An Apprentice Plumber is a professional who is in the initial stages of their plumbing career and is actively learning the trade under the guidance of experienced plumbers. In this blog post, we will explore the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Apprentice Plumbers. This information will provide valuable insights for aspiring plumbers and help them understand the foundational aspects of the profession.

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Main Responsibilities of an Apprentice Plumber

The following list describes the typical responsibilities of an Apprentice Plumber:

Adhere to

Adhere to safety protocols.

Apply

Apply knowledge of different pipe materials and their uses.

Assemble

Assemble and install valves and fittings.

Assist in

• Assist in compiling orders for large parts to the Mechanical Director for approval.

• Assist in general plant maintenance and preventative maintenance needs.

• Assist in maintaining inventory of plumbing materials.

• Assist in pipe welding and soldering.

• Assist in properly staging jobs and adhering to quality and safety checklists.

• Assist in the installation of water heaters and boilers.

• Assist in the installation of water supply and drainage systems.

• Assist in the repair and replacement of plumbing components.

• Assist journeyman technicians in service, replacement, and new installation.

• Assist other apprentices on job sites performing tasks, retrieving tools and parts.

• Assist our licensed Plumbers with minor to moderately complex service work on plumbing systems.

• Assist our licensed Plumbers with performing drain cleaning services on plumbing systems.

• Assist with full removal and installation of units.

Build

Build and assemble plumbing installations in commercial, institutional, and residential environment.

Clean

Clean Police Clearance required.

Clear

Clear clogged drains and pipes.

Collaborate with

• Collaborate with experienced plumbers.

• Collaborate with general contractors, electricians, and other construction professionals.

Communicate

Communicate with colleagues, trades, and sub-trades in a professional manor if / when required.

Complete

• Complete assigned job in a professional, cooperative and productive manner.

• Complete finishing works I.E install toilets, sinks, showers, tubs.

• Complete preventative and service work orders.

• Complete preventative maintenance inspections and provide recommendations for repairs.

• Complete projects above the client and company's expectations.

Comply

Comply with standards and procedures of industry, Safety Manual, and abide by safety rules.

Contribute to

Contribute to site / company culture by completing job duties with a positive attitude.

Cut

• Cut and install hangers to hold pipes in place.

• Cut, assemble and install pipes and tubes with attention to existing infrastructure.

• Cut, assemble and install various types of pipes.

• Cut opening in walls and floors to accommodate pipe and pipe fittings.

Determine

• Determine layout of systems and networks.

• Determine piping system requirements and pipe sizing.

Develop

Develop goals and priorities.

Disconnect

Disconnect and reconnecting plumbing fixtures.

Ensure

• Ensure accuracy and completion of assigned tasks and projects.

• Ensure all plumbing installations are installed and functioning properly and in accordance to code.

• Ensure compliance with plumbing codes and regulations.

Follow

• Follow all safety regulations.

• Follow blueprints and specifications.

• Follow building plans and blueprints.

• Follow instructions both written and verbal.

• Follow written and verbal instructions as required.

Foster

• Foster and grow relationships.

• Foster a safe working environment and prioritize personal safety.

Grow

Grow as a person in your skills.

Handle

• Handle and store plumbing supplies and materials.

• Handle plumbing tools and equipment.

Identify

Identify plumbing problems and propose solutions.

Install

• Install and connect plumbing fixtures.

• Install and maintain water supply systems.

• Install plumbing fixtures and finishings.

• Install plumbing fixtures for residential new construction.

• Install, repair and maintain domestic, commercial or industrial plumbing fixtures and systems.

• Install, repair, replace commercial plumbing pipe and equipment using hand and power tools.

• Install, repair, service and maintain plumbing systems.

• Install underground rough in to top out and finish phase of job from start to finish.

• Install water distribution and disposal system in residential, commercial and industrial building.

• Install water lines using Aqua PEX (wersibo).

Interpret

Interpret and apply mechanical and structural blueprints to plan plumbing repairs and modifications.

Keep

• Keep accurate records of time spent working, description of work performed and materials used.

• Keep company vehicle and equipment properly serviced, clean, and in good working order and condition.

• Keep our employee's safe by supplying masks, gloves, hand sanitizer.

• Keep up to date with industry advancements and techniques.

Learn

• Learn about new plumbing technologies and systems.

• Learn about various plumbing systems.

Listen

Listen and learn from others.

Locate

• Locate and mark position of connections, holes and fixtures.

• Locate and mark positions for pipe connections, passage holes and fixtures in walls and floors.

Maintain

• Maintain a clean, organized job site and well-inventoried company vehicles.

• Maintain an excellent attitude.

• Maintain a professional demeanor at all times with fellow employees and customer.

• Maintain a working knowledge of changes in technology, compliance and repair techniques.

• Maintain cleanliness and organization in work areas.

• Maintain plumbing tools and equipment.

• Maintain records of completed work and materials used.

