An apprenticeship in a trade can be one of the most rewarding ways to begin your career as an adult after leaving school or even learning a new skill if you’re looking to change careers. One of the scariest things about change is just the fear of the unknown. When you know what to expect you can step out with a little more confidence knowing exactly what you might be getting into. That’s what we’re going to do in this blog.
A plumbing apprenticeship is more than just unclogging drains and fixing toilets. (Although you’ll probably find yourself doing that too.) As a plumbing apprentice, you’ll be working (and earning) in a real business to learn as you go and become a qualified Plumber. You’ll need to be responsible to your employer on a daily basis and also to your educators at TAFE to achieve the scores you’ll need to pass all your modules.
To get a little more specific here are a few things you can expect from your plumbing apprenticeship.
You could be learning how to:
- Install, maintain or repair drainage systems
- Install, maintain or repair pipes
- Install, maintain or repair mechanical services for water or gas
- Install, maintain or repair sewage systems
- Install, maintain or repair bathroom, laundry or kitchen fixtures – this could mean piping, drainage, extra sink or tap installations, toilets, basins and even sprinkler systems
- Install, maintain or repair chilled or hot water systems
- Remove blockages from sewers, sinks or loos (yep, the gross bit)
- Maintain general plumbing including fittings, fixtures and pipelines for homes and businesses
- Install and repair systems for fire protection
- Diagnose and repair both residential and commercial air conditioning units
- Pull apart and reassemble pipes, valves and fittings
- Use a variety of tools up to and including generators and small excavators
- Run a business
- Work with customers
- Network within the industry
- Order parts
- Think on your feet to diagnose problems and find the best possible solution – for both the system and the client
- Have strong attention to detail – both fluids and gas are unforgiving elements to work with.
While this list is nowhere near comprehensive it also gives you some of the information you’re going to need as you decide where your next steps lie.
Don’t forget that the hands-on experience you will receive over the 3-4 years of your apprenticeship will be only the beginning of what you will continue to learn as you begin as a qualified Plumber! There are so many technological advances that continue to be made throughout the industry – we are always learning new things.
If there is more you need to know get in touch with us. We have great apprentices here at Limcora. Learn everything you can and be proactive. It’s always worth having a conversation to learn more.
