In the field of skilled labor, plumbing is one of the fastest-growing occupations. Finding work that utilizes your experience and education as a veteran can be a daunting task. However, if you already possess the self-discipline and skill set necessary for work in the trades and crafts sector, this may be a viable choice. In order to get a job as a veteran, you need to take certain plumbing classes. Some states mandate both apprenticeship and licensing. The average cost of a plumbing apprenticeship and license is $2,000. However, you will be protected by the VA’s educational assistance program.
This article will go over the basics of this career path, including the necessary qualifications and how veterans may use the GI Bill to fund their education.
What is a plumber?
A plumber is a specialist in the field of plumbing who is qualified to set up and fix such systems. A plumber’s experience and knowledge in the field are reflected in their designation as an apprentice, journeyperson, or master plumber. A plumber with less than 10 years of experience may call themselves an apprentice, whereas one with more than ten years of experience might call themselves a master.
What does a plumber do?
Professional plumbers work in both home and commercial settings, where they install, replace, and repair plumbing, heating, and sanitation systems. They could also evaluate and plan plumbing systems to make sure they are safe and up to code. They frequently drive large or short distances on their own accord to do the required repairs, and they often operate alone. Plumbing professionals often install water fixtures such as commodes, sinks, and bathtubs. The following are some more potential responsibilities of a plumber:
- visiting buildings to inspect and fix plumbing problems
- giving price quotes for maintenance before performing it
- finding the root of problems and advising sustainable solutions
- new construction blueprint reading and interpretation
- plumbing and associated fixture installation
- with the use of specialized instruments for detection and analysis
- fixing a wide variety of plumbing fixtures and gadgets
- preparing, assembling, and welding plumbing and pipework components
- checking that everything is done according to code
Tips for becoming a plumber
If you’re considering a career in plumbing, you might find the following advice helpful:
You can increase your chances of landing an apprenticeship or a job as a plumber’s helper by establishing contacts in the field. Attending conferences and seminars might help you network with other professionals. You may, for instance, look for licensed plumbers in your neighborhood via social media and initiate contact with them via direct messaging.
Successful plumbers often update their knowledge of plumbing codes and standards. Regulations on safe materials, clearances, pipe sizes, and drainage should be updated. Among other places, you may learn more about the specifics of these code amendments by consulting the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering.
Safety is always the first concern for a competent plumber, both when first learning the trade and later while working on their own. To do so, one must use one’s critical thinking skills and adhere to all applicable safety standards. In addition to technical skills, people with extensive understanding of plumbing safety are highly sought after by employers.
Lifting pipes, utilizing hand tools, and installing pipe systems are just a few examples of the numerous physically demanding activities common in the plumbing trade. You could take care of your health so you can continue to do these things well throughout your career. A few examples of good lifestyle habits include: frequent exercise, stretching before engaging in physical activity, adequate rest, and a balanced diet.
BECOMING A PLUMBER AS A VETERAN
Choosing a job that will assist you transition back into civilian life is essential if you are a veteran. Pick a profession where your technical abilities will be put to good use. To be successful in the plumbing industry, you don’t need to go to school for many years. The military training you received in manual dexterity and discipline would serve you well in this area of work.
As a veteran, you only need a basic education to enter the plumbing trade. In addition, you will need to complete an apprenticeship and pass a licensing exam. Depending on your eligibility, the Department of Veteran Affairs may pay for the pricey training program.
1. ACHIEVING PLUMBER STATUS:
To begin a career as a plumber, one must first learn the fundamentals of the trade. Since this is a professional training program, you will require a certificate or an associate’s degree in the field.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM STUDYING-
If you’re interested in becoming a plumber, it’s a good idea to research whether colleges in your region offer relevant courses. Certification programs and local institutions sometimes provide such programs. Some universities provide a two-year associate degree in addition to one-year vocational programs.
REGISTERING FOR PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION-
The next step is to enroll in a plumbing program at the institution of your choosing. Water supply, drainage, and pipe systems are important topics to research before enrolling in a program. Having vocational training is preferable, but not required by all states or organizations.
JOINING THE DISTINCTIVE PROGRAMS-
It is recommended that those studying plumbing take additional classes in a specific area. Some plumbers, for instance, are now learning about water conservation techniques. Many firms have a need for plumbers with this expertise, and these courses can bring you up to speed. You may spend up to $2,500 on one of these specialized training courses. However, the GI Bill offers a wide range of benefits specifically for veterans. If you meet the requirements, the government agency will cover most of the expense. And that means you can sign up for as many classes as you like without breaking the bank
2. INVESTING IN AN APPRENTICESHIP:
After finishing your education, you will need to enter an apprenticeship program. Gaining work experience is a great way to advance in your chosen field.
