Trainee plumbers assist licensed plumbers with repairing and installing pipes, baths, faucets and other types of equipment and appliances. Some retailers employ high school graduates in entry-level trainee plumbing jobs. In other instances, self-employed plumbers take on apprentices while some schools and colleges also partner with plumbing firms to provide trainee plumbing jobs to people who are planning to work in the profession.
Major retailers often employ plumbers to install shower units, washing machines, baths and other types of equipment in the homes of customers. These firms sometimes employee trainees to assist the licensed plumbers. Trainees can perform the same task as plumbers except that complex projects must be completed under the direct supervision of a fully qualified plumber. In some instances, trainees employed by retailers receive a flat salary while in other instances both the trainees and plumbers are paid a fee for each job they complete.
Laws in many countries require plumbers to obtain licenses. Generally, a plumber must complete a certain number of hours of on the job training and successfully pass either a written or a practical examination. Licensed plumbers often keep their operating costs low by employing trainees to work alongside them as opposed to other certified or licensed professionals. The trainees assist the plumber with replacing pipes and conducting repairs in residential and commercial buildings. After a certain number of months or years, people employed in these trainee plumber jobs are able to obtain licenses and start their own plumbing firms.
Some colleges offer non-degree level classes in plumbing, pipe fitting an appliance care. Students enrolled in such courses are sometimes given the opportunity to receive practical training in residential homes and commercial businesses. Many of these colleges offer discounted training courses to individuals who agree to take on trainee plumbing jobs as part of the course. In some instances, the trainees are paid but very often they are unpaid but the practical experience they receive enables them to eventually become licensed plumbers.
High schools in some countries are required to organize work experience courses for students. These courses normally last for a number of weeks; students are not paid for their work although they may receive some money to cover their transportation costs. People who do not plan to attend college are often assigned trainee plumbing jobs. Rather than completing any practical tasks, these individuals shadow experienced plumbers to gain an insight into the plumbing industry. Likewise, some municipal governments and non-profit groups partner with plumbing firms to offer similar types of short-term training courses for the long-term unemployed.