To become a plumber in the USA, you can serve as an apprentice or attend a trade school. Each state has its own licensing rules. Apprenticeships require a specific number of hours of experience and successful competition in plumbing and business courses. Trade schools have higher educational requirements but will allow you to be a certified plumber in two to three years. Plumbers can be self-employed or work for a plumbing service company, local government or construction companies.
There are two possible ways to become a plumber in the USA: serve as an apprentice or attend a trade school. Each state has its own rules around licensing plumbers, with some requiring a license for all types of plumbers and others just for residential and commercial plumbers. Plumbers can be self-employed or work for a plumbing service company, local government or construction companies.
To become an apprentice plumber, you must be at least 16 years old, physically fit, and have high school math and English credits. Once you meet the educational requirement, contact your local plumbers union and look for employers who want to hire an apprentice. Make sure you work under a certified plumber.
Meet with potential employers and explain your experience level and where you are in the apprenticeship program. Rules vary by state, but all apprenticeship programs require a specific number of hours of experience and successful competition in plumbing and business courses before you can become a plumber. On average, it takes six years of full-time and part-time work to become a plumber this way.
At a trade school, there is a formal education program, combined with terms of work experience to provide the necessary hands-on experience. A trade school program has higher educational requirements but will allow you to be a certified plumber in two to three years.
The vast majority of plumbers qualify through a trade school, as the number of private apprenticeship opportunities is limited. If you’re considering becoming a plumber, ask your local plumber’s union if you can “undercover” a plumber to learn more about what they really do. Keep in mind that there are different types of plumbers and investigate these options beforehand.
The licensing requirement for plumbers varies by state, with some states requiring all plumbers to be licensed and others not. To become a plumber, read states’ licensing requirements. Some states, such as Minnesota, require all plumbers to successfully complete a plumbing licensing exam.
The written exam tests a candidate’s knowledge of the state’s plumbing code, basic plumbing knowledge, technical math, and safety. These requirements are designed to protect consumers and improve the overall quality of plumbing contractors’ skills in the industry. Anyone with technical aptitude, manual dexterity and interest can become a plumber.
Plumbing offers opportunities for high-paying, high-demand work. Once you become a plumber, continue to expand your skills and experience in different areas of plumbing. Take writing, project reading, and business courses to hone your skills.
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