Find local plumbing companies and send in your application.
If you want to learn more, you should enroll in an apprenticeship program at a private business. You may achieve this by making a CV that highlights all the abilities you possess that are important for the position you’re applying for. If you completed a plumbing course, be sure to send a copy of your diploma or certification. You may apply for internships by submitting your CV online. Demonstrating to a potential employer that you can remain employed for more than a year is a crucial selling point.
LEARN FROM AN EXPERT-
After finishing your education, you will need to enter an apprenticeship program. Gaining work experience is a great way to advance in your chosen field.
Find local plumbing companies and send in your application.
If you want to learn more, you should enroll in an apprenticeship program at a private business. You may achieve this by making a CV that highlights all the abilities you possess that are important for the position you’re applying for. If you completed a plumbing course, be sure to send a copy of your diploma or certification. You may apply for internships by submitting your CV online. Demonstrating to a potential employer that you can remain employed for more than a year is a crucial selling point.
DURATION OF APPRENTICESHIP-
You need to finish your apprenticeship program and earn your skills certification. These courses often offer in-depth preparation for a career as a plumber. You need to be dedicated to gaining knowledge and become an expert in the industry. These courses will set you up for success in your chosen field. Hourly rates of remuneration are typical in these types of programs.
3. BECOMING QUALIFIED:
A state plumbing license is required for employment. Having a license shows that you are competent in the area and have shown your competence via testing.
CHECK THE REQUIREMENTS IN YOUR STATE-
No plumbing licenses are available from the federal government. Instead, they are granted by the respective state agencies, each of which may have different criteria. Therefore, before applying for a license, you should check the qualifications to ensure you meet them. The requirements for obtaining a plumbing license may change from one jurisdiction to the next. The first step is to find out which government agency is responsible for issuing licenses and what kind of training or expertise is needed. The government of each state issues licenses to practice plumbing.
UNDERSTANDING DIFFERENT LEVELS OF LICENSES-
There is variation in the required plumbing licenses from one state and government to the next. Therefore, before applying, you should research the prerequisites in your state. Some of the available plumbing certifications are shown here.
Since they are still learning, apprentice plumbers are exempt from having to obtain a license.
To become a journeyman plumber, one must apprentice for at least two years under an experienced professional.
There are the most rigorous standards for obtaining a master plumber’s license. A journeyman’s license and strong recommendations are essential to being hired.
The necessities for obtaining one of these licenses vary from one state to the next. You’ll need the maximum license level to operate in most U.S. cities. The best part about being a plumber is that you can start making money as soon as you finish your training, even if it takes a few years to get there.
DOING A HISTORY CHECK-
To work as a plumber, you need to avoid any legal troubles. This may not be an issue for veterans, as clearance of a state and federal criminal background check is also a requirement of military service. A background check is required before taking the licensing exam. You may accomplish this by working with a fingerprinting service that is FDA-approved to submit your fingerprints to the FDA on your behalf.
Live scan electronic fingerprinting in Florida is available through Florida Electronic Fingerprinting Service, a Veteran-founded company with many sites around the state. Within three business days of receiving your prints, they will have submitted them to the appropriate department for review. No instances of extortion, fraud, or forgery should appear on your criminal record.
LICENSE APPLICATION PROCESS-
You can submit your application for the license once you have verified that you satisfy all of the criteria. The majority of states now allow applicants to submit their applications online and by email. However, in other jurisdictions, residents are required to print out the application and submit it by snail mail. You must include a copy of your apprenticeship certificate and all letters of recommendation together with your licensing application. The cost of obtaining a plumbing license might vary widely between jurisdictions. Prices can go as high as $600. The money is due at the time you submit your license application. However, as a veteran, you are eligible for a 100% reimbursement under the VA’s educational assistance program.
PREPARE FOR THE TEST-
You may expect to get a package of sample tests once you’ve applied for the license. Review all you’ve learned in preparation for the test. Keep records of your apprenticeship to assist you study later. Depending on the type of license you’re seeking, the exam might last anywhere from 1.5 to 4 hours.
OBTAINING ONE'S PERMIT-
You are prepared to take the test once you have built up your application and studied thoroughly. One of the first things you need to do if you want to work as a plumber on your own is to acquire a license.
