How To Be An Apprentice Plumber (Tips and Advice)

Many people who are plumbers or are trying to become plumbers ask me questions all the time about how to become an apprentice. In this video I'm answering those question by giving some tips, advice, questions to ask your employer and so on...
If you have any questions for me, leave them down in the comments and I'll answer them in a future video!
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Thanks for watching! I'm Roger Wakefield, LEED AP, The Expert Plumber and welcome to my channel. On this channel I teach Realtors, homeowners, and home buyers how to save money on plumbing by showing them DIY plumbing, how to work with plumbers, and how to protect their plumbing.
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[@ithinkweregoingtoneedabigg8525]

Sitting in my car waiting for the boss to get in for my first day of my apprenticeship... I’m so nervous BUT I’ve never been more excited

[@lazyc1412]

How did it go?? How is it going now?

[@ithinkweregoingtoneedabigg8525]

@@lazyc1412 currently on lunch, no regrets. 1st thing I’ve ever done that I love

[@lazyc1412]

@@ithinkweregoingtoneedabigg8525 Nice man, I start on Monday, what did you do on your first day?

[@fredosantana7019]

It’s amazing job bro you get to go so many places it’s just a great experience

[@trumpinatoromm5393]

You still there ? I started mine in January lol

[@401sFinest]

Turning 32 soon and only 1 month into working as a plumbers apprentice. I feel extremely lucky to be learning from a master plumber. Ready to grow in this trade more each day.

[@Landino_tokes]

Good for you man

[@derektrogdon6887]

25. Started plumbing with my dad 5-6years ago. He is a master plumber- plumbing as a foreman for the last ~30 years. Hoping to run my own company someday

[@jrawl12]

I started my apprenticeship on June 14th… I was very nervous but I was also extremely excited.

[@emilys.7953]

Hey jeremy how it going so far? Im starting in a few months. Gotta have my baby first. Interested to know what it's like on the job. Any advice?

[@TheWeekendGamerz]

Thank you for this video. I hope you keep coming out with videos like this.

[@RogerWakefield]

+TheWeekendGamerz I love making these videos. Are you in plumbing?

[@michaeldoyle9361]

Looking for a plumbing apprenticeship now, nice video

[@mobile507]

Very informative video, also thanks for reposting the study guide link!

[@RogerWakefield]

+Townsend Moore I recommend that guide for everyone that wants to learn plumbing.

[@danieldawson222]

Rodger, after watching your videos For over a year now I am amazed at the passion you still have for our industry. I commend you for the instruction, tips and teaching you Give to the younger men/women Entering the trade.Thank god I had An "old school" plumber "take me under his wing".He wanted me to Learn how to plumb/fit the correct Way and was very patient with me. My advice to the younger generation entering our profession Is you need to "interview"the shop That is going to hire you,as much as the shop interviews you.If their Just "putting you behind a shovel" Believe me you are selling your self short.

[@mattd3826]

Hi Daniel, thanks for sharing that! Where are you located? I'm 28 in Florida thinking about becoming a plumber. Are there a lot of the old school plumbers around who are very patient and good teachers? Or is this industry filled with a lot of jerks? I learn best with a patient and positive teacher, as well. Thank you!

[@danieldawson222]

@@mattd3826 Yo Matt D, Unfortunately most shops today either can't or won't take the time to train you. You need to team up with a experienced journeyman who is willing to train you, seems like they Want to keep you a"dummy", I on The other hand want my helper to Understand the why, what ,and how Plumbing works, "dummy's" won't Make me any money!

[@ricklandis3092]

Hope to be as great as you one day, about to start my 3nd year of apprenticeship program at cmpa in Cincinnati.

[@coronavirus4287]

It’s 5 am and I watched every video half a year ago. I been doing odd jobs since and my license just came in and as promised boss man gave me a job now that I’m licensed and I’m gonna start today . Need refreshments of everything I’ve learned

[@jacobkindsvatter4055]

I always like how you ask if a person likes building things, or repairing things My perfect answer is yes to both because i want to be a plumber i want to do it all

[@ellamayblandford9018]

Hi I'm just about nearing an apprenticeship, and your information is very helpful and productive. Thankyou.

[@RogerWakefield]

ellamay blandford getting started or finishing?

[@molotov_man3264]

Awesome video, going on my third year and all I can say is I wish I watched this the night before my first day.

[@OACSOME]

i would love to get into it, what’s my first step?

