As all of us have met with various problems with our pipes, such as the water in your toilet do not go down, or a drippy faucet annoys you, and we know that only plumbing professionals are able to help them in those moments.
However, there are many people who decide to do it by themselves.
They do not want to call a professional, they want to become professionals themselves.
In the majority of cases, these are people who are already equipped with all the tools, resources but do not know-how to tackle if plumbing emergency comes their way.
So, they make a decision to enroll in a plumber apprenticeship.
After learning all the necessary things in a hands-on environment, you should not worry, as you will be able to handle any situation from a clogged commode to a worn-out water heater.
The aim of our article is to show you a few ways you can land this position and start growing your career.
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Market Yourself
A plumber apprenticeship requires that the applicant is well prepared, and the first thing related to your preparation is your education.
So as to start an apprenticeship, you will need to possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent, which will enable you to compete in this job market.
Furthermore, you should create a resume and list all the courses you have had.
You should mention and speak in greater detail math and science classes you excelled in, as well as drafting or computer courses.
In case you have attended a trade school or community college with applicable coursework, you should list those as well.
Last but not the least, you are supposed to list any related work positions you have held, such as construction, customer service, or sales jobs.
As a plumber, you will use all of these skills so you should highlight them.
Take the Plumbing Aptitude Test
If you are lucky enough, you will get a chance of starting your apprenticeship with a local plumber right away.
On the other hand, there are many plumbers that will require that an apprentice takes and passes the plumbing aptitude test before he/she begins.
The plumbing aptitude test is a comprehensive test and it is good to mention that it is more focused on academic aptitude over straight plumbing knowledge.
On this test, aspiring apprentices will be asked to demonstrate proficiency in reading and math, as well as geometry, measurement, ratios, and conversions.
Even if you have a chance of starting an apprenticeship without requiring this test, we suggest that you should complete and pass it, as it will help you land more senior plumbing jobs.
Apply to Work for a Plumber’s Union
Another way of landing a plumber apprenticeship is by joining a plumber’s union.
Furthermore, the majority of plumbers think that this is one of the most effective ways.
The union membership gives you access to the career connections, training, and coursework required to take your trade interest to the next level and you will get in touch with an administrator whose job is to help you find local journeymen or plumbing professionals who are looking to take on an apprentice.
This way, you will save you the time as you will not need to spend hours looking for an open position yourself.
Working for a union offers other benefits, including insurance, so it is our advice to visit the United Association and locate a union in your area.
On this website, people can find resources for plumbers, welders, service technicians, and related fields.
Connect with a Private Plumbing Company
Some people are not interested in joining the union, so they can take advantage of another option and that is to simply contact a local, private plumbing company and apply for a plumber apprenticeship.
What you can expect is that this process takes a little longer, but it will be an equally rewarding one.
The best thing that can happen to you is to get in with a plumbing company that invests in employee training and career mobility, so your chances of getting a job with that company will be great.
Have in mind the fact that there are both quality and bad private plumbing companies.
What you should do is a little online research before filling out any paperwork or making any phone calls, as you should get familiar with some local companies and make sure they have a web presence, or whether they are active in an online business directory.
Also, you should check for client feedback and reviews, as satisfied customers leaving great reports will show you that the company is likely to treat their workers with the same respect.
On the other hand, if there are only negative comments, then you should not take it into consideration.
Keep Your Plumber Apprenticeship
A plumber apprenticeship is necessary if you want to become a master plumber.
This means that you need to further develop your skills and knowledge so as to succeed in this job.
Being able to fix a wayward faucet is not the only thing that you should be able to do.
So, you are supposed to demonstrate to your employer that you are skilled to work on every aspect of the job.
What you need to do is to show up on time, focus on each customer and deliver the most personable and professional service you can, which will prove that you are dedicated to the position and that you are eager to succeed.
Start Your Professional Plumbing Journey Today
As you will constantly work with customers, you need to be able to close a deal, negotiate the price, and manage invoices and expenses, as well as assess the client’s needs and determine appropriate plumbing solutions.
Our suggestion is to consider taking some business courses at a local community college before you start working with clients on a daily basis.
After all, this is done and you possess all the knowledge and skills, you are ready for a rewarding career that will let you get out of the office, use your hands, and make some cash while you are doing it.
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