Make

Make local trips to vendors / suppliers.

Measure

• Measure, cut, and fit pipes.

• Measure, cut, thread and bend pipes to required shape and size.

• Measure, mark, install, and connect fixtures and appliances to exterior water and sewer lines.

Meet

Meet new people, see different parts of the city, never have a boring day in your life!.

Need

Need plumber to help with commercial and residential projects.

Operate

Operate workshop equipment, hand tools, and power tools.

Own

• Own personal hand tools & Cordless Tool Kit.

• Own personal tools complete these installs (or willing to purchase what it needed).

• Own personal tools (or willing to purchase what is needed).

Participate in

• Participate actively in all formal exercises and training to master your trade.

• Participate in training programs and skill development sessions.

Perform

• Perform basic install of gas systems (threading steel pipe, using pipe tools, commissioning, etc.).

• Perform basic plumbing maintenance tasks.

• Perform duties outside of daily job for the goal of project completion.

• Perform other duties as required.

• Perform plumbing / gasfitting work in the modular trailer industry.

• Perform routine inspections of plumbing and drainage systems.

• Perform routine maintenance jobs and repairs.

• Perform various plumbing duties under the supervision of either a Journeyman or Master plumber.

Pick up

Pick up and drive equipment to site from warehouse.

Prepare

• Prepare and set up work areas per WorkSafe and WKS regulations.

• Prepare bids, budgets, and cost estimates.

Pressure

Pressure to complete jobs quickly at the expense of quality is nonexistent.

Promote

Promote Safety in the workplace.

Provide

• Provide excellent customer service and address concerns.

• Provide quote information for repairs found during maintenance.

• Provide sketches and dimensions used by drafter to create plans for subcontractor work.

• Provide support in excavation and trenching.

Read

• Read and interpret blueprints, ability to visualize a finished product from a document.

• Read and interpret blueprints, drawings and specifications.

• Read and interpret installation drawings.

• Read drawings, diagnose problems, and troubleshoot plumbing issues.

Repair

Repair or replace piping, valves and other components using hand tools and power tools.

Represent

Represent the company in a professional manner at all times with clients.

Research

Research catalogs and vendor services for complex customized system retrofits.

Respond to

• Respond to, diagnose, and resolve plumbing emergencies.

• Respond to emergency plumbing needs and assist in development of temporary and permanent fixes.

• Respond to service calls and customer inquiries.

Set

Set goals and drive their completion.

Take

• Take pride and ownership of all related tasks and assignments given.

• Take pride in their workmanship *.

Test

• Test and inspect plumbing systems.

• Test pipes for leaks using air and water pressure gauges.

• Test repaired equipment for proper performance.

Troubleshoot

• Troubleshoot, perform repairs and service for work orders and installed work.

• Troubleshoot plumbing issues.

Use

Use of various tools, equipment and materials.

Work with

• Work both indoors and outdoors.

• Work in accordance with site safety requirements.

• Work well within a team and self-motivated when working alone.

• Work with blueprints and job specifications as it applies to the craft.

• Work with our long term customer base.

Most In-demand Hard Skills

The following list describes the most required technical skills of an Apprentice Plumber:

1. Pipe cutting, threading, and fitting.

2. Pipe soldering and brazing.

3. Plumbing system installation and repair.

4. Fixture and appliance installation.

5. Drain cleaning and unclogging.

6. Blueprint reading and interpretation.

7. Basic knowledge of electrical systems for water heater installations.

8. Gas line installation and repair.

9. Backflow prevention and testing.

10. Use of plumbing tools and equipment.

11. Knowledge of various pipe materials and their properties.

12. Water pressure regulation and control.

13. Basic understanding of HVAC systems and their interaction with plumbing.

14. Leak detection and repair techniques.

15. Sewer line installation and repair.

16. Irrigation system installation and maintenance.

17. Knowledge of building codes and regulations.

18. Septic system maintenance and repair.

19. Understanding of water treatment systems.

20. Basic understanding of hydronic heating systems.

Most In-demand Soft Skills

The following list describes the most required soft skills of an Apprentice Plumber:

1. Strong work ethic and reliability.

2. Effective communication and active listening.

3. Collaboration and teamwork.

4. Problem-solving and critical thinking.

5. Attention to detail and accuracy.

6. Time management and organization.

7. Adaptability and willingness to learn.

8. Customer service orientation and professionalism.

9. Physical stamina and dexterity.

10. Safety-conscious mindset and adherence to safety protocols.

Conclusion

Apprentice Plumbers are expected to possess a range of hard skills, including pipe cutting and fitting, plumbing system installation and repair, drainage cleaning, and knowledge of various pipe materials. These technical skills are crucial for their day-to-day tasks and ensure efficient and effective plumbing services.

In addition to hard skills, soft skills are equally important for Apprentice Plumbers. Effective communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and attention to detail are some of the soft skills that contribute to their success in the field.