Plumbers install, repair, and maintain pipes, fixtures, and other plumbing equipment used for water distribution, drainage, and waste disposal in new or existing residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
Job Related Skills, Interests and Values
- Reading blueprints, drawings, and specifications to determine layout of plumbing systems, water supply networks, and waste and drainage systems
- Installing, repairing, and maintaining domestic, commercial, and industrial plumbing systems
- Locating and marking positions for pipe connections, passage holes, and fixtures in walls and floors
- Measuring, cutting, bending, and threading pipes using hand and power tools or machines
- Testing pipes for leaks using air and water pressure gauges
- Communicating effectively with co-workers, contractors, and other tradespeople
- Planning and performing complex calculations for specialized projects; costing and estimating the work to be performed
What Preparation and Training Do You Need?
- Grade 10 is the legal minimum, though a high school diploma is generally required
- Completion of 9,000-hour apprenticeship, including on-the-job and in-school training
- Exam to obtain Certificate of Qualification
What's Your Future as a Plumber (306A)?
- Varied workplaces include construction sites, factory floors, and residential buildings
- Technology increasingly important for drawing, estimating, and cost reporting, as well as use of integrated plumbing systems
- Many plumbers are self-employed, but some are hired by plumbing and heating/air conditioning construction firms
Wage Rate
Apprentice wage increases with skill and experience. Fully qualified workers earn an average of $33.00-$45.00 per hour.
Self-Rating
Plumber (306A)
| Ask Yourself: | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|
| Can you read and interpret blueprints and diagrams? | ||
| Do you enjoy problem solving and coming up with a solution? | ||
| Do you have good communication, verbal, and writing skills? | ||
| Are you able to follow Health & Safety guidelines? | ||
| Are you able to lift more than 50lbs? Are you able to stand or sit for long periods of time? | ||
| Are you willing to travel for work? | ||
| Are you reliable, a self-starter and able to work with minimal supervision? Are you a team player? |
If you checked YES to the majority of these questions, a career as a Plumber (306A) may be for you!
You might want to look at these similar trades as well;
- Bricklayer
- Carpenter
- Boilermaker
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