[smitty1039]

I am considering applying to a plumbing apprenticeship. I was wondering if anyone had a link to a good plumbing apprenticeship entry level exam.

[mygirlsdad77]

Never heard of having to take an exam to get into an apprenticeship. Usually you just need to sign up under a licensed (in some states master) plumber who you currently work for. There will be some fees involved (your employer may pay them, but some dont). Then you just study the books, (and possibly attends some training courses) YOu will be tested on the different subjects you study though out the course of the apprenticeship (usually four to five year program). No need to worry about plumbing exams right away, as they usually start you out on the basics, such as health and safey, rigging etc. You won't actually get to the good plumbing stuff for a while. During all of this, you will be aquireing on the job training (usually need 8000 hours of this, which you will keep track of while working for your employer.).
Im glad to hear you are considering this, as it's the only correct way to become a good licensed plumber. It can be trying at times, but it is well worth it if you want to make plumbing your career. Best of luck to you and please keep us posted on your progress. Any questions, and we will try to help. Good luck and take care.

[massplumber2008]

Hi all...

It is possible that Smitty is referring to an entry level plumbing exam to be able to join up with the local plumbing union.

In my area, the union requires a basic set skills evaluation to proceed into the apprenticeship program. However, at this time, most union shops are on hold with the program until the economy picks up a bit more.

These exams are guarded pretty closely so I would be surprised if you could find a useful exam online. Best bet would be to stop by your local plumber's union and ask to speak to a union representative. Dress well, speak well and explain your interest in joining up. Most likely they will take your name and allow you to drop by periodically to investigate future chances to join up.

In my experience, if you show up enough times, keep a really positive attitude without putting any pressure on the staff they will eventually help you find a way into the union.

Hope that helped some...

MARK

[speedball1]

Are you working in the trade at the present time? If not then get a job as a helper and take it from there.
Good luck, Tom

[mygirlsdad77]

Great info Mark and Tom. If you are not already working in the plumbing field, Marks advice is the way to go. However, I think Toms advice is also spot on. If not already working in or around the trade, it would be best to try to get a laborers job at a plumbing company, so you can get a feel for the work and see if you really want to make a career out of it. I will say, it takes a certain breed to be a plumber. Please let us know your current status.


Tried to rate you Mark, of course I couldn't cause I haven't been spreading much rep lately. But you know how I feel about your advice anyway.

[smitty1039]

Thank you all for the great advice, I am currently not in the plumbing field or anything related to that trade. Im considering a career change and think I would like plumbing. My local union hall is taking applications in a few months, and they require an entry exam to be considered for the apprenticeship. It has been a long time since I have been in school, and want to know what type of math would be on the test. I will have to check around to see if there are any laborer jobs around. Thank you

[speedball1]

Smitty,
I broke into the trade back in the 49's in my fathers shop. In over 50 years in the trade yhe 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 ou 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

[ExperiencedUser]

In Wisconsin you go through the Apprenticeship program which is setup as a cooperative between the state and a local union. Here is a PDF file of the booklet and find out when the Apprenticeship Application Day is by the local union calender (http://www.plumbers75.com/calendar.php). Call them up and ask about the time you have to be there as they lock you out if you are late.

Listen to the orientation speeches and fill out the paperwork for taking an Accuplacer exam at MATC downtown campus. You will need to pay a $20 fee to take the exam which nconsists of 3 parts : Reading Comprehension, Basic Mathematics and Elementary Algebra.

If you score high enough you will qualify for an interview with prospective union employers from within the local union.

There were approximately 20 members there who will ask you about 3 to 5 questions each. Some of the questions are:

-What does a plumber do ?
-If a customer criticized about your work, how would you handle it ?
-Do you have a clean drivers record ?
-Have you ever been arrested ?
-If ask to work overtime, would you be willing to do it ?
-What plumbing experience do you have ?
-What amount of pay did you make in your last position ?
-Are you willing to work in adverse conditions, such as high places, tight places, etc.
-What thing do you most regret that you have done in the past ?

I have went through this process and can tell you that I have a perfect score on all 2 phases and a missed question on the Reading Comprehension of the accuplacer exam only to have the interview process bring me down to bottom of the applicants list. You may surmise that the advice I give you is from this perspective.

Try the process if you wish but don't pin your hopes too high on a rigged process. If you have a dad who is a member of this union you are most likely in no matter how incompetent you are. Good luck.

[speedball1]

ExperiencedUser,
I took my apprenticeship at 16 back in the 40's at my fathers Plumbing Shop, (non union) in Beloit Wisconsin. If you're still in the trade consider signing on as a expert and given us a hand here at the Plumbing Page? You'll meet a great bunch of guys and help out people the really need it. Tom

[ExperiencedUser]

Speedball1 (Tom),

I can admire the fact that you are doing non-union plumbing rather than being part of an union that is playing people with a deceptive offer to maintain the illusion of fairness in their hiring practices.

I have worked doing a variety of trades through the years and this is the second time I've encountered a totally bogus employment opportunity. You would not believe how many people show up to the union hall for the Apprenticeship Application Day only to be strung along for months for nothing. I just wanted to point out this fact in order for future applicants to see the situation for what it is; a pipe dream that will not come true for most.

I've been in many trades to just earn a living. I think it would be presumptious of me signing on as an expert.

[speedball1]

User,

I think it would be presumptious of me signing on as an expert.

I disagree! You bdon't have to be licensed or even in the trade to answer questions here. Simply spread some of the knowledge you picked up along lifes way with others. It's easy! Just register and answer whar you can.
As for Unions. I have worked in the trade for over 50 years and have never been a Union member. Here on the West Coast Of Florida there isn't muxh union activity. You seem to have had a hard time with unions. What part of Wisconsin are you from? Cheers, Tom