Plumbing is an excellent career choice because it offers competitive pay, desirable hours, job stability in an unsteady economy, and a highly specialized skill set that cannot be outsourced. Many are deciding to avoid college debt and the unsure job market by looking into developing a trade like plumbing. To be a plumber you need to be able to communicate effectively, read complex documents, estimate job costs, have a mind for mechanical tasks, and be good with your hands and power tools among other skills. Choosing to be a plumber in the North Houston, Texas area is a great choice and there are some steps you will need to follow in order pursue this career choice.
1. Graduate high school or get your GED
You need math, science, and computer skills to work in the plumbing field. Getting your high school diploma or GED shows that you have the basic foundation to be successful in an apprenticeship program. While in high school try to focus on math and sciences. Also try to take any shop, computer, or other classes that may help you in the plumbing field. You should also ask your guidance counselor if there are any vocational classes you could take at a local community college, trade school, or technical school. Getting into some apprenticeship programs can be difficult. You want to make yourself as competitive as possible. But bottom line you need to have graduated from high school or have a GED.
2. Find an apprenticeship program
Once you have graduated from high school or have your GED you will want to start an apprenticeship program. There are many different organizations that offer apprenticeship programs like United Association of Journeymen, and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada, or the National Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors. You could also do your apprenticeship through a local plumbing company. During your apprenticeship, you will spend 4 to 5 years receiving on the job training. In addition, you will take classes on a range of topics from pipe fitting, soldering, backflow prevention, repair and installation of waste water systems, gas lines, pricing jobs, and other important topics. One of the advantages of working with an apprenticeship program is that they can help you find a job once you are finished. Others end up working for the companies that they did their apprenticeship program with.
3. Take the test
After you have completed your apprenticeship program you are ready to take the licensure exam. You need 2-4 years of experience working under a master plumber, something you would have achieved through your apprenticeship. You also should have completed more than three hundred hours of theory work in classes. Your experience and classes should prepare you to pass the plumbers license exam. Make sure during your training that you are learning about local codes, as these will be on the exam. Becoming a licensed plumber shows you take your craft seriously and can be trusted to work safely, skillfully, and independently. Homeowners and business owners should look for a licensed plumber because it means that the plumber is trained, educated, follows codes, and will save them money in the long run by getting the job done right the first time.
By the time your friends graduate from college you will be a licensed plumber in North Houston, Texas. You will have earned money throughout your education and won’t be burdened with tens of thousands of dollars of school debt. Your knowledge and skills will be extremely valuable to your community and you should be able to earn a living that allows you to raise a family and live comfortably. You can choose to work for yourself or work for a great company like Rooter Man. We currently aren’t offering apprenticeships, but at Rooter Man we are always looking for intelligent, hard working, respectable, and highly skilled plumbers. All our technicians are drug tested and security screened, and insured and licensed by the great state of Texas. Matched with their skill and service-oriented attitudes, we guarantee a level of professionalism and an experience that won’t leave our customers looking elsewhere. If you are looking for employment opportunities consider giving dropping by. Or if you are looking for a company with expert technicians to solve your plumbing problems then give Rooter Man a call.
If you are looking for a professional plumber you can trust consider giving Rooter Man a call. We have the tools, knowledge, and experience to handle all your plumbing installation, repairs and maintenance. For testimonials, money saving tips, and coupons visit us on the web. When you have a problem its Rooter Man plumbers to the rescue!
Call us today at Magnolia & Tomball: 281-351-4422, The Woodlands & Shenandoah: 281-367-9191, Klein & Spring: 281-353-1717, Cy-Fair & Cypress: 281-477-7000 or Conroe & Willis: 936-271-5084