Becoming a plumber is a valuable career option for many students
interested in the pipe systems and water treatment processes of
residential and commercial buildings. Plumbing contractors can
obtain formal training with a plumber training program available
at a plumbing school, and are often involved with the piping,
steam fitting, material, and construction of water systems,
machinery, and structures. Plumbing contractors are also
involved with the creation and development of blueprints and
building plan layouts.
Job Description and Responsibilities of Plumbing School Graduates
Graduates of plumbing schools
are often involved with learning building layouts and construction techniques
for a variety of projects. The may choose to specialize in pipefitting, steam
fitting, pipe laying and construction. General job responsibilities of plumbing
contractors include:
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Working with a team of
plumbers and contractors
-
Designing new layouts and
blueprints
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Understanding codes and
operation of plumbing systems
-
Checking for obstructions and
electrical wiring
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Assembling systems
-
Connecting lengths of pipe
with fittings
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Installing fixtures and
appliances after piping has been placed
-
Checking systems to ensure
safety requirements are met
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Using pipe laying material
such as concrete, plastic, clay, and cast-iron
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Installing and repairing
high-pressure and low-pressure pipes
Plumbing contractors often decide to specialize in a particular trade such as
pipe laying, sprinkle fitting, or pipefitting. Each specialization requires
varying job responsibilities and skills and attending a plumber school to learn
is a valuable opportunity.
Career Options After Plumber Training
Although a plumbing school can
provide the basic educational requirements needed to become a plumber, many
plumbers choose to specialize in a particular field. Becoming a plumber and then
pursuing further plumber training is becoming a valuable way to develop skills
that are high in demand. Students of a plumber school may choose to pursue a
career as a:
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Pipe layer
-
Steamfitter
-
Sprinkle fitter
-
Construction plumber
-
Stationary engineer
-
Construction manager
-
Construction inspector
-
Plumbing inspector
Many plumbing contractors and
related occupations choose to join the United Association of Journeymen and
Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the
United States
and Canada.
Plumbing School:
Benefits of a Plumbing Course and Plumber Training
An extensive plumbing course
and plumber training program is ideal for students interested in pursuing a
long-term career in the field. Plumbing schools can be found in the engineering
and mechanical trade school departments of many vocational and technical
colleges, and many skills are learned on the job. Almost all plumbers obtain
experience through a formal plumbing apprenticeship program.
The United Association of
Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the
United States
and Canada is the formal administration board of many plumbing training and
apprenticeship programs. In order to become a plumber, an apprentice must be at
least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma (or equivalent). High
school preparation may include taking classes in blueprint reading, drafting,
computers, and physics.
Many employers become members
of area associations and organizations such as:
-
National Association of
Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors
-
National Fire Sprinkler
Association
-
Mechanical Contractors
Association of America
These organizations also offer
nonunion training and apprenticeship programs. Along with classroom instruction,
these consist of between 4 to 5 years of hands-on plumber training. The most
common subjects for a plumbing course program are:
-
Grade and Type Identification
of Pipes
-
General Tools
-
Safety Procedures
-
Local Plumbing Codes
-
Applied Physics and Chemistry
-
Blueprint Reading and
Drafting
-
Mathematics
-
Pipe Installation
Becoming a plumber does not
necessarily require formal licensing, but many workers choose to pursue a
license to adhere to community laws and regulations. Licensing often requires
passing an examination that covers local plumbing codes. Plumber training is
often obtained through a combination of an apprenticeship program and on the
job.
Plumbing Schools Accreditation
Plumbing schools are generally
accredited by the Commission on Higher Education or other accrediting body of
the community college or educational institution.
Plumber School Graduates Earning Potential and
Employment Prospects
The demand for skilled plumbing contractors and related fields is
expected to grow about as fast as average through 2014. Both the residential and
commercial industries are requiring building renovations and installation of
increasingly innovative systems. Plumbers and technicians are in high demand,
and the industry requires them to be well-educated in the areas of laws, local
regulations, and building standards. Since many organizations look to reduce
labor costs, plumbing contractors can be involved with bidding on various
projects in a competitive industry. Areas with high levels of construction
activity offer the most promising employment opportunities.
The median hourly earnings of pipe layers were $13.70 in 2002,
while plumbers and plumber contractors earned approximately $19.31. The highest
paid plumbers were found in nonresidential building construction and building
equipment contractors. Apprentices usually begin their wages at 50% of the
standard wage and this is dependent on skills and experience.
Related occupations include:
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