The Future Starts Here.
Thumbs Up Academy introduces middle and high school students to the plumbing trade through structured education, hands-on learning, mentorship and real-world career exposure.
Our 100-hour Intro to Plumbing program is designed to help students discover what is possible, build practical knowledge and begin seeing the skilled trades as a meaningful path toward their future.
Education. Opportunity. A Stronger Future.
Thumbs Up Academy was created to give young people earlier, meaningful exposure to the skilled trades and a clearer understanding of the opportunities that can exist within them.
Our founding program is plumbing – a trade built on technical knowledge, problem-solving, responsibility and skills that communities depend on every day. Through structured instruction, hands-on learning and mentorship, students are introduced to the fundamentals of the industry in an environment designed for learning, confidence and growth.
The Academy is being built with a long-term vision: create stronger pathways into the trades, connect education with real-world opportunity, and help develop the next generation of skilled professionals.
Exposure Can Change a Future.
Many young people are asked to make decisions about their future before they have ever had the opportunity to experience a skilled trade firsthand.
Thumbs Up Academy exists to help close that exposure gap. We want students to understand that the trades are not simply an alternative to another path – they are careers built on knowledge, craftsmanship, responsibility, entrepreneurship and service to the community.
By introducing students to plumbing earlier, we can give them the opportunity to discover their interests, understand the expectations of the industry and make more informed decisions about what comes next.
Early Exposure
Introduce students to the trade before major education and career decisions are already made.
Practical Learning
Connect classroom concepts with supervised, hands-on activities and real plumbing fundamentals.
Mentorship
Give students access to experienced professionals who can explain the trade beyond a textbook.
Career Awareness
Show students the many directions a skilled-trades career can take over time.
Our Mission
To educate, empower and expose young people to skilled-trades opportunities through structured instruction, hands-on learning, mentorship and real-world career exploration, beginning with the plumbing trade.
Our Vision
To help build a stronger future workforce by creating meaningful educational pathways that allow students to discover their potential, develop practical skills and see the skilled trades as careers worthy of pride, professionalism and long-term growth.
Intro to Plumbing
A 100-hour educational experience created to introduce middle and high school students to the fundamentals of the plumbing industry.
The program combines classroom instruction with supervised hands-on learning so students can understand not only how plumbing systems work, but also the professionalism, safety, problem-solving and technical thinking required in the trade.
Program at a Glance
- 100 instructional hours
- Classroom + hands-on learning
- Plumbing systems and industry fundamentals
- Tools, materials and safety
- Pipe cutting and joining fundamentals
- Fixtures and installation basics
- Drainage, waste and venting fundamentals
- Troubleshooting and service skills
- Capstone practical experience
- Professional development and career exploration
Intro to Plumbing is an introductory educational program. It is not an apprenticeship, a plumbing license or a job guarantee, and it does not replace state-required apprenticeship education.
Industry & Career Pathways
Introduction to the plumbing industry, career possibilities, expectations and the role plumbing professionals play in their communities.
Safety, Tools & Materials
Foundational shop safety, personal protective equipment, hand tools, materials and responsible work habits.
Water Supply & Drainage Basics
Introduction to how water is delivered, used and removed through basic plumbing systems.
Pipe Materials, Cutting & Joining
Explore common piping materials and supervised fundamentals of measuring, cutting and joining.
Fixtures & Installation Basics
Introduction to common plumbing fixtures, their components and basic installation concepts.
Drainage, Waste & Venting
Foundational understanding of DWV systems and why drainage and venting are essential to safe plumbing.
Troubleshooting & Service Skills
Develop observation, communication and problem-solving habits used when diagnosing common plumbing concerns.
Capstone & Professional Development
Bring program learning together through a practical capstone experience, assessment and career-readiness development.
More Than a Classroom.
Students learn best when they can connect information to experience. The Academy combines instructor-led education with supervised practical activities that allow students to see, handle and better understand the materials, systems and techniques being discussed.
Students will also be introduced to the habits that matter in the real world: showing up prepared, communicating professionally, respecting tools and materials, working safely, solving problems and taking pride in the quality of their work.
Classroom Foundation
Clear instruction builds the knowledge behind the work.
Hands-On Practice
Supervised activities help students turn concepts into practical understanding.
Mentorship
Students learn from people with real industry experience.
Professionalism
Attendance, communication, responsibility and work habits are part of the learning experience.
Learning the Right Way From the Beginning.
Safety is built into the Academy experience from day one. Students receive instruction on personal protective equipment, tool awareness, material handling, shop expectations and responsible work practices before participating in practical activities.
Student activities are age-appropriate and supervised. Students do not operate power tools; power-tool use may be demonstrated by qualified instructors where appropriate.
