Just recently landed a position as a Plumber helper at roto rooter, start this upcoming Monday and I'm excited for the future that this career can take me, 27 years old and tired of working dead end jobs.
@Santa Cruz Rider Nope, they posted the job on indeed and I applied asap, landed an interview, went in and talked about it with the guy and that was pretty much it, Just got done with my background and drug screening and I past, so I go back to the job site on Monday to discuss my start date, pay, etc. the job is me assisting a plumber, I'm gonna be doing the labor work and watch him work and learn stuff and I do that for a year before I can advance within the company.
Not a plumber but used to apprentice for an electrician that shared a spot with plumbers. These guys did core exercises and lower back stretches to save their body the west and tear of plumbing.
I started with a plumbing company in Houston 5 weeks ago, best career decision I’ve made! They even do the pipe lining services which I’m looking forward to learning about next week
@@Adi-bc6wc No, they said I’d need a basic set of hand tools (tape, pens, knife, channel locks, crescent wrenches, pipe wrenches etc) by the end of the first month though. They set me with a journeyman who was fine with me using his for the first two weeks by that time I’d already gone out and picked up the basics and grew my tool bag from there. They stock all their vans with a power tool set for everyone to use and specialty tools like pex guns, pro-presses, chain snaps etc are kept in the workshop for people to take for jobs as and when they’re needed.
@@paulsmith2799 sweet man, I’m also in the Houston area looking to get into the trade, still haven’t gotten any luck with apprenticeships and a single interview to get my foot in the door, I also have my apprentice registration but we’ll get there, good luck in your career
All very good points Roger, You should have mentioned the wage increase every completed year of your hours and school training, 50%, 60%, 70%,80%. In Canada journeyman wage ranges from 36-46 per/hr. As to criminal record and bad math, everyone makes mistakes and everyone can learn, math needed for the trade is taught in plumbing school. At this point I would hire a terrible driving record and as long as you can understand what 1/4 inch is..... man desire to learn and good work ethic....I'll take 10!
I have been making crazy $$$ this summer as a handyman. There have been some bigger jobs that I have shyed away from due to not knowing the full legality of doing plumbing work in CO, so I have recommended going with a licensed plumber for certain things. I just started a non-union apprenticeship last week with my friend's new company. I will be working under two master plumbers for commercial and residential work, logging hours, taking classes and studying to pursue a journeyman plumber's licence. I want to safely provide quality service in an area peppered with arrogant and dishonest "specialists." Especially with irrigation work this summer, I have noticed many instances where I was cleaning up after "landscape companies" who cut corners or swept issues under the rug to collect a quick payout or try to get recurring business. My speciality is customer service and I just want to help people and make things work. 🤘 Thank you for your awesome and informative videos!
i did a few months of job corps, hated it but i loved my trade, i chose plumbing, i actually had fun with it, my instructor talked about building some sort of mock up with toilets, sinks and such and i thought that be fun, so he could create an issue and we had to fix it, fantastic idea. myself though i couldnt do anything math related but i loved the trade, i knew what it was all about (dirt and then some) now im trained in pest control and im the same way with pest control. i love solving problems but i suck at math!
Hard work builds character doesn't matter what you do just own it as far as this job goes its not for everyone but try you never know it might just be for you one thing i will tell everyone doesnt matter what happens when your a good plumber and an honest one at that youll always be on call everyone alwaye needs plumbing day and night its job security at its finest in my opinion
i have heard in italy idk about other countries, but in italy your parents actually pay for your apprenticeship like its school. you arent getting payed on the job to learn
@@mikel3520 wow its not like that in new zealand there is a fee though roughly 12k over 4-5 year apprenticeship that you pay off weekly from your pay each week. but since covid happened the government has subsidies it to be completely free for the next few years
@@shaunwakefield3542 yeah in america you get payed and learn on the job. unions have classes and private shops teach on the job and might pay for trade school but its nice to get payed to learn
That nice and all. But part of the problem is that businesses are not willing to hire someone without experience and they turn around and complain that no one wants to be a plumber or any other trade.
