In most states across the US, prospective plumbers must go through an apprenticeship program. These programs allow them to learn the fundamentals of the plumbing trade.
Similarly, they can also go through relevant on-the-job training during the program.
While doing so is to gain experience for further licenses, apprentices can still earn money during it.
Most states have relatively straightforward requirements for an apprenticeship program. Usually, aspiring plumbers need to be at least 16 or 18 years old to get into the program.
In some selected states, the age limit may increase or even decrease.
Similarly, candidates need to have a high school diploma or GED to get into an apprenticeship program.
Some states may expose other requirements to these programs as well. For example, some states require plumbers to pass drug tests or have employer recommendation letters.
Regardless of which state plumbers apply in, they may need to prepare for the apprenticeship program. These are things that they must do before joining the program.
How to prepare for the plumbing apprenticeship program?
Various things go into preparing for the plumbing apprenticeship program. Some of these are as below.
Develop skills and talents
Before joining an apprenticeship program, prospective plumbers must evaluate their skills and talents. Usually, the most important skill is to make complex calculations. Therefore, being good at mathematics is a requirement for most plumbers.
Similarly, knowing science, especially physics, can significantly help secure work in an apprenticeship program.
On top of that, plumbers also need to have interpersonal skills. It is because they have to deal with different types of people.
Therefore, knowing how to interact with them can significantly help them in their quest to become licensed plumbers.
Take math and science classes
Good grades in math and science are crucial for becoming a plumber. Some states even require plumbers to have good grades in these subjects to enter the profession.
For prospective plumbers, the journey begins in high school. They must understand the basics of these subjects to help them in their daily tasks. Mathematics, algebra, and geometry are crucial subjects, while physics is important in sciences.
Complete high school education
As mentioned, almost every state in the US requires aspiring plumbers to have a high school diploma. Therefore, completing high school education is compulsory for them.
While most states also accept the GED as an acceptable alternative, employers prefer plumbers with high school diplomas. Education can take apprentices a long way to get a plumbing license.
Obtain a driver’s license
Like the high school diploma requirement, most states also make it mandatory for plumbers to have a driver’s license.
This requirement may relate to the traveling that plumbers do as a daily job. For some states, it may serve as an identification tool. Either way, obtaining a driver’s license is mandatory for apprentices in most states.
Complete coursework in plumbing
Prospective plumbers can also join trade schools or vocational colleges to complete coursework in plumbing.
While it is not a requirement, it can help them learn the fundamentals and get the upper hand on other apprenticeship candidates.
Some states even allow plumbers to substitute this training or coursework for experience, which can also be beneficial in the future.
On top of that, trade schools and vocational colleges also match students with employers, such as companies or master plumbers.
It can be easier for these candidates to secure a job than others. However, prospective plumbers must first ensure that the college or school is accredited.
Build a resume
Once prospective plumbers complete the required steps, they must build a resume. It should include all relevant experience and skills related to plumbing.
As mentioned, employers prefer maths and science-related skills as well. Apprenticeship programs require plumbers to work with unions or under master plumbers.
Similarly, some companies also hire apprentices.
Therefore, aspiring plumbers must have a robust resume to attract potential employers. The more experience they have relevant to the plumbing trade, their chances of succeeding will be higher.
Prepare for the test
Some apprenticeship programs may also have a test that candidates must pass. Therefore, aspiring plumbers must prepare for the test beforehand. It will not test their advanced plumbing knowledge.
However, candidates must demonstrate their math, science, and general plumbing knowledge. Therefore, preparing for the test may be necessary.
Apply for an apprenticeship
The last step for plumbers is to apply for an apprenticeship. The easiest method to do so will be under a plumbers’ union apprenticeship program.
However, aspiring plumbers can also join master plumbers directly or start an apprenticeship with a company.
Some states require plumbers to apply for state-approved programs only. Therefore, it is necessary to consider that as well.
Conclusion
For most states, aspiring plumbers have to start with an apprenticeship program. For others, it may not be a requirement at all.
Regardless, apprenticeship programs can be a great way to learn the fundamentals of the plumbing profession. Aspiring plumbers must prepare before getting into these programs beforehand.