How to Become An Apprentice Plumber

Unclogging drains is a basic skill apprentice plumbers learn.

The journey toward becoming an apprentice plumber generally begins with getting the proper training at an accredited school. It's during this training that students learn the basics of plumbing, such as unclogging drains and fixing toilets. An apprentice plumber gains the skills and experience needed to obtain a plumber's license.

Things You'll Need

• Good math skills
• Be physically fit
• high school diploma or equivalent.

Instructions

1. Make sure you meet the eligibility standards. There are minimum age and education requirements for apprentice plumbers, although the rules vary from state to state. At a minimum, apprentice applicants in most states are expected to be at least 17 years old and have a high school diploma or GED.

2. Complete introductory plumbing courses. Find a private or public technical or vocational school that offers plumbing classes. You also can sign up for classes at a community college. Learn the basic skills needed in the plumbing field, such as unclogging pipes, using cutting torches, jackhammers and other tools and fixing water pressure. You also must know the field's safety requirements and understand basic math.

3. Request help from school faculty members to find a quality, paid apprenticeship. Those attending private plumbing schools are sometimes guided directly into an apprenticeship when they graduate. But for students attending public schools, ask for information, advice and possibly a recommendation to reputable apprenticeship programs in your area.

4. Apply for apprenticeships with companies recommended by the plumbing school's staff. Include a resume that outlines your plumbing school education. Submit letters of recommendation from instructors or professionals in the plumbing field. Once hired, expect to spend at least four years as an apprentice before obtaining a plumber's license.

Tips & Warnings

• Working at and for many facilities such as hospitals, commercial building maintenance and others with titles like maintenance plumber, general maintenance plumber will not be an approved method to become a licensed plumber.

• My book on amazon.com called "Flush Your Plumbing Troubles Dow The Toilet" will give any new apprentice valuable information working in the plumbing industry.

• When applying for apprenticeships, make sure the position is an apprentice plumber position and not a plumber's helper job, which typically pays less.

References

• speedupcareer.com: How to Become a Plumber Apprentice
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Plumber Training