurement
  • Chemistry
  • FINAL EXAM

Maximum Course Duration: 8 weeks

Total Contact Hours: 35

Hydraulic Systems (65517110)

In this course, you'll learn the basic overview of hydraulic power and gain an understanding of hydraulic systems. By the end of this course, you’ll have a firm grasp on the concepts of actuators, pumps, motors, conductors, and conditioners. Finally, you’ll learn about power system controls, system schematics, and troubleshooting practices for hydraulic power systems.

Course Details

Lessons in this program include:

  • Hydraulic Power Basics
  • Actuators, Pumps, and Motors
  • Conductors, Conditioners, and Fluids
  • Hydraulic Power System Control
  • Hydraulic System Schematics
  • Hydraulic Power System Troubleshooting

Maximum Course Duration: 12 weeks

Maximum Course Duration: 12 weeks

Prerequisites: Intermediate Algebra and Geometric Principles

Total Contact Hours: 60

Introduction to Welding (65501110)

This course is designed to help you understand accident prevention techniques, fire safety methods, and the use of personal protective equipment. You will be introduced to the basics needed to begin building your knowledge and background in welding. You'll learn about welding and its historical perspective. You'll also learn how the various welding processes are classified, along with definitions.

Course Details

Lessons in this program include:

  • Safe Handling of Pressurized Gases and Welding
  • Working Safely with Electricity
  • Fire Safety
  • Fundamentals of Welding, Part 1
  • Fundamentals of Welding, Part 2
  • Final Exam

Maximum Course Duration: 8 weeks

Total Contact Hours: 37

Weld Joint Design - Grinding and Cutting (65535110)

In this course, you’ll learn about the physical characteristics, setup, proper selection, and operation of grinding wheels, electronic drills, and power cutting tools. You’ll study elements, equipment, components, and installation associated with gas welding equipment, as well as the basic operating details, capabilities, and limitations of various common thermal cutting processes.

Course Details

Lessons in this program include:

  • Fundamentals of Grinding
  • Electric Drilling and Grinding Tools
  • Power Cutting Tools
  • Gas Welding Equipment, Part 1
  • Gas Welding Equipment, Part 2
  • Common Thermal Cutting Processes

Maximum Course Duration: 12 weeks

Prerequisites: Introduction to Welding

Total Contact Hours: 52

Metallurgy Fundamentals (65533110)

In this course, you’ll learn about the fundamentals of metals— what defines a metal and what its characteristics are. You’ll learn about the two broad classifications—ferrous metals and nonferrous metals. You’ll study the different processes of ironmaking and steelmaking required to meet the specific needs of varied industrial demands. The major use of nonferrous metals such as aluminum, lead, tin, zinc, nickel, and magnesium, as you’ll find out, is through their alloys. The properties of the alloy change significantly with variations in alloying components. Finally, you’ll learn how these metals are extracted from their ores, refined, and processed into different alloys, including the different methods of identifying metals.

Course Details

Lessons in this program include:

  • Ferrous Metals
  • Nonferrous Metals
  • Identification of Metals

Maximum Course Duration: 8 weeks

Total Contact Hours: 15

Pneumatic Systems (65537110)

This course is a comprehensive overview of pneumatics, and how gases are used to control or supply energy to a process. You'll learn about common components in pneumatic systems and their features. You'll explore basic principles and how to diagnose problems in pneumatic systems. By working with a simple pneumatic system as an example, you will become more familiar with techniques and calculations. Finally, you'll learn how pneumatic systems are controlled by electronic devices and how simple relays and switches are utilized.

Course Details

Lessons in this program include:

  • Pneumatics, Part 1
  • Pneumatics, Part 2
  • Pneumatics, Part 3

 

Maximum Course Duration: 8 weeks

Prerequisites: Hydraulic Systems

Total Contact Hours: 30

Fasteners (65538110)

In this course, you'll learn about various types of fasteners, their styles and sizes. The course examines fasteners found in a single machine or manufactured product. This course takes a deeper look into the functions of various threaded and nonthreaded fastener systems, as well as their installation and uninstallation process. This course will familiarize you with the various terminologies of fasteners.

Course Details

Lessons in this program include:

  • Fasteners

 

Maximum Course Duration: 8 weeks

Total Contact Hours: 10

Print Reading and Sketching (65544110)

In this course, you'll learn about visual communication skills necessary to successfully complete the wide range of courses in technology programs. You will learn to read and interpret technical drawings. You'll study print reading, interpretation of symbols and abbreviations, and the application of these skills to actual print reading.

Course Details

Lessons in this program include:

  • Introduction to Print Reading
  • Print Reading Symbols and Abbreviations
  • Print Reading Applications
  • Sketching

 

Maximum Course Duration: 8 weeks

Total Contact Hours: 34

Industrial Plumbing and Pipefitting (65545110)

In this course, you’ll learn about different aspects of the plumbing trade. It begins with an overview of the trade, construction drawings, and plumbing and piping systems. It then explores the fundamental safety procedures, tools, methods of pipe joining, installation and testing procedures of pipes and fixtures, calculations, skills, and codes that pertain to plumbers. The course concludes with a discussion about the various materials and appliances used for installing tanks, pumps, boilers, and insulating types and methods.

Course Details

Lessons in this program include:

  • The Trades of Plumbing and Pipefitting
  • Pipes, Fittings, and Valves
  • Plumbing & Pipefitting Tools
  • Joining and Assembling Pipes
  • Supporting, Installing, and Testing Pipes
  • Plumbing Fixtures and Appliances
  • Tanks, Pumps, and Boilers
  • Insulation for Piping and Ducting

Maximum Course Duration: 12 weeks

Total Contact Hours: 40

Reading Piping Prints (65546110)

In this course, you’ll learn the fundamentals of reading piping prints. It’s important to know that prints serve a purpose and are necessary for the layout of plumbing systems. There are different processes for creating prints. You’ll study the different types of drawings, symbols, abbreviations, and dimensions that are used in laying out a good plumbing system. Also, as a plumber, you’ll need to know the different types of valves, pipe materials, and their manufacturing methods.

Course Details

Lessons in this program include:

  • Drawings for Plumbing

Maximum Course Duration: 8 weeks

Total Contact Hours: 10

International Standard Plumbing Code (65547110)

In this course, you’ll learn about the International Plumbing Code (IPC), which is used as the authoritative code in most of the United States. As you start your plumbing career, you’ll follow your supervisor’s interpretation of the code and their subsequent directions. However, your understanding of the IPC should begin even when you’re a novice in the field. As a plumbing professional, it’s essential to grasp the purpose, organization, and language of the IPC. In the field, employers and supervisors seek workers who prioritize developing their trade skills, and this includes following codes. You’ll examine codes for fixtures, equipment, and designs, and you’ll navigate the IPC to research questions and prepare for installations.

Course Details

Lessons in this program include:

  • Studying Your Codebook
  • Fixtures, Heaters, and Design
  • Codes for Waste Removal
  • Special Piping Considerations
  • Using the Appendices

Maximum Course Duration: 8 weeks

Total Contact Hours: 25