How to Get Involved in a Plumbing Traineeship

Getting involved in a plumbing traineeship can be a rewarding journey, providing you with hands-on experience and opportunities for growth within the construction sector. Whether you're a high school student at 16 or someone looking to shift careers, exploring plumbing can be an exciting choice. Here's a guide to stepping into this promising field.

Exploring Construction Firms for Apprenticeship Opportunities

The first step is to approach construction firms directly for apprenticeship positions. At the age of 16, you can start this journey while gaining qualifications such as City and Guilds, which are often fully funded by the construction firm. These certifications are invaluable and can provide you with a solid foundation in plumbing and related skills.

Engaging with Plumbers' Unions for Alternative Paths

If you live in an area with plumbers' unions, consider visiting the union hall to inquire about becoming an apprentice. Online searches can also help you locate plumbers' unions. Engaging with these organizations can provide you with additional support and resources for your apprenticeship journey.

Understanding the Different Fields Within Plumbing

Plumbing is a diverse field with various specializations. It's crucial to understand the different aspects before deciding on an area of focus. Here are the three main categories:

Service Plumbers: These plumbers handle general plumbing repairs, such as fixing leaky faucets, toilet bowls, and everyday plumbing fixtures. They deal with day-to-day maintenance and repairs, ensuring that homes and businesses are safe and functional. Sewer and Drain Cleaning: This involves using various tools to clean and unclog sewers and drains. Service may include driving around with different snaking machines, even using water jet machines for thorough cleaning. This role also includes installing new sewer systems in some cases. New Work and Alterations: These plumbers work on new construction and remodeling projects, dealing with the roughing-in of pipes and installing fixtures in buildings that are being built or are undergoing renovations. This is a hands-on role that involves a lot of physical work and building experiences.

It's often beneficial to choose a company that does it all, allowing you to gain experience in various aspects of plumbing. This can help you identify your strengths and interests within the field. Factors such as the company size, the team you work with, and the shop's activity level can all impact your learning speed and overall experience. A small company might be ideal to start with, as you can work closely with a boss who can mentor you and provide you with opportunities to learn rapidly.

Active Participation and Learning from Experience

Be proactive in your learning and take the initiative. Understand that the job can be physically demanding, requiring you to work late and sometimes get dirty or even a bit injured. However, the benefits are significant. Constant learning and a willingness to help can lead to fast progression within the trade. Remember, you'll always have money in your pocket, and you can enjoy the sense of accomplishment that comes with successfully completing a task.

Stick to your plans but remain open to new opportunities. The plumbing field can offer numerous avenues for career growth and personal development. Whether you choose to focus on service, sewer, or new work, the key is to stay dedicated, professional, and willing to learn. Good luck on this exciting journey!