I been trying to get into the trades for two years and I'm HAPPY to say I start my journey late September in HVAC-R and i take your advice how to be an apprentice to hart
Over here tradesmen, especially service tech, are notorious for reckless driving. my workvan does over 100 mph on the autobahn and half the crew had to take time off because they got their license suspended
Graduated from a High School Plumbing Program in 1992, Took and passed Master Plumber Gas fitter test in 1996. Open Shop throughout my career. 2nd year MPHCC instructor, 2nd year instructor for ABC Metro DC, 1st, 3rd, 4th year instructor ABC Greater Baltimore. High School Mechanical Construction Plumber for 9th, 10th, 11th grade.
I'm 35 and just hoping im not too old because plumbing is really looking great to me. I was looking at Maritime initially but this would allow me to have a home and sleep there at night.
man i failed geometry 3 times in highschool. you got nothing to worry about, it just takes a bit to learn measurements, and how to use a tape measurer. just some hard work and you'll do just fine!
I keep hearing about all the opportunities. I can't get a call back 1 in 2 different states. I am starting feel like the shortage in the trades are more by desire than people not want to do the jobs.
Depends on who you work for. Some companies over hire techs and saturate their work area, that makes it harder to earn decent wages because you literally have to upsell everything. Another thing I noticed at companies like these is a lack of training in the field. The best I worked for kept a good balance so we were very busy and earned good wages. The place trained everyone on the same process so it was very consistent. I was able to focus on making sure the job was done honestly and correctly rather than trying to squeeze every dollar I could out of the client and I still made a ton of money. Make sure you get into a good company. Don't waste to much time if the company is bad, you could pick up a lot of bad habits from improperly trained plumbers
Its sucks when he talk about the background situation because im a felon thats trying to be a plumber apprentice but im not going to let that kill my hope. I know God can open doors, so if you struggling in the same area keep going and dont give up. A door will open soon💯
I have a non related question. Have you ever needed to run a sewer line on someone else's property? Inspector says I need to get a letter from the county stating that it's ok. We have a contract with the ower of the property to run that pipe, but that isn't enough. Any idea where to start the process? It's been a S#!+ show at this job site.
Well this is showing that I’m deep diving into your videos. So I’m actually USAF trained plumber and got out a little under a year ago and have been working in Cali ever since I have 7 years military plumbing experience amd 1 year California experience but sadly I’m not licensed. So I was curious how would that actually add up on the Texas side of the house concerning my favorite hobby which is plumbing
At an non union open shop, I have like 6 months of experience so far. They will pay for my PHCC schooling. I was trying to get into the Union here, took the entrance exam and they are just jerking me around I don't think I'll ever get in.
The best way to become an union apprentice is 1 have a family member like a dad or uncle already in the union , 2 be black or asain just not white 3 apply 5 years in a row while having experience in said union.
Hello , I have a big concern , I took an online schooling and have a plumbing diploma , is that enough to start on a company as an apprentice? Or I need to go to hands on school or something like that ?
Currently working in the post office but growing tired of it. Been watching your videos for a week or so… Do you think it’s worth it to take a community college course at night while working at my current job to prepare for an apprenticeship? Or just try to jump right in?
Michael, I've been a Rural Carrier at the USPS for almost 16 years 9 as a sub and 6.5 as a regular. I'm 34 years old and ready to say to hell with it too. 0 work / life balance. Glad I'm not the only Postal Employee looking to get into the trades.
@@RogerWakefield thank you Roger. I’m thinking about going the plumbing route. I have a lot of work ahead of me. Not sure if I should try to get a job at at a company as a helper first or just got for a union.
After working in an office for a few years I began an apprenticeship with an open shop. I was guaranteed 40 hours a week and I’m not getting them. I’m looking for another apprenticeship before I regret this decision.
Just recently landed a position as a Plumber helper at roto rooter, start this upcoming Monday and I'm excited for the future that this career can take me, 27 years old and tired of working dead end jobs.
Small world I also start Monday.
@Santa Cruz Rider Nope, they posted the job on indeed and I applied asap, landed an interview, went in and talked about it with the guy and that was pretty much it, Just got done with my background and drug screening and I past, so I go back to the job site on Monday to discuss my start date, pay, etc. the job is me assisting a plumber, I'm gonna be doing the labor work and watch him work and learn stuff and I do that for a year before I can advance within the company.
