San Jac grad finds her calling in plumbing trade
Cleaning a drain was all it took to inspire Paloma Armenta's career path. Now, at 26, she's building a future in one of the most in-demand trades in the country.
After completing San Jacinto College's plumbing program at the North Campus, Armenta now works as an apprentice at Abacus Plumbing, Air Conditioning, and Electrical, where no two days are the same.
"We go from helping to set up and install a water heater to putting in a toilet or unclogging drain lines,” Armenta said. “We stay busy, which is great, and I continue to learn every day."
At San Jac, Armenta learned plumbing fundamentals and hands-on training for real-world experience. Students who weren't familiar with tools had the opportunity to learn, and projects included plumbing toilets and sinks.
"The instructors were great, and it’s even better that they were actual master plumbers," Armenta said. "Listening to their experiences really helped me understand the different scenarios I would encounter in the field."
Upon completing the program, she earned an occupational certificate in plumbing technology. She got her apprentice license early, which prepared her to enter the workforce.
After taking time off after her son’s birth, Armenta found work about a year after finishing the program.
She chose Abacus in part because the company helped make the plumbing class available at San Jac. To help launch the program in fall 2023, Abacus and one of its longtime suppliers, National Wholesale Supply, donated tools, equipment, piping, hardware, and other materials to outfit the hands-on training lab.
"I had people tell me it was a great place to work, and it is," she said.
Her San Jac training applies to her daily work in multiple ways, from knowing which tools and parts to use to problem-solving on the job. The challenges she faces test her knowledge of plumbing codes — knowledge she gained in the classroom.
"It's something I can look back on and say, 'Oh, I know that' or 'That doesn't look right,'" she said.
What does she love the most about a career in plumbing?
"I love working with my hands and going to different places to help people," she said. "I'm not stuck in one area all the time."
For anyone considering San Jac's plumbing program, Armenta has simple advice.
"Go for it," she said. "If you like to stay busy and work with your hands, and most importantly, if you like helping people, then this might be for you."
Learn more about Plumbing at San Jac
Plumbing technology program at a glance
Fast Facts:
- 16 credits over two semesters
- Hands-on training in water supply systems, blueprint reading, plumbing codes, and installation
- Qualifies you to take state exam for tradesman plumber license
Career Opportunities:
- Residential and commercial plumbing
- Industrial and maintenance work
- Independent business owner or contractor
Job Outlook:
- 22% growth rate projected in Texas over the next 10 years
- Median wages in Gulf Coast region: $60,220*
*texaswages.com
About San Jacinto College Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today,
and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris
County, Texas, since 1961. The College is ranked second in the nation among more than
1,100 community colleges, as designated by the Aspen Institute and was named an Achieving
the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020 and 2026. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution
that spans five campuses, plus an online college, San Jacinto College serves approximately
45,000 credit and non-credit students annually. It offers more than 200 degrees and
certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer
to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. The College is fiscally sound, holding
bond ratings of AA+ by Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 by Moody’s. San Jacinto College is
accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
