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Career Opportunities in the Plumbing Industry

By | Elaine Bennett

The demand for professions in the plumbing industry is incredibly high. While this might seem shocking to some, it shouldn’t really come as a surprise. Many plumbing roles provide good salaries and flexible working hours, all while fixing a real need that is always in high demand among consumers. If you want to venture into the plumbing sector as well, here are some career opportunities you can consider, along with some requirements and expectations you should have:

Plumbing technician/apprentice/licensed plumber

In the plumbing sector, training prepares you to become a plumbing technician, an apprentice, or a licensed plumber. This can cover a wide array of jobs and different clients with residential, commercial, and industrial properties. For these roles, you will need to acquire the right skills and knowledge for maintaining or installing various water systems. You will also be responsible for the installation and repair of fixtures such as sinks and shower heads. Working as a technician, your role will be to diagnose plumbing problems and guide clients toward making a suitable decision.

Pipefitter

When you decide to focus on a more specialized path in terms of plumbing training, you could endeavor to become a pipefitter. Using various skills such as special installation methods and plumbing safety practices, you will often perform piping installations and maintenance work in industrial and power plants when doing this job. You will also monitor heating and cooling systems, as well as power generation systems, as a pipefitter. You can work on adjusting the configurations for automated controls on system installations as well.

Pipelayer

Pipelayers are specialized forms of pipefitters. Once the training is complete, you will be responsible for major pipe works. You will dig and level trenches for pipes, and then lay the pipes in the trenches. Keep in mind that the pipes you are working with here are used for carrying water, drainage, sewer systems, and gas. The pipes are made from different materials as well, including iron, cement, and clay.

Pipe relining expert

As a relatively new sector in the plumbing industry, pipe relining is another great field with plenty of opportunities. With the use of sophisticated technology, relining aims to offer a quick, painless, and efficient solution to consumers. From leaking to cracked and damaged pipes, relining technology can be used to solve a number of plumbing issues with no need for digging and making a mess. Since it’s gaining popularity among clients, becoming a pipe relining expert comes with great potential for success in the future.

Steamfitter

The training for a steamfitter is quite similar to the training required for a pipefitter. The only difference is the fact that becoming a certified steamfitter means you will have to take specialist training. An important aspect of this role will be installing pipes for the transport of high-pressure gas materials.

Gas service technician

A certified gas technician is responsible for delivering gas throughout a specific site. Business owners and homeowners alike require gas technicians for replacing and fixing faulty equipment. With specialized tools and equipment, you will look for gas leaks and test displays, and different control mechanisms as a gas technician as well. Simply put, this professional is specialized in all systems related to gas mechanisms.

Project manager

As with any other industry, the plumbing sector also requires project managers to be in charge of supervising teams within companies and job sites. In most instances, plumbing managers oversee the daily operations of employees. They ensure everyone completes their assigned job well and according to predetermined quality standards. If you’d like to become a project manager, you might have to take some special plumbing courses to hone your managerial skills. Remember that a manager’s pay is often higher compared to other workers.

Business owner 

Many experienced plumbers will decide to start their own businesses. To become a business owner, additional training in all areas of plumbing will likely be needed to improve your skills and knowledge regarding all important practices. Being a business leader comes with great benefits such as setting your own working hours, but it also includes some big responsibilities like hiring the right employees and taking care of finances. That is why business management courses are often recommended.

From becoming a licensed plumber to running your own plumbing business, there are a number of career opportunities for anyone in this field. Reassess your skills and capabilities, see which roles would suit you the most, and make a decision according to your unique needs and requirements.

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