Investing your time and money to qualify as a licensed plumber allows you to join a sought-after and lucrative career. Following the 2008 housing crisis, the construction industry faced a high unemployment rate because young members of the workers searched elsewhere for employment and the trained workforce retrained in other jobs.
As denoted by experts, the consequence of the crisis is that the average age of the present plumbers ranges between the mid and late 50s. There is a high demand for young plumbers as only a handful are aged between 30 and 45.
What Do Plumbers Do?
Plumbers’ main task is to install, test, repair, and maintain pipes and fittings that transport gasses and liquids in homes, factories, and commercial properties. Plumbers also interpret blueprints, troubleshoot faulty systems, write estimates, and determine the required repair materials. However, you need to be proficient and experienced to be the best plumber in Norcross, GA.
The Required Qualifications for Plumbers
While qualifications for becoming a qualified plumber vary by state, here are the common ones you need to know.
Set a Good Education Foundation
Getting a high school diploma or GED is the first step to becoming a proficient plumber. With exceptional knowledge in maths, science, reading, and writing, you will have an easy time pursuing a career in the pro-trade industry. As a plumber, you need to have a profound knowledge of math and science as the work typically revolves around gauging water and making precise measurements. Being proficient in specific high school areas, such as geometry, algebra, thermodynamics, metric units of measure, and biology is an added advantage.
Besides getting a high school diploma or GED, your criminal record, ability to pass a drug test, and driving record may affect your plumbing career. Future employers and training programs might opt not to work with you due to safety and insurance concerns if you have: DWIs or DUIs, failed a drug test, reckless driving convictions, or felony convictions.
Enroll in a Vocation Plumbing Course
While college education isn’t mandatory, you should complete a specified vocational training at an accredited school if you want to pursue a career in plumbing. Most states necessitate students to accomplish a specific number of hours in the class to become qualified plumbers.
This training is available at different private and public schools and programs. Therefore, check out the local trade institutions, community colleges, or professional plumbing associations to get information about the required plumbing courses in your state.
Look for an Apprenticeship
Based on where you live, the chances are high you will have to work together with an experienced plumber as a trainee for a specific period. The apprenticeship period varies, ranging between two and five years. The good news is that you can complete your traineeship while you are still enrolled in a vocational training center.
The standard method of getting a traineeship is via a local plumber’s union. Most unions offer the necessary classroom coursework besides pairing you with an accredited plumber for field training. If you fail to secure an apprenticeship via a local union, you can consider contacting licensed master plumbers in your region.
Get Licenses
Most states necessitate plumbers to have a license. Based on your state, you need to get hands-on experience, finish a specific number of hours of the classroom coursework, and go for a traineeship before getting a license test. This exam gauges your skill level and expertise in plumbing procedures and codes. You can only become a licensed plumber after passing the test.
Gain Experience in Plumbing
After receiving your plumbing license, it’s essential to continue gaining experience to become proficient. Furthermore, you can take extra classes to learn about the trade and develop your skills to rank a class above the rest. Ultimately, you may progress to the master plumber role through experience, skills, and education, where you will reap more benefits and higher pay.
Is Becoming a Plumber My Dream Job?
The first step to choosing a dream career is to ensure you are indeed willing to pursue it. It’s meaningless to waste your precious time pursuing a career you don’t love. Now that you know what plumbers do and the required qualifications, you can quickly tell whether this job suits you
AUTHOR NAME : ALISON LURIE