Getting a plumbing apprenticeship is one of the excellent ways to begin your plumbing career.
Plumbers are skilled professionals. They install and maintain piping and water systems.
There is always a demand for plumbers in offices, schools, restaurants, or stores to run water or flush toilets. If you wish to master this trade, you require the guidance of professionals.
Apprenticeship involves both classroom learning and job experience. It will help enhance your knowledge and plumbing skills to work independently.
A plumbing apprenticeship requires almost 4-5 years to complete. You can do an apprenticeship at a plumbing company or through a union. You will get paid during the apprenticeship. It will even help me complete the final plumbing state licensing exam.
So, are you going to enter the plumbing industry? If yes, then it’s a lucrative career option. There are various job opportunities, and once you are equipped with skills and experience, you can get an excellent salary package.
How Do You Get A Plumbing Apprenticeship?
Are you excited about building and repairing pipes? If yes, then you must choose a career as a Plumber.
Plumbing apprenticeships provide opportunities to gain practical knowledge. You will learn how to find plumbing faults and repair them. You can join pipes and fittings, which will help you have better career opportunities.
You can get a plumbing apprenticeship in the following ways.
1. Consider Your Skills And Talents
It’s good that you wish to become a good plumber. But becoming a plumber requires few skills.
For example, soft skills are necessary because you interact with clients and suppliers constantly. Soft skills will help you work with others and develop a work ethic.
Every licensed plumber will require an Apprenticeship with good Math skills. The apprentice must also be mechanically inclined and able to solve problems.
2. Take Maths And Science In High School
You dont need to be a genius in science and Maths to become a good plumber. But you must have a sound knowledge of these two subjects.
Algebra and geometry are quite important subjects in mathematics. Similarly, physics is quite important in Science subject to become a plumber.
Some courses like drafting and computers can help you pursue a career in plumbing.
3. Complete High School Education
You must complete at least your High School education to become a Plumber Apprentice
4. Build Your Resume
To apply for a plumbing apprenticeship, you must build your Resume properly, just like when applying for any job interview. The Resume should outline your details, such as your knowledge of drafting or computer skills and knowledge of maths and science.
If you have attended vocational school, you must include it in your Resume and any achievements you have earned.
5. Obtain A Valid Driving Licence
Most apprenticeship programs will check your valid driving licence, so it’s essential to maintain a good driving record.
6. Complete Course Work In Plumbing Either In Trade School Or Vocational School
Although plumbing coursework in trade or vocational school is not mandatory, it will give you an additional advantage over other applicants when you apply for a plumbing apprenticeship.
Ensure your school is accredited and offers courses such as drafting, plumbing codes, etc.
7. Prepare For Aptitude Test
The companies or unions that provide plumber apprenticeships do an aptitude test to select candidates. You need to prepare for it.
The aptitude test comprises various sections, such as general plumbing knowledge, maths, and reading comprehension.
8. Apply For Plumbing Apprenticeship
Many Private Companies and unions provide Plumbing Apprenticeship programs. You need to search such Companies or Unions and apply your Resume.
The duration for completing an apprenticeship differs from one Company to another. But generally, it takes three to five years. You will gain both theoretical and practical knowledge during this period. Your salary will increase as you progress in the course period.
Again, Union Apprenticeships also offer other benefits like medical leave, sick leave and disability insurance.
9. Prepare For Interview
If a Company likes your Resume, they will call you for an interview. To take advantage of this opportunity, you need to prepare some interview questions. You must wear a particular dress code while attending the interview.
If you don’t know the dress code, ask the professional who will contact you for the interview.
Try to answer all the interview questions smartly. Most interviewers will ask about applicants’ motivations for becoming plumber Apprentices, so you must prepare the questions properly.
10. Get A Tool Kit
Your employer may either provide you with a tool kit or require you to buy one. Try to do some research on it. You may even ask the plumber who is providing you with training about it.
You may require different-sized wrenches to loosen or tighten the bolts. You must also wear protective glasses or gloves while doing plumbing work. You need to wear a uniform to represent your Company.
11. Complete Plumbing Certificate
You will get a reward certificate if you complete four or five years of apprenticeship. The certificate certifies that you can perform various plumbing work, such as installation, material handling, and more.
What Are the Duties Of An Apprentice Plumber?
The most common duties of an Apprentice plumber are as follows.
1. Locating And Repairing Leaks
You usually search for a plumber when there is leakage in the pipes. A plumber apprentice will identify the root cause of the leakage and repair it.
The complexity of the leakage depends on various factors like building size and plumbing system. A plumber apprentice will find difficulty in large and old buildings. He has to analyse the blueprints and inspect the leak locations.
2. Changing And Repairing Plumbing Parts
The majority of the work of a Plumber apprentice involves changing and replacing various parts. It also involves replacing malfunctioning taps, removing clogs, and more.
3. Choose The Right Equipment For Each Job
Plumbing jobs involve a lot of tools and equipment. A good plumber apprentice needs to identify the tools required for every job.
4. Prepare Cost Estimate For Clients
You should charge your client appropriately. To do so, you should thoroughly know the cost of materials, labour, and equipment.
Skills Required For Becoming A Plumber Apprentice
You must have a few skills to become a plumber in an apprenticeship.
1. Physical Strength
You need to have proper physical strength to lift and carry various objects. For example, you have to carry the sink and place it on the vanity.
2. Mathematics Knowledge
The plumber apprentice should be able to do small mathematical equations, such as the length or diameter of the pipe they are installing.
3. Communication
A plumber apprentice should listen to the clients and senior plumber and then provide effective solutions. He should also communicate properly with everyone.
Conclusion
A plumber apprentice usually works under the guidance of a senior plumber. During this period, you will gain theoretical and practical knowledge that will help to build your plumbing career.
I have listed step-by-step instructions for a plumber apprenticeship. I hope the information is useful.