Program completion is based on more than simply attending. Students are expected to meet attendance requirements, participate in knowledge checks and practical activities, demonstrate professionalism and complete the final assessment.
An Introduction Can Become a Direction.
The goal of Intro to Plumbing is not to decide a student’s future for them. It is to give students enough meaningful exposure to understand the trade, ask better questions and make more informed decisions about their next steps.
For students who discover an interest in plumbing, the experience can provide valuable context before pursuing future education, employment or a registered apprenticeship pathway after they become eligible.
For students who choose another direction, the program still develops practical knowledge, safety awareness, problem-solving, communication and confidence that can carry into other careers and everyday life.
Certificates & Credentials
Education That Grows With the Industry.
Thumbs Up Academy begins with Intro to Plumbing, designed to give young people meaningful early exposure to the plumbing trade through structured classroom education and hands-on learning.
Our long-term vision extends beyond introductory education. As the Academy grows, we intend to develop additional opportunities for individuals at different stages of their careers – from those entering the plumbing industry to experienced professionals continuing to develop their knowledge and skills.
Apprenticeship Education
Future classroom education intended to support plumbing apprentices as they progress through the requirements of the trade.
Continuing Education
Future educational opportunities for licensed plumbing professionals, subject to applicable state approvals and requirements.
Advanced Professional Training
Future advanced training focused on practical knowledge, code understanding, diagnostics, service skills and professional development.
STARTS HERE.Founder portrait can replace this panel
Built From Experience. Created for the Next Generation.
Thumbs Up Academy grew from a simple belief: young people should have the opportunity to see what the skilled trades can offer before they are expected to choose a direction for their future.
Founder Shaq built his career through the plumbing trade and later founded Thumbs Up Plumbing & Drain Clearing LLC in Rhode Island. Through that journey, he saw firsthand how technical knowledge, mentorship, work ethic and opportunity can change the direction of a person’s life.
The Academy turns that experience into a larger mission – creating a place where students can learn what the trade actually looks like, develop practical knowledge and be encouraged to take their future seriously.
Preparing the next generation of skilled professionals is not work any one organization can do alone. Thumbs Up Academy welcomes relationships with schools, community organizations, industry professionals, manufacturers, employers and supporters who share an interest in education, workforce development and expanding opportunity for young people.
Partnerships may support student access, instruction, equipment, materials, career exposure, mentorship, facilities, meals, scholarships or other program needs.
Help Create Access.
Support from community and industry partners can help expand access to tools, PPE, materials, meals, instruction and meaningful learning experiences for participating students.
Answers for Families, Schools and Partners.
What is Thumbs Up Academy?
Thumbs Up Academy is an education and workforce-development initiative created to introduce young people to skilled-trades opportunities through structured instruction, hands-on learning, mentorship and career exploration. Plumbing is the Academy’s founding trade program.
Who is Intro to Plumbing designed for?
The program is designed for middle and high school students interested in exploring plumbing, skilled trades, hands-on learning or future career possibilities. Final cohort eligibility and enrollment requirements will be provided with each program offering.
Do students need plumbing experience?
No. Intro to Plumbing is designed as an introductory program. Students are taught foundational concepts, safety expectations and practical skills in a structured learning environment.
How long is the program?
Intro to Plumbing includes 100 instructional hours combining classroom education, supervised hands-on learning, practical activities and a final graduation assessment.
Is this an apprenticeship or plumbing license program?
No. Intro to Plumbing is an educational career-exploration program. It does not replace the schooling, on-the-job training, licensing requirements or registered apprenticeship requirements established by the State of Rhode Island.
Will students use power tools?
Students do not operate power tools as part of the youth program. Power tools may be demonstrated by qualified instructors where appropriate.
What do students receive after completing the program?
Students who satisfy the Academy’s completion requirements receive Academy completion recognition. Any additional third-party certifications or credentials offered with a particular cohort will be identified in that cohort’s official program information.
Can schools and organizations partner with the Academy?
Yes. The Academy welcomes conversations with schools, community organizations, industry partners, manufacturers, employers and other organizations interested in supporting student opportunity and workforce development.
Will the Academy offer programs for adults or working plumbers?
The Academy’s launch focus is Intro to Plumbing for youth. Its long-term vision includes apprenticeship education, continuing education and advanced professional training as those programs are developed and, where required, approved.
Start the Conversation.
Whether you are a parent, student, educator, community organization, industry partner or supporter, we would like to hear from you.
Investing in the Future of Rhode Island.
Thumbs Up Academy exists to inspire, educate and prepare the next generation to understand the opportunities available through the skilled trades.
By connecting education, mentorship and practical experience, we can help students see new possibilities – and help strengthen the workforce our communities will depend on for years to come.
THE FUTURE STARTS HERE.