National Park College (NPC) plumbing apprenticeship student Calob Roberts is gaining practical experience and technical knowledge as he works toward a long‑term career in the skilled trades.
A Hot Springs resident, Roberts graduated from Fountain Lake High School in 2024. His interest in plumbing began during his teenage years after spending summers working for a local plumbing company. While his role at the time focused primarily on labor support, the experience introduced him to the trade and its potential as a career path.
“I worked at a plumbing company during the summer when I was 16 to 18 years old,” Roberts said. “I was more of a laborer in those summers, but I enjoyed it and I saw the potential you could have becoming a plumber and that’s what drove me toward this career path.”
Roberts enrolled in NPC’s Plumbing Apprenticeship Program, a structured four‑year program that combines classroom instruction with required jobsite training hours. Students progress through the program by completing a specified number of instructional and work hours before becoming eligible to test for journeyman licensure.
Now completing his first year in the program, Roberts said the classroom environment has helped clarify what he encounters daily in the field.
“It’s been great! I have learned a lot,” he said. “Since I started school last fall, I’ve learned a lot of stuff that you learn in the classroom correlates to on the job. You get a lot more understanding once you see it in the classroom, then see it on the job and it kind of comes together.”
Roberts currently works full-time for Rick’s Plumbing, allowing him to gain hands‑on experience while advancing through his apprenticeship.
He credited his first‑year instructor, Mike Chesshir, with helping him develop essential skills early in the program.
“My instructor, Mike Chesshir, has been great,” Roberts said. “I picked up isometric drawing quickly. He’s a good teacher and really knows his stuff.”
Roberts also spoke positively about the support he has received from NPC’s apprenticeship staff, including Apprenticeship Coordinator Hannah Lammers.
“They’ve all been great and stay on top of everything,” he said. “Hannah has especially helped keep us on track with licensing. I appreciate everything they’ve done for us this year.”
Looking ahead, Roberts plans to continue his career in Hot Springs. His long‑term goals include earning his master plumber’s license and opening his own business locally.
For others considering the plumbing apprenticeship route, Roberts encouraged them to explore the opportunity.
“It’s a great opportunity with a lot of potential,” he said. “You can make good money and learn a valuable skill.”
Through NPC’s Plumbing Apprenticeship Program, Roberts is combining education and experience to build a career in a high‑demand field—demonstrating the role hands‑on training plays in preparing students for long‑term success.
For more information about NPC’s Apprenticeship programs, visit np.edu/Apprenticeships.