@@Tortapounderwithcheese Nice man, good luck!
Congrats! I'm 31 and looking for my shot.
I worked for them. Tbh it was the best plumbing company I worked for. Nearly every single one of the plumbers were top notch.
i just started as a pre apprentice plumbing for a commercial union in florida, wish me the best! i have to take an exam for apprentice on april.
@Primate Products Inc. thank you i can use it. im in my 30s, so i hope im not too late to go to plumbing school and get into a union
@Primate Products Inc. TY much. :))
How are you liking working there so far? I’m thinking about joining a union to learn plumbing here in FL
@J D from my experience I don't suggest union. Too much favoritism and good old boys club.
@@tomsawyer4131you still plumbing!? You a journeyman these days?
Not a plumber but used to apprentice for an electrician that shared a spot with plumbers. These guys did core exercises and lower back stretches to save their body the west and tear of plumbing.
Started plumbing in February 2023. Also drive thier septic tank. Cdl holder learning a new trade. Loving it
How did you get the CDL job with out experience? I just obtained my CDL class A and no company wants to hire me cause I have no driving experience
I started with a plumbing company in Houston 5 weeks ago, best career decision I’ve made! They even do the pipe lining services which I’m looking forward to learning about next week
How’s the starting pay?
@@bmxdenver1 More than I expected given that my history is in tile and wood flooring and no plumbing experience
Did you had to buy your own tools before going ?
@@Adi-bc6wc No, they said I’d need a basic set of hand tools (tape, pens, knife, channel locks, crescent wrenches, pipe wrenches etc) by the end of the first month though. They set me with a journeyman who was fine with me using his for the first two weeks by that time I’d already gone out and picked up the basics and grew my tool bag from there.
They stock all their vans with a power tool set for everyone to use and specialty tools like pex guns, pro-presses, chain snaps etc are kept in the workshop for people to take for jobs as and when they’re needed.
@@paulsmith2799 sweet man, I’m also in the Houston area looking to get into the trade, still haven’t gotten any luck with apprenticeships and a single interview to get my foot in the door, I also have my apprentice registration but we’ll get there, good luck in your career
All very good points Roger, You should have mentioned the wage increase every completed year of your hours and school training, 50%, 60%, 70%,80%. In Canada journeyman wage ranges from 36-46 per/hr. As to criminal record and bad math, everyone makes mistakes and everyone can learn, math needed for the trade is taught in plumbing school. At this point I would hire a terrible driving record and as long as you can understand what 1/4 inch is..... man desire to learn and good work ethic....I'll take 10!
Fills out application at Roger's shop.
Sees question: how did you hear about us?
TH-cam.
Instantly probably gives you a point lol but only if your subscribed lol.
I have been making crazy $$$ this summer as a handyman. There have been some bigger jobs that I have shyed away from due to not knowing the full legality of doing plumbing work in CO, so I have recommended going with a licensed plumber for certain things.
I just started a non-union apprenticeship last week with my friend's new company. I will be working under two master plumbers for commercial and residential work, logging hours, taking classes and studying to pursue a journeyman plumber's licence.
I want to safely provide quality service in an area peppered with arrogant and dishonest "specialists." Especially with irrigation work this summer, I have noticed many instances where I was cleaning up after "landscape companies" who cut corners or swept issues under the rug to collect a quick payout or try to get recurring business. My speciality is customer service and I just want to help people and make things work. 🤘
Thank you for your awesome and informative videos!
You do realize you will need 4 years of work 7k hours for become a journeyman
@@AvoidVanity not in Colorado 😁
i did a few months of job corps, hated it but i loved my trade, i chose plumbing, i actually had fun with it, my instructor talked about building some sort of mock up with toilets, sinks and such and i thought that be fun, so he could create an issue and we had to fix it, fantastic idea. myself though i couldnt do anything math related but i loved the trade, i knew what it was all about (dirt and then some) now im trained in pest control and im the same way with pest control. i love solving problems but i suck at math!
