Plumbing is among the primary services that every homeowner will require at one point or another. The availability of demand for this industry makes it a worthy option to consider when looking for lucrative careers to join. Becoming a plumber is ideal for anyone who values hard work and enjoys interacting with new individuals every day. Most people assume that the only way to become a professional in plumbing is only through attaining a diploma or degree, which is not valid. You can take several approaches to becoming a plumber, which this article discusses in detail.
What Do Plumbers Do?
Plumbers are responsible for the sewerage and piping configuration of the structure, including installation and repairing of gas and water supplies. Every residential and commercial building requires a professional plumbing contractor to handle all these aspects during the building process. In case of any leakage or pipe blockage, a plumber is the right guy to call. Most plumbers work alone and do not mind traveling moderately short distances to offer their services.
Other responsibilities of a plumber include
- Assess and repair plumbing issues
- Provide price estimates of the project
- Installing of pipes and pipelining
- Repair plumbing-related devices
- Ensuring the project complies with state regulations
How to Become a Plumber
Get a High School Diploma
The first approach to becoming a plumber involves getting your high school diploma by completing a course. Those with a plumbing-related certificate or are currently obtaining one are eligible to pursue a plumbing career. A GED is also a sufficient alternative if you cannot earn yourself a diploma or degree. A strong foundation in computers, mathematics, and science is necessary to have an easy time learning the trade.
Complete Vocational Training
Vocational training centers now offer short plumbing courses to facilitate one’s journey of becoming a plumber. A college education is not the only way to learn this skill; these short courses can effectively teach and sharpen your plumbing skills. You will need to find a training center offering these courses, enroll and complete your program to become certified in handling plumbing-related concerns like drainage systems.
Apprenticeship
An apprenticeship is also a practical approach to becoming a plumber. This practice involves on-the-job training to help you learn more about plumbing techniques and how to use the specialized tools to solve specific complications. Most apprenticeship programs insist that you attain a certain number of classroom hours before they can accept your application. The classwork is necessary since the theory learned is what you will be practicing on your apprenticeship program.
Get Licensed
Most states have a plumbing license to prove that you are a professional plumber with knowledge of handling plumbing-related concerns. There are specific requirements for you to get licensed in every state; in some, you need to complete several class sessions, while in others, you must complete an apprenticeship program. You need to confirm the licensing requirements for plumbers and apply for one with the respective authorities.
Search for Experience
Getting licensed is not the final step in becoming a plumber; you still need experience. The experience you get from your apprenticeship course is not enough to sell in the industry; you will need to go out there and learn more about plumbing. One approach to gaining more experience quickly is taking additional classes to learn new skills and advance your knowledge: the more significant your experience, the higher pay you receive and more benefits.
Plumbing is among the most profitable, hands-on professions globally. You can earn a decent living from plumbing, and with time you will improve your skills and charge higher. The approaches mentioned above are practical and the most promising to guarantee a successful plumbing career.