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Plumbing Apprenticeships: Key Facts About Pursuing Plumbing Careers
Plumbing Apprenticeships:
Key Facts About Pursuing Plumbing Careers
Attending a plumbing school and participating in one of many available plumbing apprenticeships could help you get started in a growing, well-paying occupation. People with plumbing careers are part of an essential trade that is full of exciting, new opportunities.
Plumbing is One of the Best Trades to Work In
Like other trades, being a plumber means providing critical services that cannot be outsourced to overseas workers. But, the benefits of a plumbing career can extend even further.
As recent times prove, the economy sometimes takes unexpected turns for the worse. Fortunately, plumbers work in an occupation that is not as sensitive to economic fluctuations as other construction trades. Although new installation jobs may diminish, plumbers have the security of knowing there will always be plenty of residential and commercial buildings with plumbing systems that require routine maintenance or repair. (People don't generally consider plumbing to be a luxury. If a toilet stops working, they want it fixed right away!)
But plumbing careers involve more than just unclogging drains and fixing leaky toilets. Plumbers lay out buildings' piping for water, waste disposal, and drainage. They also install fixtures and appliances like heat pumps and dishwashers. Increasingly, many plumbers are even getting more involved in the design phase of structures.
And with water shortages and the need to conserve energy as the new reality, opportunities are booming for plumbers that want to be part of the green revolution. Specially trained plumbers are needed for installing clean technologies like solar hot water systems, and designing projects for homes and businesses that save water and provide greater energy efficiency. If you want a good-paying green job that helps the environment, plumbing could be just the ticket.
Most Plumbers Are Trained Through Apprenticeships
The most common way to become a plumber is by getting the necessary training, and completing a good apprenticeship program. Many employers and experienced tradesmen believe that apprenticeships provide the most comprehensive and effective kind of plumbing training available.
Apprenticeship programs for plumbing generally consist of four to five years of on-the-job training, plus 144 hours or more of related coursework during each of those years. Classroom instruction includes subjects like blueprint reading, drafting, math, science, safety, and plumbing codes and regulations.
Apprenticeship openings can be found by checking out several different sources. Trade unions and professional organizations, such as the UA (United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada), or the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association are often the best places to start, since they typically recruit new apprentices once or twice a year. Other good sources include the office of the U.S. Department of Labor in your state, or any number of career counseling offices.
Apprenticeship Training Provides Important Advantages
"Earn while you learn" is an often-heard phrase, and it's completely true. Plumbing apprenticeships enable you to learn your trade while also earning a full-time wage. As a new plumbing apprentice, you usually begin at about half the wage of experienced plumbers, but your pay increases as your skills advance. And, depending on your employer and apprenticeship program, you may even receive the same benefits as your more experienced counterparts, which can include medical, dental and life insurance.
Plus, choosing an apprenticeship program that is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor can provide you with journeyman status. That can mean having a lot more job possibilities open to you.
If you're unable to find a suitable apprenticeship, attending a vocational school or community college can still be a great option. Depending on the education you select, you might even be able to transfer your credits to a plumbing apprenticeship program later on.
Would-Be Plumbers Must Meet Certain Requirements
Before you apply for a plumbing apprenticeship, you should know what is expected. Applicants generally must be at least 18 years old and in good physical shape. Many programs will require that you have a high school diploma or the equivalent. You will have to complete an interview. And, the application process also sometimes includes a drug test. If approved, you then can be placed on a waiting list and ranked according to your existing qualifications.
Most states and many municipalities require plumbers to obtain a license before they can work independently. So, once you complete your apprenticeship, you will likely have to pass an exam, or prove you have two to five years of relevant experience (or both) in order to earn your license. The exam will test you for your knowledge of the plumbing trade and local plumbing codes.
Getting Started
Begin by finding out what kinds of training and apprenticeship opportunities are available to you. Talk to some employers and experienced plumbers to get a feel for the local industry. Then, investigate the plumbing schools in your area, which can help you start learning the trade right away, and prepare you for a future apprenticeship. With the right training, you could soon have an in-demand career you can feel good about!
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