Plumbers are one of the most sought-after tradesmen in today’s world. With an increase in developmental activities everywhere, both in urban and rural areas, the scope for work opportunities has never been better. Newer appliances are being introduced in the market each day which require professional handling at the time of installation. Here too, people seek the services of experienced plumbers who can ensure their correct installation. Instances of leaking pipes and faucets, repair work in roofing, clogged gutters, and leakages are frequent in some households or the other. They too hire a skilled plumber to take care of their plumbing-related problems.
This shows that there will never be a situation when the need for professional plumbers dries up. The present scenario suggests that job avenues and opportunities are only going to get better with each passing year. A plumber’s job, however, is not an easy one. It is not just about the paperwork but also about the field duty that is to be considered here. The right plumbers conduct the best field duties, work during an emergency and also give you the finest details about advanced tools and plumbing technology.
Educational requirements needed to be a licensed plumber
If you wish to be a plumber, the minimum educational requirement is high school education. You also must have mathematical and problem-solving abilities. To become a licensed plumber, you need to do a Certificate III in Plumbing (CPC32143) from a nationally accredited vocational college or training institute. Along with the course, you have to complete a four-year apprenticeship under the supervision of an approved training provider professional. There can be different sectors where the plumbers can go for practice and internship, and you can hire them accordingly, to keep your home safe and dirt-free.
You are now a registered plumber. You can start working as a plumber now but not independently. You still need to work under a licensed professional as you are not eligible to issue compliance certificates.
For a higher skill-set and specialized knowledge, you must complete Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services (CPC40912). It includes the following classes of plumbing work:
· Drainage
Cleaning underground drains and laying sewage lines, septic tanks, sullage pits, holding wells, and absorption tracks
· Water supply
Laying down infrastructure for hot and cold-water supply
· Sanitary
Installing sanitary fixtures like toilets, basins, sinks, waste pipes, and suspended drains
· Gasfitting
Installation of cooktops, and hot water systems, and setting up secure LPG and Natural Gas pipelines
· Roofing
Building skylights and installing roof vents, gutters, downpipes, and metal roofing
· Mechanical service
Installing evaporative coolers, ducted heating systems, and hydronic heating
· Fire protection
Setting up the fire protection system of a building complete with hose pipes, fire hose reels, fire hydrants, and water storage and pumping systems
· Non-agricultural irrigation
Installing or restoring irrigation channels and large watering mechanisms
Certificate IV also offers six specialized classes:
- Type A Appliance Servicing Work
- Type A Appliance Conversion Work
- Type B Gasfitting Work
- Type B Gasfitting Advanced Work
- Refrigerated Air Conditioning Work
- Backflow Prevention Work
You are now a master plumber and also become eligible to apply for your plumber license. If you want to work independently in more than one class of plumbing work, you must get separate licenses for each class.
Other skills needed to be an expert plumber
Besides your training and certificate courses, the other skills that you must possess that determine your ability to grow as a plumber are:
- Analytical
- Decisive
- Troubleshooter
- Willing to work in inhospitable working conditions
- Time management
- Works well under pressure
- Interactive skills
Conclusion
Choose the right plumber by getting data from the local shops or yellow pages. Additionally, you can search online too and hire the most experienced plumber in the field.
