When you think of a plumber, you probably think of a fellow who comes to your home to unclog a drain or help install a new appliance. However, in the market today, plumbers have skills that reach far beyond those duties. In addition to these regular tasks, plumbers install, maintain, and repair many types of pipe systems.

Before searching for your pipeline in this industry, you should investigate the education afforded by certain plumbing schools. Plumbers enter their occupation in a host of ways. Many of the residential and industrial plumbers receive their training in certain career and technical schools, community colleges, and on-the-job training. Some plumbers are trained through formal apprenticeship programs. Plumber apprenticeship programs allow for the most comprehensive training available for plumbers. One of the organizations that sponsor such apprenticeships is the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada. Whether union or non-union, apprenticeships consist of four to five years of paid on-the-job training and at least 144 hours of classroom instruction per year from any educational program with plumbing schools.

While no uniform national licensing requirements exist for plumbers, most states require their plumbers to be licensed. Most states mandate that plumbers have two to five years of experience, plus a passing grade on an exam that has them demonstrate their knowledge of the trade and of any local plumbing codes before allowing them to work independently. With additional training from plumbing schools or other accredited institutions specializing in this type of instruction, some plumbers go on to become supervisors or even go into business for themselves as independent contractors. Some plumbers may eventually own a business and employ many workers, thereby spending their time in positions of management.

A Pipeline into a New Career
Plumbing schools teach plumbers to install fixtures such as bathtubs, showers, sinks, and toilets, and even such appliances as dishwashers and water heaters. As a plumber, your stamina should be in high gear, as you may frequently have to lift heavy pipes, stand for great periods of time, or even work in cramped positions. Sometimes, the work environment may be outdoors in inclement weather. Work weeks for plumbers usually average 40 hours. Those whose work requires them to maintain pipe systems or maintenance services that are under contract can expect to work evenings and weekends, sometimes being on call.

Growth for this industry is expected to be average, and the job opportunities, especially for plumbers with welding experience, are good. New construction and building renovation will encourage the growth of plumbing jobs. The annual earnings for plumbers range from $12.30 per hour to upwards of $34.79 per hour. As your skills increase, so can your hourly rate of pay. If you have a desire to enter into the occupation of plumbing, seek out a good plumbing school or an apprenticeship and then begin the focus on your pipeline to a successful career!