UPHCA Academy

What Is It Known For?

UPHCA Academy launched in January 2023 when the Utah Plumbing & Heating Contractors Association recognized a growing need for skilled trades education. This school fills a gap in affordable professional training by preparing students to become journeyman or master plumbers without the expense of traditional university education.

The academy’s mission centers on practical skills development rather than theoretical coursework. Nearly 100 students enrolled during the first year by November 2023, demonstrating strong industry demand. Similar enrollment numbers are expected as the academy establishes its reputation in the trades community.

Degrees & Certifications

UPHCA Academy specializes in certification programs for licensed plumbing and HVAC professionals. Available programs include:

  • Plumbing Apprenticeship Program
  • Hydronics Program
  • HVACR Certification
  • Backflow Tester Certification and Recertification Program
  • Apprenticeores Bootcamp

Class Schedules

The academy operates primarily through online learning platforms that students can access anytime, anywhere. This flexibility accommodates working professionals who need to balance training with job responsibilities and personal commitments.

While most coursework happens online, the academy includes hands-on training components. Rather than traditional externships, students participate in an industry-driven apprenticeship model where they receive on-the-job training directly through their employer or sponsor company.

Is It a Good School?

Yes, UPHCA Academy holds recognition from multiple important organizations including:

Acceptance Rate

The Academy is open to everyone though specific acceptance rates remain unpublished.

How Much Does Tuition Cost?

Students pay $1,799 per year for their program, and this amount covers both online textbooks and code books. If your employer belongs to UPHCA, you benefit from a $300 annual discount that brings the cost down to $1,499.

Since the academy does not provide a net price calculator, reaching out directly becomes the best way to understand complete program costs and identify any additional expenses that might apply to your situation.

Programs & Courses

Skilled Trades

  • HVAC
  • Plumbing

Campus Locations

Bountiful Dave Hill P.O. Box 1718 Bountiful, UT 84011

Reviews

Based on local Google reviews, UPHCA Academy has a consistently positive reputation as a trade school specializing in plumbing and HVAC. The feedback from students is overwhelmingly favorable, praising the school’s flexible format and effective curriculum.

Overall Score: 5.0/5 Stars

Common Praises

Flexible and Self-Paced Learning: The most frequent praise is for the academy’s online and hybrid format. Students appreciate the ability to work at their own pace, which allows them to balance their studies with their work schedules and personal time. This flexible model is seen as a key advantage over traditional classroom-based programs.

Industry-Relevant Curriculum: Reviews highlight that the curriculum is “robust and effective,” and “industry-driven and industry-sponsored.” This focus on practical, on-the-job training helps students become “exceptional Tradesmen.”

Effective Mentorship: The program is designed to provide students with individualized help and mentoring. An instructor is assigned to each student to monitor progress, assist with learning, and work with their employer.

State Approval: The school is not “accredited” in the traditional sense, but it is a federally and state-approved apprenticeship program. The curriculum is recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Utah Department of Professional Licensing (DOPL), which is a significant point of confidence for students.

Momentum

The provided reviews, which span from 3 to 5 months ago, are all consistently positive. They highlight the same key strengths—the flexible, online format and the quality of instruction. The school’s approval to start the online academy was announced in late 2022, and the new HVAC program will start in 2026, indicating a continued positive momentum and expansion. The high ratings and absence of negative reviews demonstrate a sustained positive trend for the academy.