How to Become a Plumber20 Sep
The plumber is the person who is called to fix pipes and water leakages, but his work can encompass much more than just that.
Most people have some experience with plumbers who are called to fix blockages, leakages, changing fixtures or whatever that usually involves pipes, taps and water. It is not easy work and the plumber has to be an expert in his field of work. He has to have physical strength and stamina as well be a diagnostician and be able to solve problems. While plumbing has long been a male bastion, females, too, are now entering the profession.
While a plumber has to work with his hands, he also has to have mental acumen to be able to handle small and big jobs. Though the work may not be prestigious, it is respectable and plumbers do manage to make a great deal of money whether they are working at a job or running their own business or working freelance.
The Work
A plumber has to learn how to use many different gadgets and tools to make his work easier. He has to know how to fix pipes which may be visible or underground or even overhead. He has to know how to fix sewerage systems and drains as well. He also has to be conversant with water heating systems, boilers and attaching appliances like clothes and dish washing machines, below sink trash compactors, water purifiers and the like.
He also has to know how to fix toilets, commodes, urinals, wash basins and in public or office environment water coolers and dispensers, water proofing, water works in the kitchen or pantry and more.
While a freelance plumber may handle small jobs, plumbing companies may be used to install all the plumbing work in new developments whether residential, hotels, hospitals, malls, shops, restaurants et al.
Academic Qualifications
Maths, science, shop work, courses in plumbing or subjects which require manual dexterity (working with hands) will all help if taken at the school level. Accounts are also important as is the ability to estimate how much a particular job or work will cost and also be able to do the paperwork and keep records.
There are institutes which offer training in becoming a plumber, but you need to find the right place to go to.
Apart from that you need to work as an apprentice for around three years to be able to get a license to practice as a plumber. You have to pass exams needed to get the licensing, depending on the local requirements. Some places offer technical courses in plumbing, but apprenticeship is important so that you can develop all the skills necessary to become a plumber.
Jobs
If you are working as a trainee or apprentice, you may get jobs with the people you are working for. Alternatively, you can apply with your cv once your training is completed to corporations or big plumbing companies looking for staff.
Once you are confident enough and comfortable with the work, you can venture out on your own. Many housing societies outsource their regular work to plumbers work and this may mean maintenance and being on call for emergency work. All builders also use the services of big plumbing companies. Once the work is completed you get further contracts for upkeep and maintenance.
Then there are jobs available with the government, usually local municipal bodies or other corporations which require plumbing work/maintenance of a town/village/city waterworks or plumbing solutions.
Earnings
You can expect to start work at an annual salary of around $25,000, with increments every six months. The national average is around $36,000 and at the higher end salaries are in the range of $47,000.
If you are working on your own, you can expect to make around $20 an hour, but actually plumbers make a great deal of money, depending on their work load and whether they are working alone or with partners or staff. Earnings will also depend on the kind of work you do.
Other Resource:
http://www.cvtips.com/become_plumber_job.html
http://www.collegeboard.com/csearch/majors_careers/profiles/careers/104058.html
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