The plumbing field offers a lucrative career path to high school students who don’t want to take the 4-year college route and acquire thousands of dollars of debt. Unlike some demands in the market, the need for skilled plumbing services will never diminish.
In fact, as older building projects are replaced with new complexes, homeowners will need the services of a plumbing contractor to ensure safe plumbing services. If you’re interested in pursuing the plumbing trade as a career, you need to be a licensed plumbing contractor. Here’s the path to becoming one.
Before you enroll in a trade school plumbing course, you need to qualify by having a high school diploma. All trades require that you have adequate knowledge about science and math, but plumbing makes this essential since you’ll be gauging water and making measurements.
In addition to having a high school diploma, you also need a clean record for future employment opportunities.
Once you’ve completed high school education or its equivalent, it’s time to enroll in a trade school and take up a plumbing course. Aside from trade schools, you can look for courses at unions, plumbing associations, and community college.
After enrolling, you need to complete a fixed number of hours of training in-class to qualify for a plumbing contractor license. At a plumbing course, the curriculum will include local plumbing codes, water heating system installation, drainage systems, and pipe cutting.
In many states, aspiring plumbing contractors have to take up an apprenticeship by working with an experienced plumber. You’ll have to work with the mentor for a specific number of hours over two to five years.
Comparatively, you can also choose to complete your apprenticeship at the same trade school. Check with your community college or trade school. Even if they don’t have an apprenticeship, they will have information about one that suits you.
Check your local community for licensed plumbers and plumber service providers who can hire you as an apprentice. You’ll be learning from experienced professionals and earning a wage while on the job.
To qualify for the plumbing contractor licensing test, you should make sure to complete a fixed number of work hours as an apprentice.
In some states, you’ll have to pass a practical test, written test, or both, to qualify for a plumbing contractor license. The exam will be a cumulative test of everything you’ve learned in the classroom so far.
If you pass the test, you’ll be legally allowed to practice plumbing operations and installations without supervision or assistance from another experienced plumber.
Once you get your license, you must renew it every year if you want to continue working in the state. This will show locals that you are knowledgeable and experienced in the state’s plumbing safety codes, and you’ll stay ahead of innovations and developments in the trade sector.
Developments like new software or technology that makes plumbing tasks easier are necessary to keep track of – so be sure to renew your license.
PHCEid.org is an advocate for the Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electrical contractor to properly identify their licensed status for public awareness. Professional Contractors have the license or certification to work in homes and businesses. Without the proper certification and licensing to become a skilled trades professional, it compromises the integrity of the trade industry. The contractors listed on the PHCEid.org website are licensed or certified according to the codes and laws set forth by each governing state and/or entity. Licensed Contractors work in compliance with local and state codes set forth by their governing trade industry board. Get more information at PHCEid.org or call 844-954-2367 today!