Hard work builds character doesn't matter what you do just own it as far as this job goes its not for everyone but try you never know it might just be for you one thing i will tell everyone doesnt matter what happens when your a good plumber and an honest one at that youll always be on call everyone alwaye needs plumbing day and night its job security at its finest in my opinion
I’m currently going through my apprenticeship in New Zealand and it’s fascinating to learn how different country’s do there apprenticeships
i have heard in italy idk about other countries, but in italy your parents actually pay for your apprenticeship like its school. you arent getting payed on the job to learn
@@mikel3520 wow its not like that in new zealand there is a fee though roughly 12k over 4-5 year apprenticeship that you pay off weekly from your pay each week. but since covid happened the government has subsidies it to be completely free for the next few years
@@shaunwakefield3542 yeah in america you get payed and learn on the job. unions have classes and private shops teach on the job and might pay for trade school but its nice to get payed to learn
That nice and all. But part of the problem is that businesses are not willing to hire someone without experience and they turn around and complain that no one wants to be a plumber or any other trade.
Keep applying it took me 7 company's I applied to to get one interview
I been trying to get into the trades for two years and I'm HAPPY to say I start my journey late September in HVAC-R and i take your advice how to be an apprentice to hart
I have two felonies but i know i can still get in somewhere as an plumber apprentice, Right ?
@@xramie5335 It's not looking good from what I've read
Over here tradesmen, especially service tech, are notorious for reckless driving. my workvan does over 100 mph on the autobahn and half the crew had to take time off because they got their license suspended
Graduated from a High School Plumbing Program in 1992, Took and passed Master Plumber Gas fitter test in 1996. Open Shop throughout my career. 2nd year MPHCC instructor, 2nd year instructor for ABC Metro DC, 1st, 3rd, 4th year instructor ABC Greater Baltimore. High School Mechanical Construction Plumber for 9th, 10th, 11th grade.
I just started in September in the cayman islands, and looking forward for work in other countries need some help please 🙏
At the college UCCI
I'm 35 and just hoping im not too old because plumbing is really looking great to me. I was looking at Maritime initially but this would allow me to have a home and sleep there at night.
I have really been considering the trades. Especially plumbing but I am absolutely terrible at math. Should I give it a shot anyway or move on?
man i failed geometry 3 times in highschool. you got nothing to worry about, it just takes a bit to learn measurements, and how to use a tape measurer. just some hard work and you'll do just fine!
It's no big deal. You'll pick up the skills you need on the job.
Some times they even let you use a calculator.
It comes from within...you have to want to do it. We're not normal people.
How do you get into a union? And what province/state were you a plumber?
Be ready to wait months before receiving a response. Google the local Plumbing UA for your city
I keep hearing about all the opportunities. I can't get a call back 1 in 2 different states. I am starting feel like the shortage in the trades are more by desire than people not want to do the jobs.
Same
So do I have to go to school to be an apprentice
is plumbing a good choice financially? how far down the road would i start making good money?
Depends on who you work for. Some companies over hire techs and saturate their work area, that makes it harder to earn decent wages because you literally have to upsell everything. Another thing I noticed at companies like these is a lack of training in the field. The best I worked for kept a good balance so we were very busy and earned good wages. The place trained everyone on the same process so it was very consistent. I was able to focus on making sure the job was done honestly and correctly rather than trying to squeeze every dollar I could out of the client and I still made a ton of money. Make sure you get into a good company. Don't waste to much time if the company is bad, you could pick up a lot of bad habits from improperly trained plumbers
2 year residential tradesman license makes 100k
Either way it's better than any corporate job
Study core math and geometry .. we have lots of formulas for offsets .. then i recommend getting a code book and tyler book ans study
I’m 19 and I’m a couple months into my training
six years of draining college and I'm considering dropping out to pick up this kind of trade
I'm trying to get an apprenticeship but most companies are asking for people who have high school diploma (for a plumber).
Just had my first interview today. I didn't have the skills for the apprenticeship. Does this mean I have to go to school?
I remember you talked about buying an exam prep book. What was that?
