With the economy in a slump, changing careers is very common. Many are choosing jobs in the construction sector as skills tend to do better in recessions than degrees do. While plumbing is a job that is always in demand, it requires a lot of training to become proficient at it. You need to be good at math, communicating and being patient. If you have these skills already, then becoming a plumber might be for you. Read on to find out how to choose the best course for your needs.
The course you choose needs to cover both practical and theoretical sessions. For example, they will provide you with learning in a classroom setting. They will also place you with a plumber so you can get some hands on knowledge. It is after you complete these courses that you will enter into an apprenticeship as you must learn as much as you can before actually working on customers' plumbing systems.
Check out what you have available to you locally by doing a web search. You can also find reviews of the programs available from people who have completed the courses. Look for institutions with good reputations. You can also call local plumbers to find out where they did their training, but many won't want to help an up and coming plumber. Contact your local plumbing associations and unions to find out if they have any advice as well.
Look for courses which offer information on a variety of topics. For example, safety courses which have a focus on keeping you healthy on the job. Information about new technologies so you can bring innovative techniques and products to every job you do. They should also offer commercial courses as well as domestic so you can either start your own business or go work for a company which builds commercial sites.
What you come out of the course with is as important as what you learn there. Some will offer you certification which covers the course you took. For example, you could receive commercial certification or a "green" certificate stating that you learned all about environmentally safe methods of plumbing. Others may provide you with a license as well, but those courses will likely last years. Lastly, you can receive an associates degree, which is the most intense training available, but it also leaves you in the best standing to find a great job once you are done.
Keep in mind that you need to be able to get dirty, work hard and get into strange positions to do this job. That means you should be healthy, both mentally and physically. Get yourself in the right condition before you begin your training so you can learn the most and come out in the condition you need to be in to be the best plumber you can be.
Once you narrow down your choices, it will be easy for you to determine which plumbing course is right for you. Once you complete it, you will be ready to become a plumber, solving the needs of your customers. Whether you work on your own or join a construction firm, you will have a great career you can be proud of.