Plumbing is a lucrative and rewarding job, so many people are interested in becoming plumbers every year. The United States has a high demand for qualified licensed plumbers. Plumbers usually work with steamfitters and pipefitters to repair and install water or gas systems in businesses or homes. While plumbing jobs can be sometimes risky, people who want to become plumbers must meet specific educational requirements.
You can take several routes to become a licensed plumber in the United States. One such path is to join an apprenticeship program, while another popular route involves attending a plumbing trade school. Regardless of the route you select to become a professional plumber, and you must be licensed to get hired or provide any professional plumbing services. After approval, you can work comfortably in both commercial and residential businesses. You can also opt to start your own plumbing company and become self-employed.
Apprentice Plumber Educational Requirements
Becoming an apprentice plumber begins with an aptitude test, where prospective candidates must show the basic skills needed to succeed in the trade. After passing the test, a panel of experienced plumbers interviews the potential candidates.
An apprentice plumber attends one or two classes organized by the local trade union or technical school during the first four years. In the fifth year, the apprentice prepares to take the certification exam to become a journeyman plumber. After passing the exam, the prospective student must also pass the state’s licensing exam. Apprentices and students learn how to read blueprints and drafts.
Education Requirements To Become A Journeyman Plumbers
There are no minimum educational requirements to become a qualified journeyman plumber. However, most states will require a high school diploma or GED certificate. Many plumbing companies provide hands-on training, but you must have attained a minimum legal age of 18 years.
Most people land their first apprentice program by walking past a construction site and asking if they require assistance. This is a good way to begin getting on-the-job training, learning the plumbing codes, and understanding the various tricks of the trade from an experienced plumbing professional. Another way to start your plumbing career is by completing a certificate course online or through a trade school.
Educational Requirements For Master Plumbers
Master plumber is the highest level of professional plumbing. To become an experienced master plumber, you must work your way up from an apprentice journeyman to master plumber. From journeymen to apprentices to masters, plumbers generally start their careers through an apprentice program that incorporates some classwork. You can become a master plumber after gaining years of experience as a journeyman plumber and later sitting for a master plumber’s licensing examination.
Training for master plumbers includes courses in blueprint reading, safety, building codes, and extensive on-the-job training. Master plumbers use tools and blueprints to maintain, repair, and service residential or commercial properties.
The Roadmap To Becoming a Professional Plumber
There are various options for training as a professional plumber in the US. Whether you are a school leaver searching to take up an apprenticeship or you want to retrain as a plumber, we will discuss the various training options you have in this post.
1. Plumbing Trade School
Though you don’t require a college degree to become a professional plumber, most states recommend that you take a technical plumbing course from an accredited institution. Such courses will teach you various plumbing skills and give you a head start in your plumbing career.
Trade schools are an excellent alternative to a four-year college since you can typically complete your education faster than in a university or a conventional college, helping you enter the field sooner. It is crucial to note that before you apply for a trade school, you must have a GED certificate or a high school diploma. Before choosing the right plumbing trade school, consider your schedule, location, and other needs.
2. Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships with a plumbing company are a good option since they usually sponsor the plumbing courses, and you will probably get a job after the training. Apprenticeship programs normally last anywhere from four to five years under the guidance of a professional plumber. Apprenticeships are an excellent option because they help you to earn and learn at the same time.
3. Online Plumbing Courses
Recent high school graduates and those who want to upgrade their skills can take advantage of online plumbing training. Online plumbing classes are a great option if you’re going to become a, plumber-especially during the pandemic. In an online plumber training program, you will access the coursework materials through an online portal and communicate with your instructors via chat and email.
Why Should You Choose An Online Plumbing Course Before Apprenticeships?
An online plumbing course will put you in a better place in terms of time or money than an apprenticeship. Enrolling in an online plumbing course will give you a much-needed head start over an apprenticeship that requires four or five years to return on the time or money invested. You can also save money and time by eliminating the need to commute to attend plumbing classes at a campus.
- A faster way to get a Plumbing Certificate or badge
Online plumbing courses only take at least six months to one year to complete and get a certification or badge. If your goal is to learn a specific plumbing skill and you don’t have time or money to attend a trade school, then an online plumbing course will help you achieve your goals faster. You can either participate in online plumber training part-time or full-time, determining the plumbing course length.
In apprenticeship, prospective candidates may not pay enough attention to what is being taught as most of the time, you will focus on the job at hand. So, getting a dedicated plumbing lead instructor like Robert Keith will give you a great head start in your career.