Interested in starting a career as a plumber? Generally poorly stereotyped, a plumbing career can be a great trade skill and provide a great salary. Becoming a plumber is a difficult task with much more training and education than most people realize. You begin your career as an apprentice and, after enough education and hands-on experience you are promoted to journeyman and then, ultimately, awarded master plumber. This process can take anywhere take from ten to fifteen years.
So what skills do you need to become a plumber? Generally speaking a plumber has an aptitude for working with numbers, has nimble hands and fingers and is able to work in tight spots. It also helps to have some general business knowledge if you want to be able to understand how to run your own business someday. In addition you need to able to work with other people. You will need to speak with customers on a regular basis and also with other tradesmen who might be working near or alongside you.
Your path to becoming a master plumber begins with an apprenticeship. There are often state or union sponsored programs that can provide both hands-on training combined with course-work. These are often in high demand which means your application may not be processed very quickly or have a high chance of being accepted. Check with your local union first to see what's available, how long you'll be expected to wait, to hear news, and to check how competitive the program currently is.
"As it can often be a challenge to get access to the union programs, you may also consider a vocation or trade school in your area," says Jim Hanlon, a Morristown Plumber. These schools should offer plumbing programs that you can attend to get the necessary apprentice skills. Ensure their curriculum covers the subject matter required by your state to complete your apprenticeship. In addition, also make sure the school is accredited and provides a job placement program so you can get placed with a company to earn the additional state requirements.
Typically it takes around five years to complete your apprenticeship. At the end of your apprenticeship you will need to complete a test to become a journeyman plumber. From here your road to master will require an additional four or five years of working in the field. At the end of this time frame you will need to take an additional test to prove you possess the skills and knowledge required to becoming a certified master plumber. These tests and requirements differ from state to state so do some research to know what, exactly, is required where you live.
So what skills do you need to become a plumber? Generally speaking a plumber has an aptitude for working with numbers, has nimble hands and fingers and is able to work in tight spots. It also helps to have some general business knowledge if you want to be able to understand how to run your own business someday. In addition you need to able to work with other people. You will need to speak with customers on a regular basis and also with other tradesmen who might be working near or alongside you.
Your path to becoming a master plumber begins with an apprenticeship. There are often state or union sponsored programs that can provide both hands-on training combined with course-work. These are often in high demand which means your application may not be processed very quickly or have a high chance of being accepted. Check with your local union first to see what's available, how long you'll be expected to wait, to hear news, and to check how competitive the program currently is.
"As it can often be a challenge to get access to the union programs, you may also consider a vocation or trade school in your area," says Jim Hanlon, a Morristown Plumber. These schools should offer plumbing programs that you can attend to get the necessary apprentice skills. Ensure their curriculum covers the subject matter required by your state to complete your apprenticeship. In addition, also make sure the school is accredited and provides a job placement program so you can get placed with a company to earn the additional state requirements.
Typically it takes around five years to complete your apprenticeship. At the end of your apprenticeship you will need to complete a test to become a journeyman plumber. From here your road to master will require an additional four or five years of working in the field. At the end of this time frame you will need to take an additional test to prove you possess the skills and knowledge required to becoming a certified master plumber. These tests and requirements differ from state to state so do some research to know what, exactly, is required where you live.