Find out everything you need to know about becoming a Plumber.
Job Title - Plumber
Description
A Plumber is a trade’s person who installs water, sanitation, drainage and heating pipes for houses and industrial sites. A plumber’s tasks include natural and manufactured gas and compressed air pipe installations.
Typical Job Activities
Meets
clients and project managers to determine the requirements or problems
Assesses material and equipment needed
Prepares and issues quotations
Reads architectural blueprints to determine work details and procedures
Does complex calculations and plans for special or very large jobs
Installs pipes, fittings, valves
Installs appliances such as dishwashers and water heaters and fixtures such as
sinks and toilets
Uses pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks and fixing them
Keeps records of assignments and produces detailed work reports
Does this sound like a career for you? Browse jobs in the engineering and construction industry here.
Related Occupations
Electrician
2nd Engineering Officer
Educational Requirements
Grade 9
Certificate
Some employers prefer higher qualifications
Diploma:
Some universities of technology
Certificate: most FET colleges, e.g. Northlink and Umgungundlovu
If you
want to become a plumber you need to register with an employer providing
suitable training
Stage 1: It is recommended that the trainee plumber attend an accredited Technical Training College to obtain an N2 certificate in Building Science and Plumbing Theory
Stage 2: The student will complete the 46 Practical Plumbing Training modules at an accredited Training College. This will take approximately 12 weeks depending on the skills and ability of the trainee
Stage 3: The trainee plumber shall complete a minimum of 18 months on-site training under the direct supervision of a qualified plumber. This is a mandatory requirement to become eligible to take the Industry Trade Test
Compulsory subjects: None
Recommended subjects: Civil
Technology and Mathematics
What natural skills and/or aptitudes do I need for this occupation?
Be alert
Be meticulous and accurate
Have good work habits and perform tasks quickly
Be able to get along well with others
Have mechanical ability
Enjoy working with your hands
Be practical
Have good health and stamina
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Employment Opportunities
High
Market Competitiveness
High
Income Potential
High
Self-Employment Opportunities
High
International Employment Market Opportunities
Low
Possible Employers
Plumbing
and pipe-fitting contractors engaged in constructing new buildings
Plumbing contractors who do repair, alteration or modernisation work
Government departments
Public utilities
Shipbuilding or aircraft construction companies
Self-employment, with enough experience, can practise this trade on a private
basis or start own business
Browse companies hiring now.
Relevant Contact Details
The
Institute of Plumbing South Africa (IOPSA)
www.iopsa.org.za
Working conditions
Working
with one’s hands
A variety of tasks and locations
Having to work in cramped, uncomfortable positions
Having to lift pipes and fixtures
Standing for long periods of time
Losing work time and earnings due to bad weather
Working overtime and during emergencies
Career Progress and Path
Further
studies in the specific career field
Further studies in related field’s
Further on-the-job training
Experience in related fields
Possible Career Paths
Specialist
career in the specific field
Management positions in the specific field
Management positions in related fields
General business management
Consultant/ own practice
Own business
Employment Stability
Very stable
Reasons to consider this career
A job in
government
A job in private company
To start my own business
A stable job
To become a manager
To be of service to people
To work with my hands
To work with people
To not have to study theories
To face intellectual challenges
To work flexible hours
