For Greg Davis, a master plumber with more than 35 years in the field, it’s a natural fit to bring his hands-on knowledge to the classroom as an instructor for Ozark Tech’s new Plumbing Technology Program. The southwest Missouri native not only knows the ins and outs of the trade, he knows the opportunities the plumbing industry offers and what it can mean to someone willing to learn and apply those skills. It is that understanding and passion for the field that he’s looking forward to sharing with students when the first classes begin on August 19.
“I want to pour the knowledge I have into others because I know this field and I know it can provide a good career,” Davis said. “People are always going to need water and sewer and that means there is always a need for installation and repair of those services.”
Davis explains his love of the trade developed while working alongside his father who was a plumber for nearly 50 years and retired from the field. That experience showed him there was always a need for plumbers and that he could hone his skills while working and gaining a paycheck. Davis also liked the fact that no two days were the same and it allowed him to use problem-solving in a way that helped and benefited others. He made the choice to follow in his father’s footsteps and in 1978 he obtained his plumbing journeyman license. Five years later he obtained a master plumber license and eventually went on to own a plumbing business. It’s a career path he is proud of and one he now wants to encourage others to explore.
Davis, who officially joined Ozarks Tech July 1, says he is particularly excited about the new Plumbing Technology Program because it is designed to provide hands-on education for the proper installation of piping and fittings. He says students will be using the materials and tools they will encounter on the job. In addition, the classroom features multiple bathroom and kitchen frames that work the same as those in actual homes or offices. The classes will equip students to execute plumbing tasks efficiently from day one. Coursework covers essential technical skills, safety practices and customer service. Graduates of the Plumbing Technology Program will be prepared for residential, commercial and service repair plumber positions.
“It is great to be a part of Ozarks Tech and a program that bridges the gap in the workforce and ultimately serves to provide individuals with valuable skills for a good livelihood in one of the fastest growing fields in this area,” Davis said.
The program was developed in conjunction with local plumbing companies and focuses on residential installation and maintenance. To help cover the program’s startup costs, OTC received a $1.3 million grant from the Missouri Department of Economic Development for construction, equipment and scholarships. The classrooms and labs are in the Industry Transportation and Technology Center (ITTC) on the OTC Springfield Campus.
Plumbing is eligible for the Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant, which pays tuition and fees for non-traditional students in high-demand career fields. A portion of the Missouri Department of Economic Development grant is allocated for scholarships for under-resourced or underemployed students.
For more information on the Plumbing Technology Program at Ozarks Tech, visit programs.otc.edu.
