Become A Plumber With Three Simple Paths

These days everyone is rethinking their priorities, and trying to figure out the best way to both get by in the moment, as well as feel secure in their job and finance in the future. It can be tough to predict what will be valued in the future, and what would be a good position to place your bets on. While there's a lot of talk about emerging technologies, and a lot of speculation about what the 'hot' job markets will be, there is a simpler solution. The jobs that will be guaranteed to be in demand 10, 20, 30 or 40 years from now are the same jobs that have been in demand for the last 10, 20, 30 and 40 years. Instead of chasing fads, consider following a career in one of these stable positions. While it might not be the 'hottest' job talked about, there's a lot to say about deciding to become a plumber.

To start with, you should make sure that you complete high school. At the very least, you want to earn your GED. While there are certainly some plumbers out there without these degrees, it helps a lot to have them. Most advanced vocational schools will require them, as will most apprenticeship programs that you wish to enter in to. Furthermore, plumbing requires a good grasp of some essential mental disciplines, like mathematics and chemistry. The more comfortable you are thinking abstractly in these areas, the more prepared you will be to work in this field. Finally, while in high school you can take advantage of having a guidance counselor who can help you look for the best vocational schools or programs to enroll in to become a plumber after you graduate.

From there, you need to decide whether you want to learn your trade from an apprenticeship program, or if you want to learn from a school. Both have their plusses and minuses, and it's a good idea to investigate both options fully. Talk to members of your local union, and see if you can go out with them for a couple of days and get a feel for what it would be like to train under them. Apprenticeships are long- four or five years long, composed of around 2,000 hours in the field and about 220 hours of classroom training. Apprenticeships are also very competitive, with only about 5% of people being accepted into them.

If you are unable to secure an apprenticeship with the union, consider working with smaller contractors. Get in contact with them and see if they offer an apprenticeship, an internship, or some other way to learn on the job. It will probably be similar to working and learning with the union, though it might not be as rigorous. Both of these are good for getting jobs after you achieve you license.

As mentioned before, school is still an option, and one that shouldn't be overlooked. Trade school, technical and vocational schools almost always offer full courses in plumbing, and have the added benefit of offering courses in business management. This is especially helpful as a major benefit of plumbing for many people is the ability to work for your own self.

Regardless of how you learn, once you are well trained you're going to want to get a license. Not every region requires you work with a license, but most do, and it gives future employers extra confidence in your abilities and work ethic.

About the Author

James Copper is a writer for plumbing-course.co.uk where you can find help and advice on how you can be a plumber

Author (James Copper). Submitted on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 Time: 9:03 AM

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