Apprentice plumbers assist licensed plumbers in the repair and installation of pipes, baths, faucets, and other types of plumbing equipment and appliances. Some retailers hire high school graduates for entry-level plumbing trainee positions. In other cases, self-employed plumbers hire apprentices, and some schools and colleges collaborate with plumbing companies to offer trainee plumbing jobs to people interested in the field.
Plumbers are frequently hired by major retailers to install shower units, washing machines, baths, and other types of equipment in customers’ homes. These companies occasionally hire trainees to assist the licensed plumbers. Trainees can do the same work as plumbers, with the exception that complex projects must be completed under the supervision of a fully qualified plumber. In some cases, retail trainees are paid a flat salary, while in others, both the trainees and plumbers are paid a fee for each job they complete.
Plumbing licenses are required by law in many countries. A plumber must typically complete a certain number of hours of on-the-job training and pass either a written or practical examination. Licensed plumbers frequently keep their operating costs down by working alongside trainees rather than other certified or licensed professionals. The apprentices help the plumber replace pipes and make repairs in both residential and commercial buildings. People working as trainee plumbers can obtain licenses and open their own plumbing businesses after a certain number of months or years.
Some colleges offer non-degree plumbing, pipe fitting, and appliance maintenance classes. Students enrolled in such courses may be given the opportunity to gain practical experience in residential homes and businesses. Many of these colleges offer discounted training courses to students who agree to work as trainee plumbers while enrolled in the program. The trainees are paid in some cases, but they are often unpaid, but the practical experience they gain allows them to become licensed plumbers in the future.
In some countries, high schools are required to organize work experience programs for students. These courses usually last a few weeks, and students are not compensated for their efforts, though they may be given money to help with transportation costs. Trainee plumbing jobs are frequently assigned to people who do not intend to attend college. Rather than doing any practical work, these individuals shadow experienced plumbers to gain experience in the field. Similarly, some local governments and non-profit organizations collaborate with plumbing companies to provide similar short-term training courses for the long-term unemployed.