A Step-By-Step Guide To Starting A Successful Career In Plumbing

Plumbing and pipefitting is a rewarding and people-friendly career because it provides substantial job security, good pay, and opportunity for advancement. But if you are an aspiring pipefitting technician, you must be wondering what is the process to enter this field and start a career in plumbing and pipefitting.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics plumbers make an average of $61,000. Applying to such an occupation as a plumber, a person will be able to earn a competitive salary. If you’re considering changing careers, this is a step by step guide to help one know the eligibility criteria and to find success in plumbing . Be ready to make your first move towards getting that dream job that will make your life fulfilling and financially rewarding.

What Does a Plumber Do?

 Pipefitting Training
A plumber is a professional or a skilled trades technician who specializes in installing, maintaining, and repairing the water supply systems in homes, businesses, and others. Their work guarantees the appropriate discharge of water, carrying of sewage and efficient flow of gas through pipes as well as installations.

Main Roles of A Plumber

  • Install and repair water line, pipe and faucet replacement, including water heater maintenance.
  • Manage sewer and water pipe cleaning and repair, and deals with sewerage and drainages.
  • Repair and Installation of piping systems either for new constructions or for the renovation projects.
  • Maintain large water systems working in office complexes, factories and hospitals.
  • Inspect, test, maintain and repair fire sprinkler systems.

What Are The Required Skills For A Career In Plumbing?

As a plumbing and pipefitting technician you should know that plumbing is known to be one of the high in demand trade skills in the US.
Here are some required skills for a plumber.

  • Problem solving and troubleshooting.
  • Attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Physical endurance and strength as well as manual skill.
  • Knowledge of tools and equipment include pipe cutter, wrench, soldering tools etc.

Importance of Choosing the Right Plumbing Course and College

As we’ve discussed the skills required to be a plumber, selecting the right trade school is important when it comes to starting a career in plumbing. To get the right education enables one to gain knowledge as well as the relevant skills that will enable one to fit in a given employment sector.
Here are some points on why it’s important to choose the right plumbing course:

  • Access to quality education impedes your skills to become a properly endowed plumber.
  • A good plumbing trade school will provide you with hands-on training as well as a background of educational knowledge.
  • Promotes a readiness to tackle real life plumbing issues and also conforms to industry best practices.

Available Plumber Programs

As we’ve earlier discussed the importance of choosing the right plumbing course and college here are some available plumbing programs.

  • Certificate Programs: Vocational courses taking usually less than a year to equip students with basic plumbing competencies and information.
  • Associate Degrees: Less encompassing curricula that take roughly about two years and provide increased subject matter.
  • Apprenticeship Programs: On the job plumbing and pipefitting training during which the trainee is taught during a specific course usually organized by unions or trade associations.
  • Advanced Certification Programs: Specialized programs accessible by seasoned plumbers to enhance their knowledge in the specialty they have chosen.

How To Select A Trade School For A Rewarding Career In Plumbing

As we’ve earlier discussed the available plumber programs, here is how you can choose a school based on the curriculum, fee structure and accreditation. A good educational path leads to a rewarding career in plumbing and pipefitting.
 Skilled Trades Technicians

1. Curriculum:

The program should include such topics:

  • Pipe Systems and Installation
  • Plumbing code And Legal Requirements
  • Operation safety procedures and plumbers’ equipment

2. Fee Structure:

Total costs of a programme, which would comprise of tuition fees, other fees, and other materials as well. Which shows the options for financial assistance.

3. Accreditation:

Make sure the school is accredited by accredited institutions such as, The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). That way; any program out there will be accredited against all the known standards in that particular industry.

Local Compared to Online Courses/Plumbing Schools

Local Plumbing Schools:

Here are some benefits of local plumbing schools

  • Face-to-face with advanced practical experiences.
  • Opportunities to find local apprenticeships and get in contact with the required institutions.
  • Face to face contact with instructors, students or other learners.

Online Plumbing Schools:

Here are some benefits and disadvantages of online plumbing schools.

  • Convenience to be able to make your study timetable as you wish.
  • Employers’ considerations about how to combine work and study.
  • May not have the practice experience—arrange to have the relevant lab equipment or affiliation.

There are advantages as well as disadvantages for local and online programs, it is a question of which works for learning style and/or career choice

How To Become A Certified Plumbing And Pipefitting Technician

Certified plumbing today includes a system for learners undergoing some form of training and then examination to obtain their pipefitting certification. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to become a certified plumbing and pipefitting technician:

1. Complete a Plumbing And Pipefitting Training Program

You should join a technical school or a community college with a plumbing course. These programs range from basic plumbing systems, safety, and codes.
You will also need to learn basic plumbing knowledge, tools and methods of repairing plumbing systems.

2. Enroll for an Apprenticeship Programme

The apprenticeships are very important as it gives real life experience. This kind of plumbing and pipefitting training takes place under the plumber’s supervision.
The importance of apprenticeships and on-the-job training: This exposes one to practical aspects of plumbing work which advice from the books cannot be able to inform one about.

3. Pass Pipefitting Certification Exams

At the end of the program, a skilled trades technician is required to write an examination. It intends to evaluate understanding of the plumbing methods, codes of the local construction, and safety requirements.
To prepare for the exam, get involved in reading through the plumbing codes and any plumbing regulation. Also, brushing up on any theoretical and practical knowledge regarding plumbing is beneficial.

4. Obtain State Licensing

An independent plumber needs to have a license, thus the condition that is expected of most states, across the globe. Again the conditions may even differ with the only common terms being passing an exam and producing proof of your apprenticeship or work experience.
Performing the state licensing tests may involve questions on actual practical abilities in plumbing as well as the rules governing the matter within the state.

5. Pursue Continuing Education and Additional Certifications

There are multiple types of plumbing technology and it is important to keep abreast with these advancements. It is possible to expand your knowledge through attending workshops, online courses, or just visiting trade events.
Employment and wages can be provided by obtaining certifications in other specific sectors including gas plumbing, solar water heating, backflow preventer.

Plumbing And Pipefitting: A Promising Career Path

The field of plumbing is well paying so is full of opportunities for the individuals who want to become professional plumbers. Select the right courses and certifications to follow for the right journey in the field. If you are willing to work hard and get some effective coaching, the competent plumber undoubtedly will evidence good results. Career in plumbing and pipefitting is high in demand and has a good earning prospective in the society.

 

Read More:

Trade programs in Philadelphia | Trade School in Philadelphia – Alumni | Trade School Infrastructure | Trade schools in Philadelphia | Vocational School in Philadelphia

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