Plumber Who Am I? Are you looking to work in a solid occupation where you can Òthink with your handsÓ? Would you mind working in cramped and awkward spaces? Then, Plumber may be the career for you! What do I do? Plumbers design, install and repair plumbing systems, including fixtures, piping equipment and controls that transport liquid, gaseous or semi-solid substances. How do I advance? Plumbers are employed by construction contractors, plumbing repair shops and large organizations. Experienced Plumbers may advance to supervisory positions such as foreman or estimator, or start their own contracting business. With some additional training, they can transfer their skills to other pipe trades or become safety codes officers (inspectors). How much do I make? Apprentice Plumbers earn at least 50% of the journeyman wage rate in the first year of apprenticeship, 60% in the second, 70% in the third, and 80% in the fourth year. Journeyman wage rates vary, but generally range from $19.51 to as high as $29.53 an hour, gross wage (figures taken from 1999/2000 wage surveys by Merit Contractors and Construction Labour Relations- Alberta). In addition to the basic hourly rate employers provide holiday and vacation pay. Employers may also provide other benefits such as group insurance for health, dental and vision care, retirement packages, and training benefits. In total, the value of the benefits can range from 20% to 30% over and above the basic hourly pay rate. Where do I go from here? As a skilled Plumber, youÕll have the ability to get well-paying work. You can also upgrade your skills so you can move into higher level positions. In smaller communities, Plumbers generally do a wider variety of plumbing and plumbing-related jobs, including installing private sewage disposal systems and potable water distribution systems. Related occupations include Gasfitter, Instrument Mechanic, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic, Sprinkler Systems Installer, and Steamfitter-Pipefitter. As with most careers in the construction industry, your skills in this occupation are portable so if you are interested in relocating you can take your skills with you! How do I learn? You can get a jump start on your future career in construction trades by checking out the Career and Technology Studies - Construction Technology courses offered at high schools. These hands-on courses are designed to help you build the basic skills you will use in the construction industry. For example, you might investigate Basic Tools and Materials CON1010, Building Construction 1070 or Plumbing Systems 2080. See your school counsellor for more information. The Apprenticeship and Industry Training Act of Alberta specifies that Plumbers must be either a certified journeyman or a registered apprentice. While youÕre still in high school, you can begin an apprenticeship program and earn high school credits at the same time! This is possible through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). After high school graduation, many RAP apprentices complete apprenticeship programs while working full-time. To enter the Plumber apprenticeship program, applicants must have at least Grade 10 with Math 13 or equivalent (or pass an entrance exam), and find an appropriate employer who is willing to hire and train an apprentice. Employers generally prefer to hire high school graduates. To register in the apprenticeship program, the apprentice and the employer complete an application form together and submit it to the closest apprenticeship and industry training office. Once the application is approved, a contract is drawn up and signed by the apprentice and the employer. The term of apprenticeship is four years (four 12-month periods with a minimum of 1500 hours of employment each year). In addition to on-the-job training, the term also requires eight weeks of classroom training for each year. Applicants who have successfully completed related courses of study or work experience may be eligible for advanced standing in the apprenticeship program. Classroom training is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training and is currently offered at: - Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in Edmonton, - Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) in Calgary, - Fairview College, - Medicine Hat College, and - Red Deer College. Gasfitter Second Class training is included in the Plumbing program. Plumber and Steamfitter-Pipefitter apprentices attend the same first year training classes. When apprentices attend training, they are required to pay the applicable tuition fee and purchase course supplies. Most apprentices are eligible for employment insurance (EI) while attending classroom training. For more detailed information, contact your local Human Resources Development Canada office. Loans and grants are available on a needs-tested basis through Students Finance. After successfully completing the required exams and working specified hours as an apprentice, you are awarded an Alberta Journeyman Certificate as both a Plumber and a Gasfitter (second class). If you pass an approved interprovincial exam, you qualify for the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal which means your trade qualifications are generally recognized throughout most of Canada. Outside of the apprenticeship program, colleges and institutes of technology may offer Pre-Employment Plumbing programs. Check out more info: For further information on career planning, occupations and educational programs, contact the nearest Career Development Centre or Canada-Alberta Service Centre (see the "Government of Alberta" listings in the telephone directory). Or, Alberta residents can contact the Career Information Hotline by telephone at 1-800-661-3753 (in Edmonton call 422-4266). Hearing impaired individuals can reach the Hotline by calling 1-800-232-7215 for message relay (in Edmonton call 422-5283). For more information visit our web site at www.careersconstruction.com