Plumbers
Career Snapshot
The name plumber derives from the Latin word for lead, which has long been used for joints and pipes. Modern plumbers no longer work with lead, but they still spend a significant amount of time assembling, installing, and repairing pipes for systems carrying everything from water and steam to oil and gas.
Plumbers can be found on construction sites as well as in residential and commercial structures, where they cut, bend, thread, and join pipes and fittings. However, many plumbers work for refineries, chemical factories, and public utilities, all of which rely on them to keep things running properly.
You must be mechanically minded if you want to become a plumber. You'll also need training to prepare for the licence exam, which is required in many states. This could be a traditional four-year apprenticeship that involves classroom teaching, or it could be a five-year or longer on-the-job programme. The Armed Forces may also be able to provide the appropriate training.
There is always a need for licenced plumbers, as chances range from working for a huge corporation to beginning your own business as a plumbing contractor.
Characteristics
Activities
Areas of Study
Degrees
Key Abilities
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Arm-Hand Steadiness
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Control Precision
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Deductive Reasoning
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Extent Flexibility
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Finger Dexterity
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Multilimb Coordination
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Near Vision
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Problem Sensitivity
Colleges
Top Skills