How to Become a Plumber Apprentice
No matter what the future may hold, one thing is certain: People will always need plumbing and plumbers to keep the water flowing into and out of their homes. As an apprentice plumber in Illinois, you will master the tools and techniques of a trade with a stable and reliable future.
Are you eager to learn more about what it takes to become an apprentice plumber in Illinois? Contact the team at Illinois Plumbing Consultants at (866) 608-9523, and we’ll tell you more about the process.
Becoming an Apprentice Plumber in Illinois
Most apprenticeships require that you complete your high school diploma or GED program before the apprenticeship starts. You will also want to create an up-to-date portfolio that highlights your skills and the knowledge you possess that would make you a good apprentice.
When you are ready, reach out to the local plumbers union. They can tell you more about programs that are available in the area. They can also tell you whether there are additional steps you should take to prepare for your apprenticeship.
Get Ready to Work Hard
Apprenticeships are an opportunity to get your hands dirty with plenty of hands-on experience. The work is hard, the hours are long, and you will learn more during the 2-5 year apprenticeship program than you ever thought possible.
As an apprentice, your training is sponsored by a union or private business that provides paid training opportunities. During the apprenticeship, you will get paid while you learn. In Illinois, union plumbing apprenticeships start at roughly $16.00 per hour, and increase every six months. Most programs last five years.
As a plumbing apprentice, you will learn how to:
- Prepare and present time and cost estimates.
- Find and repair plumbing faults.
- Cut, bend, and join pipes and other fittings.
- Install toilets, faucets, heating, and drain systems.
- Repair weatherproofing materials.
- Fix boilers, clear blocked drains, and perform emergency plumbing services.
When the apprenticeship is over, you will be able to join the team as a fully fledged licensed and insured plumber.
Contact the team at Illinois Plumbing Consultants at (866) 608-9523, and we’ll tell you more about the process and what you can expect to learn during your plumbing apprenticeship.
Tips for Getting a Plumber Apprenticeship in Illinois
The harder you hit the books, the more your application for an apprenticeship will stand out. Brush up on your math skills, study local plumbing codes, practice drafting blueprints, and learn all you can learn about plumbing systems and plumbing safety.
You will also want to “stay out of trouble.” As a plumber apprentice, you will need to pass a drug and criminal background test and maintain a valid driver’s license.
It’s also a good idea to start looking for apprenticeships long before you are ready. This helps ensure you are ready when the opportunity arises. You may also want to get a job in a hardware or plumbing supply store where you can make valuable contacts with plumbers in your area.
When you are ready, take the plumbing apprenticeship practice test from IPC. The results of this test will demonstrate your knowledge and aptitude for the trade.
The team at Illinois Plumbing Consultants invites you to contact us at (866) 608-9523 to learn more about what it takes to become a plumbing apprentice in Illinois. We’ve been there, plumbed that, and are happy to help guide you.