[@molotov_man3264]

@@OACSOME I got hired on at a private company and worked my way up. You start digging holes then next thing you know you’re about to get your license.

[@danieldawson222]

Go get me the left handed pipe wrench!

[@sauceghandi2799]

Its riiiiiight next to that wingnut 😂😂😂😂

[@aeldmlwy2012]

Good advice sir

[@cumminscowboy3869]

I’m 33 and on the waitlist for pipefitter. Super excited!

[@RogerWakefield]

Good luck!!

[@user-hj2vy4sk8j]

I enjoy the passion you have for this line of work

[@mikekaiser1844]

tice nits

[@user-hj2vy4sk8j]

@@mikekaiser1844 lol ty

[@user-hj2vy4sk8j]

@serg thadoc sorry I don't give that out

[@user-hj2vy4sk8j]

@serg thadoc aww ty! Glad I could help!

[@user-hj2vy4sk8j]

@serg thadoc lol sorry but I don't really give out my number here lol

[@noahnicholson5476]

Hi, thanks for the very informative video! Is it usual for an apprenticeship to be only service or only construction, or will an average apprenticeship be a mix of both? Thanks in advance.

[@tomhowell8908]

I'm digging the hulk Hogan mustache

[@ismailafofana7911]

Thank you so much for the tips and advice I’m 19 from The Gambia 🇬🇲 I just started plumbing this so it helps me a lot to hear your advice

[@RogerWakefield]

Keep it up Ismaila this is a great career.

[@Hawiianlion67]

I'm all about residential service, I can see myself when I'm older living in a nice home with my family, living like the rest of my family.

[@johnpattenude5450]

Can you support a family off of plumbing? I'm considering residential service for sure

[@Hawiianlion67]

@@johnpattenude5450 totally dude, I gotta charge people 85 bucks just to walk into there house

[@teatedzim1995]

love your vids

[@RogerWakefield]

teatedzim1995 what’s you favorite part?

[@megaxoxogurl8087]

just started open shop at in new construction !

[@HVH777]

I just received my plumbing apprentice license in the mail. I’m going to buy tools and study material. The hardest part is finding someone to take me as a apprentice in Dallas

[@RogerWakefield]

Jumper F22 Ccheck this out and see if it helps... ://studio.kzbin.infoACkqrX09GlE/comments?Fcomments

[@JLLJR]

Same

[@trevorlarsonn]

Thanks for the tips, I'm 17 and just got an apprentice job for a local plumbing company. Hope I exceed their expectations!

[@RogerWakefield]

@xyungx if you try hard to you will. Where are you located?

[@trevorlarsonn]

@@RogerWakefield Northern California

[@hugoc4910]

@@trevorlarsonn what company

[@trevorlarsonn]

@@hugoc4910 I prefer not to say

[@pharaoh9483]

@@trevorlarsonn how did it go if you don’t mind?

[@jhnnyjhnsn5461]

I know you do Texas related plumbing. Would you be able to recommend a channel or study guide for an Idaho apprentice? I'm residential service.

[@mattd3826]

I am a total outsider to the world of plumbing or any construction type jobs. Should I start by just looking up plumbers and call them and ask if they are hiring apprentices?

[@jacobjacob8099]

Yes it was worth the money.

[@cristianavelar9555]

After graduating from Trade school ( PLUMBING ), my goal was to start off as a service plumbers helper but I just got hired for New construction. The pay is $21/Hr starting. This is in NYC. Any recommendations ? My goal is to learn how to repair and troubleshoot and maybe one day open up my business.

[@realdeal139]

Hi Cris, just curious what trade school you attended? I’m also in the nyc area and looking to get into the trade. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

[@tommydeely9670]

Hey, big fan of what you do. I was wondering if there is any way to reach out to u and do an interview for a project I have coming up.

[@RogerWakefield]

tommy deely what would you like to know??? [e-mail]

[@alldaygaming9709]

If I wanted to open my own company which would be the best way to go nonunion or union?

[@aTodaCreature]

I’m in Austin, TX and about to start looking to see who will hire me as an apprentice 😬😬😬 wish me luck 🍀

[@RogerWakefield]

Good luck!

[@aresblackcobra6645]

Hey, I have a question I’ve just gotten apprenticeship over at a union. What is the easiest way to do measurements on inches when measuring hangers and rods

[@aresblackcobra6645]

I’m totally green I’ve been in new construction. Haven’t done it for ever.

