How To Get A Job As A Plumber

Plumbers do more than just repair dripping faucets and unplug toilets.  Plumbers are vital to public health.  They are responsible for installing and maintaining systems that supply clean water, maintain drainage, and remove waste.  They are involved in the installation of solar heating, and gas systems.

Successful plumbers must be physically fit, as they must stand, kneel, and bend for long periods of time, and lift heavy objects.  They must be detail oriented, able to follow instructions, have good manual dexterity, have good color discrimination, be able to work as part of a team, and have the ability to keep up with new technology.  They must also have the ability to read blueprints and solve problems.  Plumber may have to work in small, cramped spaces, and also at considerable heights.  Plumbers must have good communication skills, as they interact daily with customers, supervisors, contractors, and other trades.

Those interested in becoming plumbers should, while in high school, study mathematics (especially geometry and algebra), physics, chemistry, and English.  If possible they should study mechanical drawing and take shop classes.  Modern plumbers need to be computer literate.

Training

Virtually all plumbers start their careers by taking, paid, apprenticeship training programs.  These programs are work-based but also provide at least one hundred and fifty hours of classroom training.  This training covers such subjects as; chemistry, physics, mathematics, bacteriology, blueprint reading, and plumbing codes and regulations.  The work-based part of the training gives students a thorough knowledge of all aspects of the trade.  Qualifications for being accepted into an apprenticeship program may vary.  Usually a high school diploma or GED are required.  There may also be age restrictions, and a drug test.  If a training program is approved by the Department of Labor, then a High School Diploma is always required, as these programs can provide college credits.

Apprenticeship programs are administered either by local unions and their companies, or by non union contractor organizations.

Licensing

Although there are no national guidelines regarding licensing, virtually all areas do require Plumbers to be licensed.  The licensing process varies from state to state, but it always involves a period of experience and then the passing of an exam.

With additional training and experience, licensed plumbers may become certified.  Certification is especially important to those who wish to advance in their field.  Skilled plumbers can advance to become supervisors, plumbing contractors, or inspectors.  Many plumbers move on to own their own plumbing businesses.

Plumbers are among the most highly paid of construction workers.  The job outlook is excellent for those who wish to enter this trade.