Building a successful career is worth starting with a detailed study of the profession. Suppose a person likes installing, repairing, and maintaining communications in private homes and office buildings and communicating with people. In that case, the position of a plumber is the best option. If you are interested in this topic, please read our article in detail, where this career path is completely disassembled and given useful tips.
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A plumber’s main tasks include installing, maintaining, and repairing domestic and commercial plumbing systems responsible for supplying the facility with water, gas, and waste disposal through sewer lines. Plumbing is one of the most critical communication systems. If any element fails (dripping faucet, leaking toilet or piping, broken water heater, and more), facility owners call the appropriate professionals to solve the problem – plumbers.
The plumber profession boasts numerous benefits. Some of the main ones are:
The plumbing profession involves several levels so that each professional has the proper training and experience required to perform their direct duties. Also, some states may require a special license to work in the profession. Depending on the location and the license, the requirements vary. There are several types of plumbers:
It is the first step in a career. The apprentice watches the work of senior craftsmen, practicing their skills and learning about modern plumbing systems. Often the apprentice is entrusted with the secondary tasks of cleaning tools and laying them out. Experienced plumbers will also show apprentices how to perform more complex work tasks. The apprentice is always supervised by someone – an apprentice or a master.
To be licensed as an apprentice plumber, you must complete coursework and be trained under the supervision of a mentor on the job. Numerous states do not require an exam, but the apprentice must be 18 years old or older and have a high school diploma or GED certificate to apply for a license. After that, you can get a job as an apprentice and start building a career.
A journeyman can already work without the supervision of another more experienced professional, but certain states prohibit starting your own business at this level. Compared to an apprentice, this professional has a more complex role in installing plumbing systems, appliances, and equipment. An apprentice may specialize in a particular area.
To get an apprentice license, you must have a valid one and have worked in the position for four years. After that, you must take a state exam to prove sufficient knowledge. You can then obtain a journeyman plumber’s license and graduate.
The level presented is the highest in a plumber’s career. These professionals can start their businesses in many states, get approval for projects, and hire apprentices who can be assigned secondary tasks. The scope of the master’s job duties includes the same activities that apprentices or journeymen perform. At the same time, the master also deals with financial, managerial, as well as legal matters. A master can send an apprentice to perform specific uncomplicated tasks.
To get a master’s license, you must have worked as an apprentice for two years and pass a state exam. With relevant knowledge in irrigation, residential plumbing, and other areas, obtaining a special license from the appropriate state is possible.
Depending on the specific industry, the requirements for becoming a plumber may vary. Often, the following standard requirements must be followed to become a plumber:
If you have a high school diploma, or if a student is in high school or studying for a certification, you can begin a career as a plumber. If a diploma is not available, a GED certificate can be obtained. A plumber should have a sufficient knowledge base in technology, math, science, and computers. If your school has a drafting class, it is worth taking the course presented.
It is worth noting that having a college degree is optional for those who wish to learn the plumbing profession. At that time, specialized professional training will be reasonable. In this situation, you can get training at an accredited technical college or a trade school that offers vocational training in plumbing. A student can get certified in water, drainage systems, and piping.
After completing vocational training, it is possible to take plumbing apprenticeships. Many apprenticeship programs require students to complete specific training hours before employers can give them a job. At the same time, the number of hours depends on the apprenticeship itself. An apprenticeship may involve on-the-job training to learn the ins and outs of the profession and gain many valuable skills.
To be able to work as a plumber, many states require an independent license. A plumber can become certified to have more career opportunities.
A professional can obtain a state apprentice license. A plumber education program and work experience are also required in this situation. How much experience is required to obtain a permit depends on the state. Once the minimum requirements are met, it is possible to take the appropriate exam to obtain a license. It is also worth noting that to maintain your license, it is imperative that you continually learn.
Specialty certifications for plumbers include:
It is up to the plumber to choose which certificate he needs. Selecting a license depends on the field of work is necessary.
To become a professional plumber, it is imperative to have the appropriate skills – communication, technical skills, critical judgment and problem-solving skills, attention to detail and others. In addition to the skills listed above, it is worth taking the following steps to become a professional plumber.
Get Experience in the Field as an Apprentice or Trainee
To become a true professional, it is imperative to gain experience. An apprentice or trainee can take additional classes to develop valuable skills and move up the career ladder.
One of the best ways to learn a profession is to learn from a true professional. You can find a worthy mentor among teachers in school or college. You can also watch the work of a practicing professional plumber, who will entrust his apprentice with the work he can do, monitor the quality of his work and give sound advice.
Plumbers can work part-time or full-time. The salary amount depends on various factors: education, experience, company size, and location. In addition, a plumber may also receive a premium for overtime work – overnight trips and others. Some professionals are members of unions, which can negotiate wage amounts on their behalf while at the same time they are committed to remitting union dues.
On average, plumbers in the United States earn $26.86 per hour. The range of hourly wages can range from $16.62 to $43.42. One can earn an average of $56,077 per year. The salary range can range from $34,693 to $90,641.
Nothing describes a professional as well as his reputation. Even trivial word of mouth can be a great way to find a lot of repeat customers. Everyone knows plumbing can break down periodically, and many prefer to trust proven professionals they like. That’s why it’s worth worrying about a positive reputation. In this situation, it is worthwhile to be attentive to each client and do all the work in a quality manner.
Plumber – this is quite a common and profitable profession. Master, it can help everyone who has set a goal for himself to work with communication systems in the house. There are several levels in this profession. Their understanding will allow you to decide whether the presented direction in work suits you. This article has broken down the main benefits, responsibilities, and licensing requirements.
Working as a professional plumber has several benefits, from a decent wage to be able to help people daily. But at the same time, it’s worth remembering to become a reputable plumber. It would be best if you worked hard on your qualifications.
Success as a plumber depends on several components: technical skills, qualifications, ability to work with clients, and reputation. All of this can be achieved if you persevere toward your intended goal. A detailed study of the features of the profession from our article is the first step to building a successful career.