To become a professional plumber, you need both hands-on and classroom training. You can enroll in a plumbing course online, at a vocational school /community college, or pursue an apprenticeship program. Keep reading this post to know more about training options to become a successful plumber.
Where To Go To Learn Plumbing: 5 Steps To Becoming A Successful Plumber
1. Meet The Minimum Educational Requirements
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, a GED certificate or a high school diploma is required for those who want to pursue a plumbing career. During high school, aspiring student plumbers may find it helpful to search for an entry-level job within the plumbing industry to learn about the career. Furthermore, you can learn the soft skills required for the trade, including problem-solving and communication skills.
2. Go To A Plumbing Trade School
Although formal training isn’t a must to become a professional plumber, it can help advance your plumbing career and teach aspiring plumbers crucial skills that come in handy when performing a job. Many technical or trade schools provide formal training courses for aspiring plumbers, and these are short certification courses that last for about one or two years.
Plumbing courses typically cover drainage and water supply systems, venting, fittings, valves, and piping. Students at trade school can learn plumbing maintenance and skills. They can use this training to start an apprenticeship as a plumber or go ahead to get an associate degree.
3. Complete A Plumbing Course Online
With Alpha Tradesmen Academy’s online plumbing courses, you will understand the skills required to compete favorably in the plumbing industry. As more and more tenants become homeowners, the demand for plumbers is expected to rise yearly. Our online plumbing courses will guide you through important information on plumbing fixtures and pipes, drawings and tools, and understanding water distribution and drainage systems. Begin to explore our plumbing courses online and develop a pipeline to your future success today with Alpha Tradesmen Academy.
4. Join An Apprenticeship Program
The next step to becoming a professional plumber is completing a plumbing apprenticeship program. The local trades union and non-union contractors usually approve Plumber apprenticeship programs. Such programs last between four to five years and typically combine on-the-job training with class instruction, either unpaid or paid. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, on-the-job plumber training should take anywhere from 1,700 to 2000 hours annually.
Apprentice plumbers learn plumbing codes and procedures, from installing plumbing fixtures to maintaining and repairing water pipes. Apprentices can also obtain special plumbing skills, like selecting materials and plumbing fittings, identifying types of pipes, and using the tools of the trade.
5. Get Licensed
While plumbing licenses vary, most states require plumbers to obtain permits before operating independently. In addition to licensing and apprenticeship, plumbers may opt for certification. While certification isn’t mandatory, it may help you advance your career and take advantage of the emerging job opportunities.
Employment And Salary Outlook
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median yearly salary earned by pipefitters, plumbers, and steamfitters was $56,330. It is also estimated that the demand for licensed plumbers will grow by 16% by 2026, according to the BLS.
Read also on how to earn 6-figures in plumbing.
Wrapping Up
To recap, prospective plumbers must have a high school diploma or an equivalent GED certificate and join an apprenticeship program before getting licensed. Gaining some certifications can also put you high on your career radar. At Alpha Tradesmen Academy, aspiring plumbers can pursue their training right from home while earning a good income. We complement the high-quality training at trade schools with flexible online plumbing courses and hands-on expertise obtained during the on-the-job training to bring you the best of the three training options.
