The Plumber trade under the Craft Instructor Training Scheme (CITS) is an advanced vocational training program developed by the Directorate General of Training (DGT), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India. The purpose of this course is to prepare qualified instructors who can train students in plumbing trades at Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), technical institutions, and vocational training centers across India.
This program is structured according to the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) and is classified at NSQF Level 6. The training program focuses on developing technical expertise, instructional skills, and professional competencies in the field of plumbing. The course provides trainees with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience so they can become effective trainers in the plumbing sector.
Name of the Trade and Trade Code
The official name of the trade is Plumber – Craft Instructor Training Scheme (CITS). The trade code assigned to this course by the Directorate General of Training is DGT/4013. This code is used for identification and administrative purposes in skill development programs conducted across training institutions in India.
The plumber trade plays a crucial role in modern infrastructure development. Professionals in this field are responsible for installing and maintaining water supply systems, drainage systems, sanitary fixtures, and pipeline networks used in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
Reference NCO Codes
The plumber trade is aligned with several occupational roles listed under the National Classification of Occupations (NCO) 2015. These codes represent various job roles and skill categories related to plumbing and pipe fitting work.
Some of the key NCO codes associated with the plumber trade include roles such as plumber general, plumber operations, plumber installation and repair specialist, pipe fitter, pipe layer, plumbing assistant, and maintenance technician. These roles highlight the wide range of professional opportunities available in the plumbing sector.
The alignment with NCO codes ensures that the training program follows national standards and prepares trainees for recognized occupations in the labor market.
NSQF Level
The plumber CITS course is classified at NSQF Level 6. The National Skill Qualification Framework organizes qualifications according to levels of knowledge, skills, and responsibility required for different professions.
At Level 6, trainees are expected to demonstrate advanced technical knowledge, practical skills, and the ability to manage and supervise training activities. This level is suitable for individuals who wish to become instructors or supervisors in technical training environments.
The NSQF framework ensures that the plumber training program meets national quality standards and remains consistent with international vocational education practices.
Duration of the Training Program
The duration of the Plumber CITS training program is one year. During this period, trainees undergo comprehensive training that includes trade technology, engineering subjects, and training methodology.
The one-year duration is designed to provide sufficient time for trainees to develop both technical knowledge and teaching abilities. The training program includes classroom instruction, workshop practice, demonstrations, assignments, and project work.
By the end of the course, trainees are expected to develop the confidence and competence required to teach plumbing skills effectively.
Unit Strength
The recommended unit strength for the plumber CITS course is 25 trainees per batch. This batch size ensures that instructors can provide individual attention to trainees during both theoretical lessons and practical training sessions.
Maintaining an appropriate batch size also ensures that workshop facilities, tools, and equipment can be used effectively by all trainees without overcrowding or resource limitations.
Entry Qualification
Candidates who wish to enroll in the plumber CITS course must possess relevant educational qualifications related to plumbing or engineering. The course is designed for individuals who already have technical background knowledge in the plumbing trade.
Eligible candidates may include those who have completed a degree in mechanical or civil engineering from a recognized university. Diploma holders in mechanical, civil, or industrial engineering from recognized institutions are also eligible for admission.
In addition, candidates who possess a National Trade Certificate (NTC) or National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) in the plumber trade or related fields can also apply for the course.
These eligibility requirements ensure that trainees entering the program already have basic technical knowledge and practical experience related to plumbing work.
Minimum Age Requirement
The minimum age required to enroll in the plumber CITS training program is 18 years as of the first day of the academic session. This age requirement ensures that trainees have reached the level of maturity needed to participate in professional training programs.
Candidates above this age limit can apply for admission if they meet the required educational qualifications and other eligibility criteria.
Space and Power Requirements
Training institutes conducting the plumber CITS course must provide adequate infrastructure to support training activities.
According to the guidelines, a minimum workshop and classroom area of approximately 120 square meters is required for the course. This space is necessary for installing equipment, arranging workstations, and conducting practical training sessions.
In addition, the training laboratory requires an electrical power supply of approximately 16 kilowatts. This power capacity is needed to operate machines, tools, pumps, welding equipment, and other devices used during plumbing training.
Instructor Qualifications
Instructors responsible for conducting the plumber CITS training program must possess relevant technical qualifications and professional experience.
Typically, instructors are required to have a degree or diploma in mechanical or civil engineering along with industry experience in plumbing or related fields. In some cases, candidates with a National Trade Certificate and significant work experience may also qualify for instructor positions.
Additionally, instructors must possess the National Craft Instructor Certificate (NCIC) in the plumber trade or a related discipline. This certification ensures that instructors have both technical knowledge and teaching skills necessary for vocational education.
Weekly Training Distribution
The plumber CITS course follows a structured weekly training schedule consisting of approximately 40 training hours per week. These hours are distributed across different subjects including trade practical, trade theory, workshop calculation and science, engineering drawing, and training methodology.
Trade practical sessions receive the largest share of training hours because plumbing is a skill-oriented trade that requires extensive hands-on practice.
The remaining hours are allocated to theoretical instruction and training methodology to ensure that trainees develop both technical knowledge and instructional skills.
Conclusion
The General Information section of the plumber CITS course provides important details about the structure, eligibility requirements, and training framework of the program.
By establishing clear standards for entry qualifications, infrastructure, training duration, and instructor qualifications, the program ensures that trainees receive high-quality training in plumbing technology.
This structured approach helps develop skilled instructors who can effectively train future plumbers and contribute to the growth of vocational education and infrastructure development in India.