University of Alaska (Anchorage)
Trade Schools and Apprenticeships in Alaska / University of Alaska (Anchorage)
University of Alaska Anchorage – Plumbing Technology Program
Programs Offered
- Plumbing Technology (Residential and Commercial Systems)
Program Overview
The University of Alaska Anchorage offers a comprehensive Plumbing Technology Program that prepares students for rewarding careers as licensed plumbers and plumbing technicians. Coursework covers residential, commercial, and industrial plumbing systems, emphasizing safety, code compliance, installation, and troubleshooting. Students learn to interpret blueprints, design plumbing layouts, install piping systems, and apply both state and national plumbing codes. The program blends classroom theory with practical lab experience to ensure students are job-ready upon graduation.
Graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Plumbing Technology and are qualified to pursue state apprenticeships or direct employment in plumbing and mechanical contracting industries.
Hands-On Training
Students gain extensive hands-on experience in UAA’s plumbing labs, learning installation, maintenance, and repair of water, gas, and drainage systems. Training focuses on proper tool usage, safety practices, leak detection, fixture installation, and system diagnostics, simulating real-world job conditions.
Certification & Licensing Prep
- Prepares students for state-recognized plumbing apprentice and journeyman pathways.
- Curriculum aligns with Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development apprenticeship standards.
- Includes training in OSHA safety protocols and National Plumbing Code regulations.
Career Paths & Salary Outlook
- Plumbing Apprentice: Work under licensed plumbers installing and repairing residential and commercial plumbing systems.
- Plumbing Technician: Specialize in system maintenance, troubleshooting, and fixture installation for private companies or government agencies.
- Journeyman Plumber: Advance to full licensure with additional experience and on-the-job training. Journeyman plumbers in Alaska enjoy competitive pay and high regional demand.
Program Length
- Associate Degree (A.A.S.): Approximately 2 years (full time)
Admission Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED
- Basic math proficiency
- Successful completion of entrance exam
Cost & Financial Aid
As a public university, UAA offers competitive tuition with multiple financial aid options, including FAFSA-based aid, Alaska Performance Scholarships, and veteran education benefits. Students may also qualify for workforce development grants supporting high-demand trade careers.
Location
Located in Anchorage, Alaska, the University of Alaska Anchorage provides access to modern trade labs and industry connections across the state. The Plumbing Technology program operates within UAA’s Applied Technologies Division, close to Anchorage’s active construction and mechanical trades sector.
University of Alaska Anchorage – Carpentry Program
Programs Offered
- Carpentry Technology (Residential and Commercial Construction)
Program Overview
The Carpentry Program at the University of Alaska Anchorage trains students to build, install, and maintain residential and commercial structures. The curriculum covers blueprint reading, framing, roofing, finishing, and cabinetry. Students learn the fundamentals of construction layout, structural design, and material selection, along with a strong focus on safety and building codes. The program combines academic instruction with hands-on lab experience to develop job-ready carpenters who can enter the workforce immediately after graduation.
Graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Carpentry Technology and are prepared for construction, renovation, and woodworking positions across Alaska’s growing building sector.
Hands-On Training
Students gain practical experience in UAA’s construction labs, building full-scale framing projects, roof systems, and interior finish work. Training emphasizes tool safety, measurement accuracy, teamwork, and adherence to OSHA construction standards.
Certification & Licensing Prep
- Program aligns with state and national construction standards.
- Includes OSHA safety certification training and building code instruction.
- Graduates may pursue union apprenticeship or advanced carpentry certification upon completion.
Career Paths & Salary Outlook
- Carpenter Apprentice: Work under experienced tradespeople on residential or commercial job sites, gaining hours toward journeyman status.
- Construction Framer or Finish Carpenter: Build and install structural components, doors, cabinetry, and trim work.
- Construction Foreman or Contractor: Advance into supervisory roles or independent contracting with additional experience.
Program Length
- Associate Degree (A.A.S.): Approximately 2 years (full time)
Admission Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED
- Basic math proficiency
- Successful completion of entrance exam
Cost & Financial Aid
UAA offers affordable tuition rates and access to multiple financial aid options, including federal financial aid, Alaska Performance Scholarships, and veteran education benefits. Students pursuing construction-related trades may also qualify for workforce training grants or apprenticeship funding assistance.
Location
Based in Anchorage, Alaska, the University of Alaska Anchorage’s Carpentry program provides direct access to regional construction projects and employers. Students benefit from hands-on learning environments, modern workshops, and strong industry partnerships across the Alaskan construction sector.
Cost & Career Outlook
Based on publicly reported data for University of Alaska Anchorage (Anchorage, AK) — U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Program Type: Primarily Bachelor’s Programs
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 University of Alaska Anchorage. 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.