There are three levels in the plumbing profession – apprentice, journeyman, and master. If you want to become a professional licensed plumber you have to first become an apprentice. During your apprenticeship, you are attached to a journeyman who will be teaching you all the rudiments of the profession. You will get hands-on training by doing actual work alongside him.
During his apprenticeship, he learns from the journeyman all about the plumbing tools and equipment that he has to use. He learns all about various types of pipes that are used in the best shower valves plumbing and how to work with them. He has to familiarize himself with all the plumbing fixtures, what their purpose is and how to work with them. He is also to learn about the building codes that need to be followed with regard to plumbing at homes and commercial buildings. During his apprenticeship, he gives to work on projects on his own to enable him to get practical experience and learn the trade hands-on. The journeyman will always be available to guide him and help him wherever he needs his help.
Some states have a law which requires an apprentice to attend classes on plumbing covering areas like plumbing techniques, plumbing materials and rules and regulations, building codes. Specific hours have been allotted for theory as well as practical classes that the apprentice has to cover compulsorily in order to get the plumbing license.
If you want to become a plumber you have three options that you can avail from. The first is to approach the local plumber’s union. These unions generally have some kind of rules regarding taking on apprentices. The rules specify how a person may qualify to become an apprentice, how many hours of theory and the hours of practical work he has to finish before becoming a plumber. The second option is to approach a non-union journeyman who can take you on as an apprentice. These licensed plumbers usually prefer to take their family members as their apprentice; if you get lucky you may get a chance. The third option that you can avail is by taking admission in a plumbing trade school where you will be able to get hands-on training as a part of their program.
There are no hard and fast rules regarding the educational qualification required for becoming an apprentice but most states require a high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) to qualify for an apprenticeship. The age, however, should be between 16 and 18 years.
The period of apprenticeship generally takes four years to complete, subject to local laws. During the apprenticeship, he is paid a sum for the hours he works. When he completes his apprenticeship he is considered a journeyman plumber. However, before you decide to become an apprentice you should familiarize yourself with the state laws and regulations regarding the same.
