Starting a new plumbing career

[guinzo73]

Hi all,
I have enrolled in a plumbing class at a trade school here in Fla for 1 year that also offers a 4 year apprenticeship program.I was hoping someone could tell me how much ladder work is involved with the plumbing trade as I have a problem with heights above one story? How often do vent pipes really get serviced?

And also, what can I expect to earn as an apprentice after 1 year of schooling in Fla?

Any help is appreciated

Thank you for helping!

 

[phishfood]

In new construction or service, working from a ladder is a regular occurrence. Most of the time, however, we use stepladders of 8 feet or less. I have worked off of 14 foot stepladders, but that is rare. Usually, if you are up that high, you are working off of some type of lift, but that isn't for the height shy either.

With the company that I work for, someone who has ~ 1 year experience would (my guess, I don't hire and fire) start out at $11 or $12 an hour. Tradesmen are looking for work on every corner, so it is an employer's market right now. I think that the market is finally starting to recover, though.

 

[Caduceus]

Best thing to do is tell your employer about your problem with heights from the start. I developed a 'vertigo' issue a few years ago after experiencing an ear infection that, without symptoms, was left untreated. I can work on ladders, scissor lifts and roofs but in high, open areas I can easily lose my balance and trip over nothing. I alerted my employer of this and he understands.
Vent pipes rarely get serviced and augering a stack through a vent is typically frowned upon these days because of safety issues. You will find that there are more ways to do a particular task and 99.9% of gurgling drains are misdiagnosed as a venting issue when they are in fact drain related.
I don't know about the cost of living in your area, but here most green apprentices should expect to start at minimum wage unless you are union. If you make it 90 days you may see an small increase and maybe again after 6 months, but don't get your hopes up too high. Most 1st year apprentices know much less than they think they do and employers know this too. You have to have a good work ethic and genuine interest in the trade as well as showing the boss that you are motivated to be an asset to the company.
This could all be subject to the type of company that you work for, though. All situations are different and no two companies are the same. Just be honest as to what your needs are and try it out to get a good feel for the trade. It's not for everyone. Believe me...I have seen many new guys quit the first day, heck even by lunch-time they would want to go home. But, I was one of those guys that everybody thought wouldn't make it through the first week and here I am today.