The apprentice pay is what wins me over the electrician apprentice pay. $16 an hour for 6 months opposed to $20-$22 I’ll talk it
Its sucks when he talk about the background situation because im a felon thats trying to be a plumber apprentice but im not going to let that kill my hope. I know God can open doors, so if you struggling in the same area keep going and dont give up. A door will open soon💯
I love Ferguson on my town they nice an have what we need
I have a non related question. Have you ever needed to run a sewer line on someone else's property? Inspector says I need to get a letter from the county stating that it's ok. We have a contract with the ower of the property to run that pipe, but that isn't enough. Any idea where to start the process? It's been a S#!+ show at this job site.
Well this is showing that I’m deep diving into your videos. So I’m actually USAF trained plumber and got out a little under a year ago and have been working in Cali ever since I have 7 years military plumbing experience amd 1 year California experience but sadly I’m not licensed. So I was curious how would that actually add up on the Texas side of the house concerning my favorite hobby which is plumbing
Mr Ferguson did you have a web Sir!!!
what math should I learn? ofc measurements but what else?
At an non union open shop, I have like 6 months of experience so far. They will pay for my PHCC schooling. I was trying to get into the Union here, took the entrance exam and they are just jerking me around I don't think I'll ever get in.
Have patience man took me two years to get In here in Vegas just work and show up to the interviews and study
I wanted to know what I should do now I finished trade school but what do I do now is it as easy as just calling around and finding a placement
Did you manage? Its been a year
Is there a website or place to go to get a trade ?
Did Rodger get some veneers??
The best way to become an union apprentice is 1 have a family member like a dad or uncle already in the union , 2 be black or asain just not white 3 apply 5 years in a row while having experience in said union.
A lot of trades jobs these days seem more of who your related to or who you know.
@jrig123 you might want to watch the video. I hear unemployment is getting cut off soon.
Trying for an apprenticeship sept 16th I hope for best
how do u find one in California it’s so hard to?
What book is it you recc9mend for the plumbing test?
IPC and UPC code books www.amazon.com/shop/rogerwakefield/list/S0VL8QQO5440?ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_m
How can I be part of this program despite I stayed in West Africa 🌍
Hello , I have a big concern , I took an online schooling and have a plumbing diploma , is that enough to start on a company as an apprentice? Or I need to go to hands on school or something like that ?
Hey! Do you have any updates on you situation
I am looking to switch careers. My question is, is there an ago cutoff? I am near 40 and am in pretty good shape.
No
Ahi Jales Donde no chequan seguros? Pregunto por un amigo
Instructions unclear, became electrician instead of plumber. 0/10
Same
Electricians book is 5 times as thick as plumbing im good
trash youtuber lol *spit*
@@zestty709 Wha
Currently working in the post office but growing tired of it. Been watching your videos for a week or so… Do you think it’s worth it to take a community college course at night while working at my current job to prepare for an apprenticeship? Or just try to jump right in?
Michael, I've been a Rural Carrier at the USPS for almost 16 years 9 as a sub and 6.5 as a regular. I'm 34 years old and ready to say to hell with it too. 0 work / life balance. Glad I'm not the only Postal Employee looking to get into the trades.
just jump in and be confident in yourself ive beenplumbing since 18 and my tips are be confident in your work and always double check measurements.
What if you’re 32? Too old for union?
I get this ALL the time…you’re never too old
@@RogerWakefield thank you Roger. I’m thinking about going the plumbing route. I have a lot of work ahead of me. Not sure if I should try to get a job at at a company as a helper first or just got for a union.
Does the plumbers union require Covid Vaccines?
No
If they did they would loose 90 percent of their plumbers
I’m 19 and don’t want to waste time with dead end jobs
I’m 16 years old is that too young to be hired as an Apprentice
Starting at 30k? Who can live on that
40 grand doesn’t pay bills.
3rd
What’s too old to get into the trades?
Never too old
Who will take on an apprentice that’s older than the journeyman
Thought so. So what’s a good trade try and get into
@@jamesd3189 I’d say anyone as long as you show up on time, ready to work, and ready to learn
I’m 56. Maybe have 15 good years left
After working in an office for a few years I began an apprenticeship with an open shop. I was guaranteed 40 hours a week and I’m not getting them.
I’m looking for another apprenticeship before I regret this decision.