If you want to become an apprentice plumber, committing to learning the trade through an apprenticeship can be a great way to learn the plumbing trade from the ground up and begin a rewarding career in the plumbing industry. As an apprentice, you will learn under the watchful eye of professional plumbers who will mentor you and help you to develop the skills and knowledge that will set you up for a promising plumbing career.
But what does it take to become qualified plumber? Let’s dig into how to apply for plumbing apprenticeships and the steps involved in getting a plumbing apprenticeship, completing your plumbing certificates and gaining your plumber licence.
How to become a plumber apprentice in 6 simple steps
1. Learn a skill set
Being a plumber requires certain technical skills. Before you commit to a plumbing apprenticeship, be sure that you have the right skills, and are willing to further develop them. You can improve your technical and soft skills as a plumber while you are an apprentice by listening to your mentor, communicating with others, and developing a positive work ethic.
2. Update your resume
As a budding apprentice plumber ready to start a plumbing apprenticeship, you will not yet have the technical skills for the job. But you will likely have the foundations from the knowledge you have gained from your high school math and science classes.
3. Research apprenticeships in plumbing
Do your research and be ready to apply for as many plumbing apprenticeships as possible to increase your chances of being selected. You can also reach out to any plumbers you know and seek their advice for securing a plumbing apprenticeship.
Although the length of plumbing apprenticeships can vary, they typically run for anywhere between two to five years. That said, the more you can learn during your plumbing apprenticeship, the better you will be prepared for your career as an up and coming plumber.
4. Get ready for the interview
When your plumbing apprenticeship application gets approved, an employer might invite you to interview for an apprenticeship with their plumbing business. Prior to the interview, make sure you are dressed appropriately and ensure that you have practiced answering potential interview questions that you may be asked.
Interviewers are often interested in your motivations for becoming a plumbing apprentice. To demonstrate your desire for a rewarding career in the plumbing industry, consider preparing a career plan that outlines how a plumbing apprenticeship will help you to achieve your career goals.
You might also consider researching each plumbing business you have interviews with so you can tailor your questions and answers to their specific business and talk about your interests in working with them.
5. Buy your toolkit
You may be able to get tools from your employer, but having your own set of tools is a great way to start your plumbing career in style. You may need different sized wrenches to tighten and loosen different sized bolts. Certain plumbing jobs may require you to wear PPE, including protective gear such as safety glasses and gloves. A uniform from your employer will also be required.
6. Complete a plumbing certification
When you have successfully completed your three-year or four-year apprenticeship and all required training units you will be rewarded with your Certificate III in Plumbing. This qualification certifies you to perform a range of plumbing work, including installation, calculation, removal, and safe handling of materials, to name a few.
How plumbers can reduce their risk with business insurance
Given the nature of their work, many plumbers choose to reduce their risk with business insurance. Some types of business insurance that plumbers may consider include:
BizCover helps plumbers reduce their risk by taking the pain out of purchasing insurance for plumbers. We make it quick and easy for plumbers to compare competitive business insurance quotes online, get covered in 10 minutes flat, and get back to the job at hand.
Plumbing apprenticeship FAQs
Is a plumbing apprenticeship right for me?
The main thing that you have to be comfortable with as an apprentice plumber is getting your hands dirty. If you are excited about building and repairing all manner of pipes, then a plumbing apprenticeship may be right for you.
You can also benefit from having sound technical ability, being comfortable talking to people, and enjoy working in various conditions, including outdoors, at heights, and in confined (and sometimes dirty) spaces.
What will I learn in a plumbing apprenticeship?
A plumbing apprenticeship will give you the skills to safely work on a variety of plumbing systems, from planning stages to completion, and how to repair and maintain these systems into the future. You could be an apprentice plumber in different types of plumbing businesses, where you may specialise in domestic repairs, gas fitting, or roofing.
How long is a plumber apprenticeship?
A typical plumbing apprenticeship will take roughly four years to complete if you study full-time.
What will happen once I’ve completed my plumbing apprenticeship?
Once you’ve successfully completed your plumbing apprenticeship, you will have gained a broad set of skills and a qualification that can take you wherever you want to go with your plumbing career.
Learn more about insurance for your plumbing business, where you can compare competitive business insurance quotes from Australia’s leading insurers and get covered in just 10 minutes.
This information is general only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. It should not be relied upon as advice. As with any insurance, cover will be subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions contained in the policy wording.
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