Of course, plumbing training courses are necessary if you look forward to a life-long career as a plumber. Like in every other technical field, plumbing, too, asks for certain requirements and qualifications from its practitioners. Even before you start to learn the practical side of plumbing, you need to be aware of the theories involved. Plumbing training programs, which also include apprenticeship plumbing programs, are administered by the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada.
As part of the theory in your training, you learn about health and safety measures; different processes involved in plumbing; sanitation and drainage; various water regulations and building codes; and basic electrics, among others.
Why Are They Required
With plumbing codes and their enforcement becoming stricter, employers are looking to employ trained plumbers. To be trained as a plumber for residential or commercial buildings, or as pipe layers or pipe fitters, look to join plumbing training courses offered by various technical or vocational schools. Along with theory, your training is further enhanced by on-the-site training with experienced plumbers. After you pass through a formalized apprenticeship training program, you come out a completely trained plumber.
You have a number of choices in selecting a plumbing training apprenticeship course. You can have your training through the Mechanical Contractors Association of America; the National Fire Sprinkler Association; the National Association of Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors; or the Home Builders Institute. In addition you can opt for courses administered by the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada.
Attending plumbing training courses and programs is necessary if you wish to make plumbing a career option. Most businesses and contracting companies look to employ trained plumbers in their ranks. With so many remodeling and construction jobs going on, contractors look for trained plumbers to help with their various contracts, such as replacing or repairing old plumbing systems. Trained plumbers are much in demand in power plants, water treatment plants, and in facilities where large water systems are operational. They need such trained personnel to look after their miles of laid pipe systems.
As a plumber looking to do only residential work, you are given enough training to be able to fit and change all types of valves, taps, tanks and pipes. You are trained in the installation and replacement of various bathroom and kitchen fixtures, including immersion heater, electrical showers, mixer type taps and showers, and washing machines, to name a few.
You are also trained in pipe bending and jointing and in the installation of plastic pipes. Usage of plastic pipes in plumbing is fast becoming popular. You are also trained in diagnosing and troubleshooting various plumbing problems.
Whether you wish to join a contracting company, or a facility having miles of pipe lines, or just be a residential plumber, it is always beneficial if start your career through a plumbing training course.