What will he need to know and to have passed to get his first job? Have you any advice for him as I know it takes a long time to train? Are there any centres to go to get advice? He is studying at home,what else can he do to enhance his learning and get the necessary for the first job? Well anystudent help really.

There are many good Tech schools to attend in person. Also if he can become a helper working for a plumber and get on the job training

Best bet is to get hired on as a laborer at a plumbing company, and express that he would like to get into a plumbing apprenticeship. As long as he shows ability to learn and proves that he can work with his hands, and shows ambition, he will most likely get into the plumbing field. An apprenticeship usually last four to five years, then he would be able to take the journeyman licensing test. IF he gets this far, and passes all test, he will have a career that will almost guarantee his full time work for the rest of his life.

Glad to hear he is interested in the field of plumbing. Make sure he really wants to make a career of it. I wish him the best, and please keep us posted on his progress.

Thanks for replying. It would be good if he could get plumbing experience. Also a job to start in it. Its money that is the problem as he is already paying for the course. Does the council take them on as labourers then? Hes in the UK.

I can't comment on how they do things over in the UK, but if it is anything like over here in the USA some of the best approaches to getting a job would be to stop by and talk to the local plumber's union officials and chat with them... see what the outlook is like in the next few years.

Another idea would be for him to go around to all the local plumbing supply stores and chat up the counter guys.. see if they know of anyone hiring. He could also post a quick resume up on the plumbing boards at the supply houses with his name, number and the fact that he is looking for an apprenticeship in plumbing...

Finally, when I decided I wanted to work in the profession I went around to all the local plumbing companies and when I had a chance I introduced myself to the owner(s) and even offered to work a week for free. I got 3 job offers in 1 week doing that... :) In fact, the job I took actually paid me for the weeks work as well!

Anyway, if he wants into the plumbing trade his best approach is to start meeting people in the trades, be humble and eventually it will all come together.

Regards...

MARK

Thi sis a post I wrote to a young man looking to get into the plumbing trade. It holds true no matter what country you're from.
I broke into the trade back in the 40's in my fathers shop. In over 50 years in the trade the very best advice I cangive you is what I've already posted,

get a job as a helper and take it from there.
We don't have a strong union in my area soI can't advise about that.
But what I can advise about is plumbing and training helpers to get their license.
Reading over your first post;


I am considering applying to a plumbing apprenticeship. I was wondering if anyone had a link to a good plumbing apprenticeship entry level exam.
Do you really think that you can learn enough plumbing by reading a book or exam? WRONG!
There are things out in the field that just aren't in any book. Just ask any of the experts on this page.
Before you even take the entry level plumbing exam you got to know basics.
Now comes the advice, ( and I'm not even charging).
When I was running big jobs I'd pick me out a ambitious helper as my personal helper. That way he was exposed to all phases of plumbing construction. Rough in tub set ,water pipe and stack out and after standing inspection with me, trim out.
My problems were his problems, (and I had plenty working 6 trucks of plumbers in a 7 year division complete with multiple sub divisions with a two phase shopping center) Some of my old helpers now have their own plimbing businesses and one is general manager of the largest shop in Sarasota. But they all started as helpers.
Get a job as a helper, buddy up with a good mechanic and learn. Then, if you still want to take the entry level plumbing exam go for it and you'll have work experience that you'll have what you can not get out of a book. PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE.
I want to wish you well in your chosen trade. Please keep us imformed of your progress. Tom
__________________