In addition to the four steps to become commercial plumbers you should be skilled at working with tools and mechanically inclined. You should also enjoy working with your hands. Commercial plumbers specialize in all of the needs of commercial properties, which can include in a manufacturing plant installing fire suppression systems, and meeting specific safety regulations. They may also do plumbing systems for production equipment that are water intensive. They can find work as part of a plumbing contractor firm, work for a large commercial property management company, or even be self-employed.
Here are the four steps required to become commercial plumber.
Post secondary training
Attending a post secondary training program is required and they can be found in career and community colleges. If you do not want to attend three years of college going full time then you could work as a plumbing apprentice for seven years to fulfill this requirement. Both options will cover all of the same classroom material and when finished you will be prepared to take the licensing examination.
Related work experience
This includes working as an assistant to a plumber. Some of the additional experience you can acquire includes working in commercial property maintenance, property management, or facilities management jobs. Any of these positions will give you the opportunities to use the tools and work with your hands to gain experience. Work experience will help you deal with different plumbing emergencies.
Certification
Working as commercial plumbers is a skilled trade. It is regulated by the government. Before you can start working as a commercial plumber, you will have to complete a certification examination. In some states, there is another examination that is evaluated in combination with your work experience. To get your license a specific combination of experience, examination results, and academic credentials are required.
Interview process
When you are interviewing for a job take the time to prepare. Think of a list of the standard interview questions you may be asked and prepare how you will answer them if the interviewer asks them. Some employers may give you a short test of your plumbing skills to make sure that you would be qualified for the job opening.
The one downside of working as commercial plumbers is that there are limited career advancement opportunities. Most will build on their experience and knowledge and open their own business eventually. Some may like working for others and go on to become a specialist in certain areas of commercial pluming. If you are unsure if you want to work as commercial plumbers learn what types of jobs they might do. Make sure that you want to spend three years in college or eight years as an apprentice before pursuing this career.
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