Manhattan Area Technical College proposes plumbing program; college says graduates will be prepared to sit for journeyman exam after experience

Manhattan Area Technical College presented a proposal May 15 for a plumbing technology program that would include a 19‑credit Technical Certification A, a 38‑credit Technical Certification B and a 62‑credit Associate of Applied Science. The Curriculum Committee placed the program on the consent agenda.

KBOR staff Sharman said the college had been asked for the program for several years and that new building space permitted launching the program. The college told the committee it has identified nine business and industry hosts willing to provide occupational work‑experience placements, creating 27 available spots each semester for that component of the curriculum.

On licensure and testing, a committee member asked whether the program prepares students to sit for the journeyman exam. A Manhattan representative explained the program prepares students to take the test, but an experience requirement remains: "They have to have 2,000 hours before they can take and apply for the journeyman's license," the representative said, and noted that students can take the test earlier and hold the credential until experience hours are satisfied.

Costs and support: Sharman said the college estimates initial costs at about $312,400, with $200,000 for equipment and tools. Four letters of support are included in the application, promising internships, apprenticeships and advisory‑committee engagement. The committee moved and seconded the motion to place the program on the consent agenda; the motion carried.