How to become a plumber
Low profile as it may sound; the profession of plumbing is highly lucrative and lets you be your own boss. If you are fondling with the idea of becoming a full-fledged plumber, you must check out the real nature of work and the physical labor involved by spending at least two days with a local plumber.
To outline the job profile of a plumber, the work involves installation, repair and maintenance of
(a) Hygiene and waste removal systems;
(b) Temperature regulated and airing systems;
(c) Water pipes and related appliances;
(d) Air-condition and extractor fan work;
(e) Boilers and geysers;
(f) Waterproofing roofs;
Working as self-employed or for a contracter As a plumber, you can start your own freelance service on 24 by 7 basis or join one of the established facilities management companies to find regular work. While small plumbing companies keep you busy with the residential jobs, large companies engage you for across-the-board maintenance and repair of their own buildings.
Educational/training requirements If you have technical aptitude, ability to solve complex problems and ability to follow technical drawings and plans, in conjunction with organized work technique, physical stamina and mathematical and engineering type skills, you can take this professional avenue seriously for yourself.
You can join the NVQ/SVQ levels 2 and 3 together with a technical certificate, which are recognized in most European countries and the USA. The course takes about four years to complete in general, though the course can be completed in a shorter period too. In addition to the course, the candidate is also required to work as an apprentice. Study full time and secure job placement through training institute, or work simultaneously with studies – either way is good and must be chosen to suit your own convenience. If you decide to learn in the classrooms hand in hand with on the job, you may submit your CV along with introductory letter to various job opportunities of interest, available on Internet directories and yellow pages, so as to secure job placement.
Part-time training In general, most candidates prefer to attend evening classes and learn basically through hands-on experience as apprentice while earning a living side by side. Most candidates tend to join one of the unions at disposal that charge an initiation fee, followed by monthly dues deducted from their paycheck automatically. At the end, each candidate accomplishes about 2000 training hours and more than 200 class hours.
Apprenticeship Apprenticeship route is not apt for those who have reached or crossed the age of 25 years, considering that employers do not get compensation or sponsorship for the older workers. So, the better option becomes the full time study route, followed by some working experience in relevant business and then applies as a full-fledged plumber.
A male dominated profession by all means due to taxing working conditions and irregular working hours, plumbing also faces shortage of workers due to low starting salaries. However, with perseverance and hard work, you will find yourself financially better off and stable in this profession, within a few years only.
Becoming a master plumber
Plumber salary
|