[@baghdaddie863]

I’m currently studying to get my C-63 License. I’ve never went through a formal training just on a job site plumbing new construction homes for 4 years. I’m studying with a contractor license school to prepare for exam. I currently have interview with different plumbing companies to for pay and regular hours. I have a associate in architecture and that help me a lot understand building process and plans. I’m also a estimator at the company at I review plans and write up proposals based off scope of work, plans, and other information. Any advice for me? It’s hard to sell myself when I have no “formal training” I plan on receiving my c-63 in hopes of making me legit.

[@mikez.6309]

I'm 43 trying to figure the best option for an apprenticeship. I would like also go into owing a plumbing supply company one day. I only have my basic carpentry cert. I really want to try to focus on my aptitude as is and build from it. My math skills are below basic.

[@Lassana755]

i’m graduating my plumbing course on November 15/ 2024. i can’t wait getting my first contra😢ct

[@SoloFan87]

Thanks for the Tips, Right now I'm currently 31 and waiting for my Semester in College to end. Searching for Non Union/ Open Shop companies and want to get into residential service Plumbing. I live in Frisco TX and want to become an apprentice Plumber and eventually get my own Business and Shop started. My semester ends at Collin College in a month. Should I call the Companies or arrive in person with a Resume??? As well thanks for all the videos really love them.

[@RogerWakefield]

+Psilord87 come by and talk to me in Richardson and I will help you figure it out. Have you watched my videos about how to study plumbing?

[@vids4u_164]

Slide in my dms on Instagram donnie_wade3 I can help you with this. I might have the job for you but I'm not putting it on KZbin

[@vids4u_164]

What's your email, or do you have any social media

[@Alpacabowl98]

Always arrive with a resume in hand. You will be judged so make this first impression count. 5 months ago, how's life bro? I'm 31, and I made the decision yesterday to become a plumber!

[@Randy-29]

How do I know if the company I'm about to apply is unionized or not?

[@BlockchainBey]

I am join the Army Reserves and have interests in 12k Which is a Plumming. It said you can get accredited through the DOL but I want to know of you can make a video about that. I wouldn't mind point in the right direction in general however though sir.

[@robincampbell7254]

I’m looking for an apprentice program through a company in DFW area....have not been successful.

[@Ajcruz913]

I just got my first plumbing job it's non union is there a path to join union after i gained experience in the open shop?

[@trentoscar5997]

It's entirely 110% who you know. Get in good with your foreman otherwise it doesn't matter how smart you are or how hard you work. They will ignore it and find the tiniest reasons to put you down because as an apprentice you are in direct competition with their friend who is an apprentice. Even if that friend isn't a good worker or doesn't know much.

[@SarbjitSingh-hj8in]

Hii i started in one plumbing company here in metro Vancouver. They told me for schooling (apprentice) when i was hired but this is my first month and i realised this company do townhouses and apartments service plumbing so my question is i am totally new in this trade age 25 year is this is the platform for me like starting as a helper of senior service technician or i should go with construction company where i learn from basics of basic . Please guide waiting for reply

[@osmanxboran5569]

Hey am a new sub just want to know are you a union or residential plumber

[@prankstertrent]

Do you guys have any good advice to give me as an upcoming plumber?? I am 18 years old and plan on starting working for my apprenticeship as a plumber by starting school around Houston Texas this coming year. Any school recommendations or advice?? Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated!

[@RogerWakefield]

Check into Local 68. #UnitedAssociation Plumbers

[@montanasellersPA]

Is it possible to become a part time apprentice???

[@Randy-29]

My goal is to learn enough to work plumbing in a water park/ theme park hotel. Any taughts?

[@logankingsbury2514]

What are the basic skills I should have going into my apprenticeship, what would I be expected to know?

[@bryce1fields1]

Types of pipes and the appropriate fittings, tools and how to use them. Basic knowledge of home plumbing, water heaters, toilets, lavatories, disposals, dishwashers, etc. A great attitude and able to follow your journeyman/plumber.

[@applez4life200]

@@bryce1fields1how do you get that knowledge? Stare at Home Depot? Textbooks?

[@bayarea_genuine]

The 2021 UPC study guide is available. Or should I get the 2018 one?

