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Plumber

Installs piping, fixtures, equipment and controls for water and sanitation purposes.

Who Am I?

Are you looking to work in a solid occupation where you can "think with your hands"? Can you work in cramped and awkward spaces? Then, Plumber may be the career for you!

What do I do?

Although plumbing is called one of the "piping trades", it can be highly specialized. Some plumbers install piping systems in new home construction, in commercial, industrial and public buildings, or be experts in retrofitting, repair and maintenance of existing systems. Residential plumbing is very different from industrial or commercial work. On a typical construction job, plumbers do the "roughing in" after the frame and roof of a new building are in place. They return to the site after the plasterers or drywallers, tilesetters and floorcovering installers have completed their work to do the "finishing" work such as installing sinks, tubs and toilets. At a commercial worksite, plumbers might install restaurant kitchens and dishwashing stations, sewage treatment plants, or a public water system. They might work with hydronic, heating/cooling, natural and liquefied petroleum gas systems or install private sewage disposal, pumps and specialty piping.

How do I start?

You can get a jump-start on your future career in the construction trades by checking out construction courses offered at colleges and high schools. These hands-on courses will help you build the basic skills you will use in the construction industry.

While you're still in high school, you can begin a Plumber apprenticeship program as a Senior Years Apprentice and earn both high school and apprenticeship credits at the same time. After high school graduation, many Senior Years apprentices continue in regular, full-time apprenticeship programs.

To enter the Plumber apprenticeship program full-time, you must be at least 16, be a Senior 4 graduate, or, as a mature student, have an equivalent academic standing.

Length of Program

5 levels including four in-school sessions.

How does apprenticeship training work?

You must have a qualified employer who is willing to train you as an apprentice. To register in the apprenticeship program, you and your employer complete an application form together and submit it to the Apprenticeship Branch. Once the application is approved, apprenticeship training begins under the supervision of a certified journeyperson.

The apprenticeship is five levels.

During training you must apply for your Gasfitter licence.

The first four levels consist of on-the-job practical experience and some in-school technical training. (Work hours and school time must total at least 1800 hours per level.) Level five is devoted entirely to gaining on-the-job experience. Applicants who have successfully completed related courses of study or work experience may be eligible for advanced standing in the apprenticeship program.

The Apprenticeship Branch arranges your classroom technical training. When you go to school, you pay a small portion of the tuition and are responsible for the cost of any required books and supplies. Most apprentices are eligible for employment insurance (EI) when they go to school.

When you successfully complete all levels of training, and score at least 70 % on your final examination, you receive a Certificate of Qualification confirming your status as a certified journeyperson. Your certificate also has "Red Seal" endorsement that means your trade qualifications are generally recognized throughout most of Canada.

For more detailed information on apprenticeship training in this trade, check the Apprenticeship web site at : http://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/aet/apprent/index.htm

How much do I make?

Wage Rate: $31.60 (Base rate, effective Jan. 1, 2010, not including benefits)

Employers provide holiday and vacation pay and may also provide other benefits such as group insurance for health, dental and vision care, retirement packages, and training benefits. The value of the benefits can range from 20% to 30% over and above the basic hourly pay rate.

Where do I go from here?

Construction contractors, plumbing service and repair shops and large commercial, institutional or industrial businesses employ Plumbers. Some Plumbers are self-employed and others may specialize in plumbing new homes. Others may work primarily in renovation, maintenance and repair. In smaller communities, Plumbers generally do a variety of plumbing and plumbing-related jobs including the installation of private sewage disposal systems and potable water distribution systems.

How do I advance?

Experienced Plumbers may advance to supervisory positions such as foreman or estimator, or work for government as safety code inspectors. With additional training, they can transfer their skills to other pipe trades like Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic, Sprinkler System Installer or Steamfitter-Pipefitter.