A plumber can keep water running and gas flowing in your house. They can install, maintain and repair heating, cooling and ventilation systems. The job sometimes requires heavy work and can be both indoors and outdoors. Indoor work might seem easier, but it often means working in cramped spaces with heavy tools. A plumber will get their hands dirty and sometimes work with heavy machinery. The following is a simple guide on how to become a plumber in Australia:
Complete Your Apprenticeship
Like with other trades, plumbing starts with an apprenticeship. Normally, it takes between three and five years to complete an apprenticeship under the supervision of a registered plumber. During that time you will learn about all the aspects of the job, which will give you the necessary skills and knowledge to work independently.
Get Yourself Certified and Registered
After you complete your apprenticeship, you can work towards getting certified. Trade schools and technical colleges offer vocational courses which will enable you to increase your theoretical knowledge of plumbing. This will lead to a Certificate III in Plumbing. A registered plumber who has completed an apprenticeship and obtained a Certificate III still has to work under the supervision of a licensed professional, for example, a plumber in Liverpool, NSW. Registration allows you to work in plumbing but does not permit you to issue compliance certificates. To become more independent, there are further steps to follow.
Become Licensed as a Plumber
To become a licensed plumber, you need to gain a higher level of skill and knowledge of the industry, which means working towards higher certification. This usually takes several years to complete, but you can become licensed once you pass Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services. In Australia, you need to be separately licensed for each type of plumbing work you want to do. Whilst the process differs from state to state, licensing usually consists of passing an exam and paying a fee.
What Does a Plumber Do?
A licensed plumber can install, maintain, and repair gas, water, sewerage, drainage and ventilation systems. They can read blueprints of existing systems, and provide specifications of materials for repairs or new systems. They can install appliances that regulate pressure or run on gas. Often plumbers specialise in a specific area of plumbing, as the work is quite varied. For example, they may specialise in working on home maintenance, or large construction sites. Plumbers can design layouts for complete systems and operate the various tools and machines needed to install these systems.
Necessary Skills for Success
To become a good plumber, a high level of responsibility is required. Analytical skills and flexibility are also necessary as quick thinking can be essential in an emergency. It also helps to have a positive approach to problem-solving. Plumbers must be able to communicate effectively and work cooperatively with other tradesmen. Plumbers must have knowledge of how to operate tools and the strength and stamina to handle them effectively. Plumbing professionals need to be able to troubleshoot problems and make decisions efficiently and effectively.
