At Nocti Business Solutions (NBS), we’re proud to offer multiple pre-employment and skill assessment tests for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters. Whether hiring or training plumbing professionals, our tests help determine the skill and knowledge levels of potential hires or trainees. With the increasing demand and opportunity for plumbers in the US, we are dedicating this article to outlining the training process for current and future plumbers.
Increasing demand for plumbers
With a growing skills gap, the demand for plumbers is expected to increase well above average, at 16% over the next decade. With over 75,000 (15%)current plumbers expected to retire over the next decade, the increasing demand is not surprising. With the lack of interest high school graduates have in skilled-trades, the profession is wide open and full of opportunity.
Benefits of being a plumber
Like most other trade jobs, plumbers are receiving better starting wages and benefits due to a lack of interest in the industry. With starting salaries of over $50K per year and the added benefit of not accumulating student loan debt, it’s not a bad option. Furthermore, unlike some other trade jobs, plumbers also have astonishingly good job security. Plumbing is essential to almost any structure in the US—even parking garages need plumbing systems. Additionally, there are no real threats from robotics or artificial intelligence. Of course, there are machines and software to help make a plumber’s job easier or more efficient, but nothing to make them obsolete.
Education and training for plumbers
Trade or career-technical school and training
Start by taking skilled-trade classes that focus on water draining systems. Generally, courses are available at a trade school, technical school, or community college. From there, students will earn a certificate on the topics of water supply and drainage systems along with their respective piping equipment.
Apprenticeship
A few years of experience is often a requirement to qualify for a plumber’s license, which varies state-to-state. In any case, a great way to gain experience and earn while you learn is to participate in an apprenticeship program. Programs generally run between two and five years.
Licensure
Most states require plumbers to have a license. Keep in mind, even though licensing requirements vary, two to five years of experience and passing the plumbing trades and local codes exam is typical.
Apprenticeship—earn while you learn
We can’t stress enough how beneficial it is to participate in a plumbing apprenticeship. Participants not only receive a decent wage for learning on the job, but they’ll also avoid student loan debt. With the average college graduate owing more than $35K, starting debt-free is quite the financial advantage. Not to mention the opportunity to learn hands-on with professionals, all while building a set of skills that will be in high demand for years to come.
Technical Skill Assessments for Plumbers
Whether you’re training or hiring plumbers, NBS skill assessments are great tools for either process. Our assessments are designed to be fair and accurate, covering multiple facets of the trade. Testing material includes everything from safety regulations, joining pipes and fittings, drainage, and more. If you’re interested in using NBS Technical Skill Assessments, contact us today.
Recent Comments