How to Become a Union Plumber
Becoming a union plumber requires the obvious first step: becoming a plumber. Basic education skills, high school education and training are required. You can start as an apprentice before moving up the ladder to becoming a master plumber. Many union plumbing accreditation's offer training programs to become either an apprentice or master plumber.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Obtain your high school diploma or General Equivalency Development diploma or certificate. You must have one or the other to enter a plumbing apprenticeship program and be at least 17 or 18 years of age, depending on the state. Plumbing requires some basic math skills, so acquiring foundation in math is helpful.
-
2
Attend a trade school. Trade schools provide training to help you gather the skills and knowledge to enter an apprenticeship program. Find trade schools in your Yellow Pages or, if you are still in high school, speak with a vocational or guidance counselor.
-
-
3
Apply to your local union. You can find your union in the Yellow Pages or in your newspaper classified advertisements. If accepted, you will be entered into an apprenticeship program. The program will require you to complete training and plumbing courses.
-
4
Complete the apprenticeship program. The program requirements vary from state to state. For example, Wisconsin's Plumbers Union Local 75 requires on-the-job training and classroom instruction. Apprentices work for a plumbing contract during the duration of the apprenticeship. The Local 75 program requires the apprentice to complete 8,000 hours of training over a period of five years.
-
5
Pass the state licensing exam. For example, in Texas, you're required to pay a $36 application fee. You also must provide an employer certification form that shows you completed the training. The written examination is approved by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. Once you pass your state exam, you'll be licensed in that state as a journeyman plumber for your respective union. Visit the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry web site for more information.
-
6
Gain experience to become a master plumber. Just as with the apprenticeship program, you will have to earn up to five years of experience as a journeyman plumber to become a master plumber. Take the state examination required to be certified as a master plumber while a card-carrying union member.
-
1
References
Resources
- Photo Credit modern sink image by nextrecord from Fotolia.com