[@RogerWakefield]

2021 is good

[@rogeliomoreno8988]

I started working for a company but I still yet to get a apprenticeship which is what I’m struggling with, idk how to get it

[@robbieoneill4364]

I absolutely love it so far. I find finishing a job so satisfying and I love making customers happy. Sunday nights like tonight I’m excited for work tomorrow and I watch videos. I have been at it for 6 months and I’m making 18$/hr is that any good or should I ask for a raise? The owners of my company love me and I’m actually kind of surprised they haven’t given me one yet. Is it wrong to ask?

[@elrondhubbard663]

My union starts apprentices at $22🥵

[@itsvonn8687]

take it, im starting at 15 for a family owned company

[@jhajhjsfhjkfjfhsfhj]

Second-year apprentice out of St. Louis here. In your opinion, is it pretty difficult to transition from commercial construction to residential service?

[@zachman1121]

Hey I’m around the St. Louis area thinking of doing this career…what’s your opinion on jobs relating to these around here?

[@jhajhjsfhjkfjfhsfhj]

@@zachman1121 right now, work is awesome. Getting into the union is the hard part l. If you’re white dude and didn’t either go to ranken, or related to someone-it’s somewhat difficult to get in. Also, make very clear what side of plumbing you want to do service/new construction

[@marvinsprowl8811]

the ABC The Associated Builders and Contractors. 4 year apprenticeship, 2000 hrs classroom, 8000 hrs On The Job Training (OJT) from 1986-1990. currently Indiana State Licensed Plumbing Contractor. I am now the plumber on oxygen doing service calls and still plumbing old and new homes. First 3 years of my training was fire protection sprinklers- new install and mall stores. In 1990 Earned licensed for installing petro. piping for gas stations, setting underground petro tanks as EPA mandated all undergroung storage tanks need dug up and inspected, recertified. As the shop I worked at had a 2 yard bucket track machine Hoptoe excavator. Also we did new water services, building sewers and 4" undergroung building water mains (site utilities) in one week I could be doing fire sprinklers(licensed per NFPA13), bringing water to a VAV box (HVAC), rrunning duct work or setting a new furnace, going to a moble home park replacing water risers :( and finish plumbing in a new mall store or restaurant.-as a apprentice. I was running jobs by my 3rd year as I got my Journeymans after year 2 but still attended classes the entire 4.

[@jeremyvest]

great background and lighting

[@RogerWakefield]

+Jeremy Vest thank you sir! We keep trying to improve.

[@theproofall]

Roger can I please get in contact with you?? Im 24 and thinking about getting into plumbing & I have a few questions about plumbing that I know you would be great at answering

[@joffrecueva5662]

What pays better, new construction or service?

[@lifelonglearner_]

New construction generally

[@jakekennedy9161]

Service often gets more overtime than new construction

[@Blueprintinvestments]

Thanks for the video. So my experience working for a plumbing company would count towards apprenticeship hours?

[@RogerWakefield]

Binyam it could depending upon where you live and how the licensing is set up there. Where are you located?

[@Blueprintinvestments]

@@RogerWakefield I live in Seattle, Washington

[@capngrim]

I dont know how it is in washington. But in Virginia you need 144 hrs of classroom time and worl for a company to get your journeyman

[@RogerWakefield]

@@capngrim just 144 hours? How long do you have to work for the plumbing company?

[@capngrim]

@@RogerWakefield i believe 4 years. Thats all i would have worked when i get my journeymans

[@daltonbarron6483]

I have a interview with a company that does residential service and commercial service. I don’t have a apprentice license I’m just getting out of the oilfield trying to get into a more stable field. Do I need to make sure this company I am possibly going to work at is going to send me thru a apprentice program?

[@RogerWakefield]

Dalton only union companies and larger companies have a training program. Most residential and commercial service companies don't. You can still learn though. Especially if they put you with the right plumber... Thanks for commenting!

[@daltonbarron6483]

Roger Wakefield ok I see.thanks for answering me back so fast. So doing that with a smaller company is not going to hurt my progress of becoming a journeyman some day?

[@daltonbarron6483]

Roger Wakefield I don’t know exactly the steps I need to take to become a journey man. Do I just get experience with a company and then go take my state test?

[@ronjohnson7699]

Are you in Texas? I would check Craigslist and indeed for plumbing jobs. There are a lot of helper positions. It’s important that you get your Plumbing card before you start. No hours will count till you have it. My boss would not let me work till I had my number. Let me know if I can help. I’m just one month in learning plumbing

[@skyhightaye]

you have an email i can get in contact with you by? I'm thinking about getting into plumbing.

