The highly skilled trade of plumbing provides prospects for career advancement, competitive pay, and employment stability. The first step to a prosperous career is learning how to become a plumber, regardless of your preference for working in commercial, industrial, or residential plumbing. The schooling, training, and licensing requirements for becoming a certified plumber are covered in this handbook. Click on how to become a plumber for much details.
Step 1: Fulfill the Fundamental Needs
Prior to beginning your plumbing job, you need to fulfill a few prerequisites:
Age Requirement: Candidates must be at least eighteen years old to be considered for most plumbing apprenticeship programs.
Education: Usually, a high school degree or GED is necessary. A solid basis for plumbing abilities can be established through shop classes, physics, and math courses.
Physical Fitness: Being in good physical shape is crucial for plumbing because the job requires standing for extended periods of time, moving heavy objects, and working in tight locations.
Step 2: Finish a Course on Plumbing Training
Before entering the plumbing industry, many would-be plumbers decide to attend a technical college or vocational school to acquire a fundamental education. Typical topics covered in plumbing programs are:
- Reading blueprints and plumbing codes
- Welding and plumbing
- Systems for drainage and water supply
- Regulations and protocols for safety
- While not necessarily needed, formal schooling can provide a substantial edge when applying for apprenticeships.
Step 3: Apply for an Apprenticeship in Plumbing
Completing an apprenticeship is one of the most important phases in becoming a plumber. The majority of apprenticeships run four to five years and are supported by trade associations, unions, or plumbing firms. During this time, apprentices acquire fundamental plumbing skills under the supervision of seasoned professionals while receiving paid on-the-job training.
Apprenticeships offer practical expertise in:
- Plumbing installation and repair
- Examining and analyzing blueprints
- Knowing the rules and laws pertaining to plumbing
- Dealing with various plumbing system types
- You can look for an apprenticeship by contacting government apprenticeship programs, plumbing unions, or nearby trade schools.
Step 4: Get a License to Practice Plumbing
Most states require plumbers to get a license before they can practice independently after finishing an apprenticeship. State-specific licensing requirements differ, but generally include:
- passing a licensing exam that covers practical skills, plumbing codes, and regulations.
- Fulfilling work experience requirements: Before issuing a license, several states want two to five years of experience.
- Having to pay licensing fees Location and degree of license (journeyman or master plumber) affect fees.
Step 5: Promote Your Career
After receiving their license, plumbers can pursue a variety of professional options, including:
becoming a journeyman plumber, which permits self-directed work with little oversight. Obtaining accreditation as a master plumber, which would enable one to oversee projects and mentor apprentices. launching a plumbing company or focusing on areas such as green plumbing, gas systems, or pipefitting.
Now that you know how to become a plumber, start by looking into apprenticeship and training programs.