After you’ve passed the exam and received your license, you may officially call yourself a plumber. You need 70% or higher to pass this test.
HOW VETERANS CAN USE THE G.I. BILL TO START CAREERS IN PLUMBING
The training and certification required to work as a plumber might set you back as much as $2000. The GI Bill provides financial aid to eligible veterans for higher education.
You can more easily adjust to civilian life and progress your profession because the bill pays for all or most of the associated expenses.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides financial aid for higher education through the GI Bill. It may be used as a supplement to your income to finance your education at any level. If you and your family meet the requirements, you might receive funding to cover some or all of your educational and training expenses.
Members of the active military, some members of the reserve, and members of the National Guard and their families are eligible to use this education benefit. The monies for the GI Bill come from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Although the education benefit is commonly used to pay for college, you may not be aware that it may also be used to pay for professional certifications and licenses like a plumber’s. The VA will pay for your license exam regardless of whether you pass or fail.
Approximately $2,000 is the difference between the GI bill and the maximum reimbursement allowed for each exam. The average cost of the exam is $400, so you can take it as many times as necessary to pass. A new refund request is required for each retake of the exam. In addition, as part of these learning advantages, you can receive money to cover the cost of plumbing school.
PLUMBING: A GREAT CAREER OPTION FOR VETERANS.
Transitioning back to normal life after military duty can be difficult. Therefore, you should pick a career that puts your education and experience to good use. If you want a job that requires you to spend most of your time outside, working with your hands, then a career in the trades and skills sector is ideal. Some of the reasons why veterans may find success in the plumbing industry:
1. DISCIPLINED:
Being disciplined in the military teaches you skills that will serve you well as a plumber. A reliable plumber is always ready to put in the kind of hard labor that most people would rather avoid. They require labor and life discipline to execute the task correctly.
2. INTEREST IN WORK IN THE FIELD:
Typically, a plumber or plumbing expert will be out in the field. Therefore, a person with professional aspirations will like working here. You would need to spend most of each day nearby if you were an active military resident. Therefore, veterans are ideal job prospects for this industry since they prefer hands-on labor over office settings.
3. DEXTERITY:
Veterans have a lot of practical skills. They have extensive experience with weapons and heavy equipment. They have the manual dexterity to make a solid living as plumbers. They may pick up the skills necessary to use plumbing equipment in the industry fast.
How Much Do Plumbers Make?
Most individuals would consider this a selling factor. As the Americans tell it. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for plumbers is expected to increase to $56,330 by 2020. In terms of hourly pay, this amounts to more than $25.
Most plumbers won’t work a full 40 hours a week for this pay, but they’ll still do well. The average salary of a plumber is around $50,000 per year, therefore being a master plumber may double your income.
However, the starting salary for a plumber is roughly $30,000, which is about the national median for all occupations. Yet this is the absolute minimum. Your starting salary is more likely to be $60,000 than $30,000.
Is It the Right Time for Me to Become a Plumber?
Consider life as a plumber if you’re undecided about entering the trade. Feeling successful? Do you take pleasure in problem-solving and tinkering? If so, you’re heading in the right direction.
Knowing that there isn’t a single best way forward may help ease your mind if you’re still struggling to decide. There are numerous options available, and each one ends well. So this may apply to you right now, down the road, or never.
If you are unsure, it doesn’t harm to give it a shot. Or, you could just ask a person who is already familiar with the industry about the benefits and drawbacks of working there. In order to determine conclusively whether or not this is a calling, you should encourage them to speak openly and honestly.
Questions and Answers (FAQs)
Most states require 8,000 hours of work experience before you can call yourself a “journeyman” plumber. This equates to almost four years of labor. It makes sense that you would focus more on practical training given that this is your intended career path.
You need just locate a sponsor to begin your training as an apprentice plumber. After that, you sign up with them, and they’ll be able to walk you through the remainder of the processes, as they’ve already done it themselves.
There is a process one must go through to earn plumbing certification. You’ll need to complete your 8,000 training hours and a board-approved training session of at least 48 hours. Now all that’s left is to go through the test.
You may start your plumbing career at any time. If you’re willing to put in the time and effort over the following four or five years, you can become a plumber when you retire. So don’t listen to those who say it’s too late.
Without a license, however, you cannot lawfully do plumbing work for compensation. Even after you’ve passed the registration phase, you’ll need to put in some time under close observation.
Becoming a plumber is, in most cases, a simple matter. However, a long time is needed for schooling and practice. You don’t become a plumber because you enjoy fixing things; you do it because you want to make a living at it.