Course Overview:
The Plumbing course at St. Pierre and Alix Life Skills Training College offers learners the essential knowledge and hands-on skills to install, maintain, and repair water supply and drainage systems in homes, businesses, and public facilities. This training program is rooted in the rising demand for reliable plumbing services across Uganda, particularly in fast-growing urban and semi-urban areas where infrastructure development is on the rise.
Through theory and practical training, students become skilled in pipe fitting, water systems, sanitation solutions, and safety protocols. The course prepares graduates to either work with professional contractors or operate as self-employed plumbers—providing valuable services to their communities.
What You Will Learn:
1. Introduction to Plumbing Systems and Tools
Students begin with the basics of plumbing systems: cold and hot water supply, wastewater drainage, sanitation, and rainwater harvesting. They are introduced to essential tools like pipe wrenches, hacksaws, pipe cutters, pliers, plungers, and torches.
2. Pipework Installation and Jointing Techniques
Trainees learn how to measure, cut, join, and install different types of pipes—PVC, PPR, galvanized, and copper. Skills taught include solvent welding, threaded joints, compression fittings, and pressure testing.
3. Water Supply Systems
This module covers sourcing, storing, and distributing clean water in residential and commercial properties. Students learn how to install water tanks, overhead reservoirs, pumping systems, and distribution piping with proper flow calculations and pressure regulation.
4. Sanitation and Drainage Systems
Plumbing is closely tied to health and sanitation. Students are trained in the construction and maintenance of drainage systems, toilet installations, venting systems, traps, inspection chambers, and soak pits. Emphasis is placed on preventing blockages and leaks, and maintaining hygienic waste removal.
5. Rainwater Harvesting and Storage
Given Uganda’s rainfall patterns, rainwater harvesting is essential for households and schools. Students learn how to install gutter systems, downpipes, filters, and water tanks to ensure clean, usable water for domestic purposes.
6. Plumbing Fixtures and Appliances
Students learn to install and service taps, sinks, showers, water heaters, flushing toilets, dishwashers, and washing machines. They also learn to troubleshoot common faults and provide routine maintenance.
7. Safety, Regulations, and Environmental Practices
Trainees are taught to work safely around water, electricity, and gas connections. They study national plumbing codes and environmentally friendly practices to ensure sustainability, conservation, and public health.
8. Business Skills and Customer Relations
As most plumbing services are freelance or contract-based, learners are guided on how to market their services, manage time and costs, provide quotations, communicate with clients, and build a loyal customer base.
Who This Course Is For:
This course is ideal for:
- School leavers (P.7, S.4, S.6) seeking skilled trade training
- Youth interested in construction and home maintenance
- Adults seeking to re-skill or transition to self-employment
- Individuals already working in building who want certification
No prior plumbing experience is required, but learners should have basic literacy and a willingness to work with tools in active environments.
Practical Experience:
Students participate in intensive workshop sessions and real-life installations on and off campus. This includes:
- Setting up indoor plumbing in institute buildings
- Installing and repairing water lines and sinks
- Collaborating on rainwater harvesting and latrine construction projects
- Learners also practice creating service estimates, writing reports, and planning plumbing layouts.
Certification and Career Opportunities:
Graduates receive a national certificate through the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) after completing practical assessments and written exams. This qualifies them for employment in:
- Construction firms and contractors
- Maintenance departments (hotels, hospitals, schools)
- Water and sanitation projects with NGOs or government
- Self-employment as freelance plumbers
- Hardware shops or water system installations
Course Duration:
The Plumbing course runs for 12 to 18 months, including workshop practice, class theory, and assessment preparation. A short course (3–6 months) is available for learners seeking specific skills like toilet and sink installations.
Materials and Safety Gear:
- Students are expected to provide or acquire: Steel toe boots or firm shoes
- Overalls or work uniform
- Personal plumbing toolkit (or purchase through the institute)
The school provides shared tools, pipes, fixtures, and safety equipment for class projects and demonstrations.
Success Story:
Edmond Owuma, who first worked as a caretaker at the institute, joined the plumbing course in its pilot phase. Today, he operates his own mobile plumbing service in Wakiso District, specializing in repairing borehole systems and installing home water tanks. He now mentors current students and donates used pipes and tools to support the program.
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