Transformative trade

Corey Harris’ days span emergency leaks, complex repairs, and community outreach, showing how persistence, training, and teamwork pay off.

There’s a small leak in the office kitchen, so a service request is placed. Within short order, Corey Harris arrives, tools in hand, ready to diagnose and fix the problem. Harris, a plumber who loves a challenge, finds that with Yale’s variety of old and new buildings and miles (and miles) of pipes, every situation is unique.

Apprentice Program enrollment and experience

A native of New Haven, Harris began working at Yale in 2012, and by 2014 he got a permanent job washing dishes and doing food prep at the School of Management. In 2019, he enrolled in the Yale Trade Apprentice Program. Over the course of five years, the program combined technical classroom learning with on-the-job training working alongside Yale plumbers.

“I found out about the program which had been re-established after decades of inactivity from Rich Loesche,” said Harris. “As an apprentice, I worked beside many supportive Yale plumbers, but it was Rich Esposito who became my mentor. He taught me a lot about the trade and helped me develop the skills to independently diagnose challenging issues.”

It helped that Harris had some knowledge of plumbing and a genuine interest in the trade. Years earlier, he had attended Eli Whitney Technical High School and graduated from its plumbing program. He joined the Yale Facilities Operations for Central Campus and began responding to emergency and routine requests across Central Campus to fix leaks, clogged drains, or burst pipes. Harris followed his teammates throughout and underneath campus buildings, absorbing everything they taught him, including how to navigate the maze of tunnels with pipes that carry steam to Yale structures.

“I’d ask a lot of questions, and the guys I worked with were always so patient and never minded providing answers, offering guidance, or showing me how to diagnose the problem and fix it,” Harris said.

Licensed to learn

In 2024, he completed the apprentice program and passed the required exams to become a licensed plumber through the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. Today, Harris is part of a Yale team that covers 13.5 million square feet of space across 400 buildings, including the Athletics’ fields and buildings.

Harris’s specialized skills are essential to campus stewardship. He repairs large and small pipes used for drainage, waste, or vents throughout a variety of campus facilities, responds to broken faucets and toilets, mechanical room steam leaks, and HVAC malfunctions. “I’m never bored. Every day is different, and every problem is unique. I continue learning about plumbing at Yale, and I love it,” said Harris.

Harris and the team conduct routine inspections, use monitoring tools to identify potential issues early, and coordinate with other trades to address maintenance needs before problems escalate. Each morning, the team is given a queue of service requests and respond to emergencies first, such as no heat or leaks. Their actions help ensure the continuity of campus operations, supporting a safe and comfortable environment for students, faculty, and staff.

“Water coming through a ceiling or wall can do terrible damage to artwork, furniture, or equipment, so there is always a sense of urgency with those calls,” said Harris. “When you get there, though, the departments are happy to see us and appreciate our service.”

“Beyond his technical acumen, Corey has strong problem-solving skills and the ability to diagnose and resolve complex issues efficiently,” said Plumbing Trades Supervisor Lou Perleoni. “He is always willing to support colleagues and collaborate with other trades. His work ethic and positive attitude have earned the respect and trust of supervisors, peers, and clients alike.”

Community outreach

Hoping to help other Yale staff and New Haven neighbors come to or grow at the university, Harris ran for and was elected as a Local 35 community vice president. He meets with staff to update them on opportunities such as the multi-trade apprenticeship program (electrical, painting, mechanical, and plumbing), other training, and job openings.