Students in the Plumbing and Heating program prepare for careers involving the provision of safe water supply to buildings, distribution to various plumbing fixtures, and removal of wastewater and waterborne materials. Other areas include the maintenance and repair of existing plumbing systems, installation of gas pipe systems, water filtration devices, heating systems, sizing, and installation of forced hot water and radiant heating systems.

Students in the program are provided with two years of in-school shop work during the 9th and 10th grades and two years of on-the-job training in the 11th and 12th grades on various outside work projects for town and government buildings, low income residents, and Habitat for Humanity.

Shop safety, pipe fitting, rough and finish plumbing of simulated houses, gas, boiler, and water heater installations are covered in shop while Massachusetts plumbing and gas codes, science, math, blueprint reading, and sketching are covered in trade theory classes. Academic skills are strengthened as students perform a variety of industry-related skills such as interpreting the state plumbing code, filling out permits, solving trade-related math problems, and generating job orders and invoices. Eligible students can find employment through the Cooperative Work program in their junior and senior years.

All shop and theory hours gained while in shop and theory are credited toward state licensing for the Massachusetts Journeyman Plumbers test.