Thinking about a career in plumbing—and wondering if completing Penn Foster’s online program is enough to land you a job? You’re not alone. Many aspiring plumbers ask: “Can I easily get a plumbing job after Penn Foster?” It’s a smart question, especially when you’re investing time and money into your future. While Penn Foster provides solid foundational training, breaking into the plumbing industry requires more than a diploma—you’ll need hands-on experience, state licensing, and strategic job-search tactics. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what to expect and how to turn your Penn Foster education into a thriving plumbing career.
What Does the Penn Foster Plumbing Program Actually Teach?
Local and national plumbing codes (based on the IPC – International Plumbing Code)
While comprehensive for an entry-level course, it’s important to note: this program is not a licensed apprenticeship and does not include hands-on field training—a critical component employers and licensing boards require.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), most states require plumbers to complete a 4- to 5-year apprenticeship before becoming licensed journeymen. Penn Foster’s program can be a helpful starting point, but it won’t replace that real-world experience.
💡 Pro Tip: Use your Penn Foster coursework as a theoretical foundation, then seek an apprenticeship immediately after graduation to build practical skills.
Do Employers Hire Penn Foster Plumbing Graduates?
The short answer: Yes—but with caveats.
Most plumbing contractors and union locals prioritize candidates with hands-on experience or formal apprenticeships. However, some small companies or residential service firms may consider Penn Foster grads for helper or apprentice-level roles, especially if you demonstrate initiative, reliability, and basic tool familiarity.
A 2024 survey by HomeAdvisor found that 68% of plumbing businesses value attitude and willingness to learn over formal credentials—as long as you’re coachable and safety-conscious. That’s where your Penn Foster training can give you a slight edge: you’ll already understand terminology, code basics, and system layouts.
But don’t expect to walk into a $30/hour journeyman role right after graduation. Realistically, you’ll start as a plumber’s helper ($15–$20/hour) and work your way up.
📌 Key Insight: Your resume should highlight any hands-on projects (even DIY home repairs), safety certifications (like OSHA 10), and your Penn Foster diploma—but frame it as the beginning of your journey, not the end.
How to Turn Your Penn Foster Diploma into a Real Plumbing Job
Follow this step-by-step roadmap to maximize your job prospects:
Step 1: Get Your Hands Dirty—Literally
Start volunteering or interning with local plumbers. Offer to help on weekends. Many small contractors appreciate eager learners and may hire you once they see your work ethic.
Document your training—photos of practice pipe fittings, diagrams you’ve drawn, or even a short video explaining how a P-trap works. This shows initiative to potential employers.
Step 5: Network Locally
Join Facebook groups like “Plumbers & HVAC Techs – [Your State]” or attend trade association meetups. 80% of trade jobs are filled through word-of-mouth, according to the National Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (NAPHCC).
Penn Foster vs. Traditional Trade School: What’s Better for Jobs?
Feature
Penn Foster (Online)
Local Trade School (In-Person)
Hands-on Training
❌ Limited to simulations/videos
✅ Real pipes, tools, labs
Apprenticeship Links
❌ Rarely provided
✅ Often partnered with unions/contractors
Time to Completion
6–12 months (self-paced)
1–2 years (structured)
Cost
~$1,000–$1,500
$5,000–$15,000
Job Placement Help
Minimal
Often includes career services
While Penn Foster is affordable and flexible, in-person trade schools generally offer better employment outcomes due to direct industry connections and hands-on hours.
Real Success Story: From Penn Foster to Licensed Plumber
Meet Carlos R., 28, from Phoenix, AZ: After finishing Penn Foster’s plumbing program in 9 months, Carlos cold-called 15 local plumbing companies. One small firm hired him as a helper at $16/hour. He enrolled in a state-registered apprenticeship through the local UA chapter and, after 4 years, passed his journeyman exam. Today, he earns $38/hour and plans to start his own business.
“Penn Foster taught me the language of plumbing,” Carlos says. “But my real education happened on the job—with a wrench in my hand.”
FAQ Section
Q1: Does Penn Foster guarantee a plumbing job after graduation?
A: No. Penn Foster does not offer job placement guarantees. Like most online vocational programs, it provides education—not employment. Success depends on your initiative to seek apprenticeships and gain field experience.
Q2: Can I become a licensed plumber with only a Penn Foster diploma?
A: Not in most states. You’ll need documented work hours (typically 4,000–8,000) under a licensed plumber before taking the licensing exam. Penn Foster alone doesn’t fulfill this requirement.
Q3: How long does it take to get a plumbing job after Penn Foster?
A: It varies. Some grads land helper roles within 1–3 months; others take 6+ months to find apprenticeships. Speed depends on your location, networking efforts, and willingness to start at the bottom.
Q4: Is Penn Foster’s plumbing program accredited?
A: Yes. Penn Foster is nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. However, it is not accredited by plumbing-specific bodies like the PHCC.
Q5: Should I skip Penn Foster and go straight to an apprenticeship?
A: If you can secure an apprenticeship without prior training, do it. Many unions and contractors accept beginners with no formal education. But if you lack connections, Penn Foster can help you speak the language of plumbing during interviews.
Q6: What’s the average salary for entry-level plumbing jobs?
A: According to the BLS (2024), plumber helpers earn $32,000–$42,000/year, while licensed journeymen average $60,000–$80,000/year. Top earners in metro areas exceed $100,000.
Conclusion
So, can you easily get a plumbing job after Penn Foster? Not “easily”—but absolutely possible with the right strategy. Your diploma is a launchpad, not a finish line. Combine it with hands-on experience, proper licensing, and relentless networking, and you’ll build a stable, high-demand career in a trade that can’t be outsourced or automated.
Plumbing offers job security, strong wages, and entrepreneurial freedom—and your journey starts the moment you pick up your first pipe wrench.
💬 Found this helpful? Share it with someone considering a trade career! 📱 Tag a friend on Facebook or LinkedIn who’s thinking about plumbing school.
Your future in the trades is waiting—turn that wrench, and make it happen.
Leave a Reply