[@rancidfarts8993]

Is there a wwe apprentice program for plumbers?

[@carlosg6083]

Hey Mr. Wakefield how could I learn from your experience. I’m wanna start my plumbing journey in July and I wanna be great. Where should I start? Can I be trained by you? Which tips you have for me? I know lots of questions sorry but just trying to cover some 😃

[@drpoundsign]

Maybe not as good as Medical School...but, it takes Forever, and they make us learn a bunch of stuff we'll Never Ever Use!

[@captain776]

We all leave the house = FOR MONEY Why work non union if you can work union? No comparison in pay and benefits. I was union Pipefitter / Welder out of 537 Boston for 45 yrs plus a union Tugboat Captain in Operating Engineers Local 25 Boston. Union or non union you all have my best wishes

[@mrwmontana1]

I appreciate the fact that he's trying to help, but in realities, he's not. Each state has there own interpretation of codes. West coast uses the UPC. Uniform Plumbing Code. I am a plumbing inspector and have over thirty years in the trade. From lead and oakum to copper to poly to wirsbo. PVC, abs and Ty Seal. One needs to get into a proper apprenticeship and work for a company that offers a well rounded OJT. One mistake can kill a family or a neighborhood. Cross contamination. Learn the trade they a qualified shop and schooling. Remember, a plumber protects the health of the nation.

[@RogerWakefield]

@ mrwmontana1 everyone needs to learn the codes they work under. The UPC has been a great study guide for me and plumbers of Texas studying for the exams.

[@shayeakorin5956]

Hey roger My name is Shayea. I started a plumbing two years back with Mr Rooter plumbing company. I really love plumbing. I like your video I learn a lot. From you. I would like you to upgrade your videos with the word typing on the screen about the tools parts names. Means when you say the name off the parts or tools it’ll show in the screen Also the measurements we need your explanation. Lastly you always saying in end of each video before you get flush or flash what does this mean thank you.

[@jacobjacob8099]

No union but good company.

[@nordinedhanji4516]

How much is an apprentice plumber paid In Georgia

[@anjanipa]

Ji namaste.. I am 35 year old I am interesting to join plumbing apprentice then after join any company or self employee . Sir give me your valuable sugetion.. Thank you

[@bicmitchum1368]

I'm 30 and the company I work for has mostly young journeymen guys who did nothing but plumbing from high school, it sucks taking shit from younger dudes specially when they disrespect you, kinda have to swallow your pride and hold your anger in because there are real cunt journeymen out there just trying to get you to quit or lose your shit to get you fired if they decide they don't like you

[@stonedsloth6367]

Go to America if you arent already.

[@juliorosenberg9968]

35 years old is not too old to become a plumbing apprentice

[@CigarBoss_]

What do you think about being an apprentice plumber at roto rooter overall ?

[@marvinsprowl8811]

i was a roto rooter licensed plumber. how do you like sitting in a parking lot for 2-3 hrs unpaid untill THEY call you for your next job. Also when you go and bid a job, unpaid- and they give it to someone else because "They need the hours"? that is why i left The Lies- "Oh the deposit you went and got? We returned that because we are just too busy." I knew the backhoe went out that day so i waited till it came in that night and asked the guys were they have been. They did that job I looked at, quoted, and went back to their house 40 miles away to pick up the deposit. UNPAID - no commission

[@CigarBoss_]

@@marvinsprowl8811 each branch is different. Which branch did you work for? What state

[@melissamartin3575]

😀😃😄😁

[@justkeepswimming6364]

Is 35 too old to become an apprentice plumber?

[@boshjeaulieu5693]

Not even close man that's when my uncle became an apprentice plumber and he loves it and he's now 46 living in florida and makes a killing . Don't let age depict your future especially only being 35.... you have another 30 plus years of working lol!

[@justkeepswimming6364]

Thank you so much👌🏾

[@mannyloera4297]

I’m 39 and I’m going for it,best of luck

[@mattd3826]

@@boshjeaulieu5693 thanks josh! Do u know if he does residential or commercial? Im 28 thinking about getting out of my boring office job and being a plumber

[@aaronbaraiya3692]

​@@mannyloera4297how did it go?

[@kg_swift5072]

I'm in the concrete world thinking about heading into the plumbing world any advice from anyone??