| If you are you considering taking up any of the plumber | | | | Are there any intensive plumbing courses I can do |
| training courses, first assess whether you measure up | | | | within a couple of months? |
| to the job. | | | | Though some institutes offer short term courses, we |
| A career in plumbing is very demanding. It calls for | | | | do not recommend them. Get to become a plumber is |
| dedication and lifelong learning. This is because the | | | | only through learning from a recognized institute |
| present pace of technological advancement has made | | | | coupled with a sound practical experience. |
| a plumber's job very challenging. You need an | | | | Do I have to pass a test before getting into a plumber |
| understanding of math and science plus the ability to | | | | training course? |
| work in cramped conditions and the stamina required | | | | Yes you have to, in most cases. You need a certain |
| to complete tough tasks within a tight schedule. | | | | basic ability in math and problem solving. A plumbing |
| If you think you measure up then plumbing can be an | | | | school does not want a dropout and they would like to |
| exciting career. | | | | ensure that you succeed. |
| The plumbing industry offers many career paths, good | | | | What are the job prospects for qualified plumbers? |
| wages for the competent and plenty of opportunities | | | | Good plumbers are always in demand. You can even |
| for those wanting to start their own business. | | | | diversify into teaching, consulting and working in the |
| For those wanting to choose from the many plumber | | | | manufacture of plumbing products. |
| training courses, here are answers to some frequently | | | | Is there any scope for female plumbers? |
| asked questions. | | | | Definitely yes! For domestic plumbing work, the elderly |
| What kinds of courses are available for me to qualify | | | | people and lone mothers prefer female plumbers. |
| as a plumber? | | | | Today's light weight materials make it easier for |
| Apprenticeship training | | | | females to carry out a whole range of plumbing jobs. |
| This plumbing course is a five year program where | | | | I am middle aged and I want to change my career and |
| apprentices learn through both class room and on-job | | | | get into plumbing. Is there a plumber training course for |
| training. Each one year segment of the course contain | | | | me? |
| approximately 2000 hours of on the job training and | | | | Before you think of changing over consider certain |
| roughly 250 hours of classroom instruction. | | | | basic issues. It may be difficult for you to get funding if |
| Apprentices receive a strong basic education related | | | | you already have financial commitments such as |
| to the trade involving core courses in mechanical | | | | mortgages. In such a case you will not be able to do a |
| drafting, mathematics and science. | | | | full time course without the help of your employer. |
| Journeyman training | | | | Are there any established certifications in plumbing |
| After completion of the five year program one | | | | design? |
| becomes a full-fledged journeyman. At this stage your | | | | Yes. The American Society of Plumbing Engineers |
| skill up gradation need not be over. You have plenty of | | | | (ASPE) conducts programs for Certified Plumbing |
| opportunity to update and expand your skills. | | | | Design (CPD).This is an international certification |
| Certification Programs | | | | program for engineers and designers of plumbing |
| Certification is the byword for quality in the piping | | | | system. To be eligible you need a minimum of four |
| industry today. There are many plumbing courses and | | | | years of practical experience in the design of plumbing |
| programs that help a journeyman upgrade through | | | | systems. For more details you may visit the web site |
| specialized certifications. Some examples of | | | | of The American Society of Plumbing Engineers. |
| certification programs available are medical gas | | | | If you have the aptitude to be a plumber, go ahead. |
| installation, refrigerant handling, industrial rigging, valve | | | | There is always a need for good plumbers in the |
| repair, welding, geo thermal, green awareness and | | | | domestic and industrial arena. A recognized plumber |
| instrumentation. | | | | training course is the pathway to success. |