The plumbing industry is always looking for more workers because every home requires a professional in the industry from time to time. As a result, job prospects are solid if you’re interested in becoming a plumber and, therefore, now is the time to look into the proper training and certification. Those who want to enter the industry should find a reputable school to learn the skills required to thrive in this ever-evolving industry.
Now, before you make the leap and take some plumbing courses, you’ll want to make sure that the school provides an adequate level of training. High-end plumbing companies, such as Hunt’s Services in Tacoma, Washington, only hire plumbers who are certified and licensed in the plumbing, heating, electrical, or air conditioning industries because they have a reputation to uphold. Basically, if you want a job with a great firm, you’ll need the level of education that meets their needs.
Getting Started
When finding a course to take, first consider who the instructors are and what level of qualifications they have. You’ll also want to make sure that the school provides accreditation because that’s what your future employers will want to see.
Registering at a school that hires current or former plumbers as their instructors allows you to use their knowledge to your advantage and provides a more hands-on learning environment, so that is something look for, as well.
You’ll also want to make sure that the courses fit into your individual schedule. Ask when the program starts and ends, especially if you’re already working another job, and see what time of day you’ll have to be in the classroom. After all, there’s no point in signing up for a course if you’re unable to make it because of other commitments.
Consider the cost. While getting a great job in the plumbing industry will almost certainly make the price of the course worth your investment, you don’t want to go too far into debt, especially if no job is guaranteed. Do your research to make sure that the cost of the program will be worth it and see if the school will assist you in finding employment once you’re done.
Job Prospects
Speaking of finding plumbing employment, you should know about the benefits of enrolling in a plumbing program before you begin. As was mentioned before, a home’s plumbing system always needs attention because it is an essential part of every building. As soon as something goes wrong with the plumbing, the homeowners first call is to a plumber, especially in situations where water is shooting all over the house, as is the case with a cracked or broken pipe.
The plumbing profession goes beyond repairs, however, as every new building that is constructed requires someone to run pipes and drains, ensuring that everything is accurately connected and running at an optimal level. Residential and commercial installs are a large part of the profession and are highly sought-after jobs for plumbers because they usually provide easier access to the pipes. You might have to work your way up to this type of position, but it is well worth it if you can get there.
How to Reach Your Goal
There are two different paths that you can take when entering the plumbing industry, although they tend to go hand-in-hand nowadays. For many, the ideal way is to acquire an apprenticeship with an established plumber in the local area. This route involves learning on the job with an expert in the field, who will guide you through every step as you learn how to become a plumber.
While this might be the best way to learn, it is becoming increasingly difficult to gain an apprenticeship without going through the necessary schooling first. Generally speaking, most plumbers won’t take on an apprentice unless he or she has completed at least a year of school, which then gives the apprentice some working knowledge of the industry.
Of course, there are exceptions, and you might be able to find a plumbing expert who is willing to teach you. The catch is that you’ll still have to pass the necessary tests to gain certification, which is what most plumbing companies will want to see before hiring you.
There are many places all around the country where you can pick up the necessary certification, including Pima Community College in Tucson and the East Valley Institute of Technology in Mesa, Arizona. These are both training centers where you can get yourself certified which, in turn, gives you a much better chance at landing a job.
One thing to keep in mind is that if you gain an apprenticeship, there is a good chance that the company that is helping you learn will hire you once you complete your training. Make sure that you’re a good worker who gives them 100% and you could turn them into your first plumbing job.
What to Expect
Remember that once you become a plumber, you’ll have to expect to unexpected. You could be called to a house for any number of different reasons and could find yourself in some tricky situations, but that is why your training is so critical.
From replacing bathroom fixtures to running entirely new sewer lines, plumbers are responsible for a lot, and by choosing the best possible vocational school at which to learn, you give yourself a better chance at being able to handle anything your career in plumbing throws your way.
