Becoming a Plumber
One thing I strongly believe in is don’t consider a career in anything unless you have a strong interest. Picking a career strictly because it’s steady or pays well is not a strong enough reason.
It takes a lot of work to become a professional plumber. You start as an apprentice, you develop skills and gain experience during this time, before you decide to take it to the next level. The next step is striking out on your own as a licensed plumber.
How To Become A Licensed Plumber
In order to apply you must have gained 3 years of more experience as an apprentice plumber. Once you have done so you are eligible to apply and take the plumbers license exam. You need the apprentice work experience beforehand, it’s imperative. You must also have worked under a master plumber during this time and done in excess of three hundred hours of theory work.
What Is The Minimum Age I Can Apply?
You will need to be a minimum of eighteen years of age and in a position to meet the requirements outlined above. You will also need to actually pass the exam before you can gain certification as a licensed plumber. Your term of apprenticeship will enable you to gain the skills and experience necessary to successfully undertake this exam and pass.
Other Skills And Knowledge You Will Need
You will need to be able to work almost unsupervised. You will need to be able to read documentation and understand it. You will need to understand technical diagrams and accurately estimate how much jobs are going to cost any potential customer. Setting a fair price and being able to accurately assess this using estimates is essential.
You should be able to do basic mathematics and have good dexterity.
You will need to display an aptitude for mechanically related tasks as well as being comfortable using hand and power assisted work tools.
You must be able to relate well to your customers, and communicate in a clear and easy to understand manner.
You should be able to draw up paperwork showing what work was undertaken and the materials used.
You will need to be physically mobile and able to lift modestly heavy weight.
Even though this may sound daunting at first, do not be discouraged. Providing you have the above attributes or the capability to learn what you currently are not able to do, over time you will develop the skillset required to apply and successfully pass the plumbers license exam.
These skills are currently in high demand and the wages are very good, which makes it a worthwhile career undertaking.
