Southern Union State Community College
Trade Schools and Apprenticeships in Alabama / Southern Union State Community College
Southern Union State Community College – Wadley, AL
Programs Offered
- Plumbing Technology (Certificate and Associate of Applied Science Degree)
Program Overview
Southern Union State Community College’s Plumbing Technology Program provides students with the knowledge and practical experience needed to enter the plumbing and pipefitting trade. The curriculum combines classroom instruction with lab-based training focused on plumbing installation, maintenance, and repair in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Students learn how to read blueprints, assemble piping systems, install fixtures, and follow plumbing codes and safety regulations.
The program emphasizes hands-on learning, critical thinking, and job-site readiness — ensuring graduates are equipped with both the technical and professional skills required to succeed in today’s plumbing industry.
Hands-On Training
Students train in modern lab environments designed to simulate real-world plumbing systems. Practical exercises include installing water supply and drainage systems, cutting and fitting pipes, soldering joints, and troubleshooting leaks. The college partners with local contractors and industry professionals to ensure training meets current job-site standards and technologies.
Certification & Licensing Prep
- Prepares students for entry-level employment and advancement into state-registered plumbing apprenticeship programs.
- Covers Alabama plumbing codes, OSHA safety standards, and system design fundamentals.
- Graduates gain foundational experience applicable to state plumbing licensing requirements and national certification pathways.
Career Paths & Salary Outlook
- Plumbing Apprentice: Work alongside licensed plumbers to install, maintain, and repair water and drainage systems.
- Plumbing Technician: Perform service and installation work in residential and commercial buildings.
- Maintenance or Building Systems Specialist: Maintain plumbing and mechanical systems in industrial or institutional facilities.
Program Length
- Certificate Program: Approximately 1 year (two semesters)
- Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree: Approximately 2 years (four semesters)
Admission Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED
- Completion of basic math courses or placement assessment
- Ability to pass a drug test and background check (required for fieldwork)
- Comfort working in hands-on, technical environments
Cost & Financial Aid
As part of the Alabama Community College System, Southern Union State offers affordable tuition rates and multiple financial aid options. Students may qualify for federal aid (FAFSA), state workforce grants, and technical scholarships. The college’s partnerships with local plumbing contractors may also offer apprenticeship opportunities that allow students to earn while they learn.
Location
Southern Union State Community College serves students across east-central Alabama with campuses in Wadley, Opelika, and Valley. The Plumbing Technology program is based at the Wadley campus, where students benefit from well-equipped technical labs and strong ties to regional employers in the construction and mechanical trades industries.
Cost & Career Outlook
Based on publicly reported data for Southern Union State Community College (Wadley, AL) — U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Program Type: Trade or Technical Training
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Median Earnings (10 yrs)
Time to Earn It Back
ROI Grade
About this data: Tuition and earnings are averages from federal College Scorecard data for comparable programs at Southern Union State Community College. Actual costs may vary by program length, residency, and supplies. Earnings reflect median salaries ten years after entering the institution. This helps estimate how quickly your training can pay off in real-world wages.