An apprentice plumber should be exposed to a broad range of tools, material, and equipment so they become increasingly able to identify which are needed in a particular setting as well as which alternatives are available when the environment presents space or access challenges. This includes understanding the proper way to store and care for these items so they are accessible and in proper condition for the work needs that arise. An apprentice plumber should be growing in their decision-making and independent judgement rather than exclusively responding to specific directives from their supervising licensed plumber.

1. Basic awareness as well as use of industry tools & equipment
2. Common materials (and alternatives) used in the industry
3. Proper storage & disposal of common industry materials
4. Proper maintenance of industry tools & equipment

An apprentice plumber must join every construction professional on a jobsite in responsibility for ensuring the safety of everyone present. This means not only being aware of the proper use and handling of each tool and material, but also the personal professional awareness to recognize situations that could result in injury or even death. An apprentice must learn to appreciate that a construction site, unlike a general industry setting, is changing by the day (if not by the hour) and constant awareness is required to protect themselves, fellow workers, and perhaps the public if they are in close proximity.

1. Introduction to construction safety (OSHA 10 or equivalent)
2. Identification & use of common industry personal protective equipment
3. Hazardous material handling and storage (including SDS utilization)
4. Situational awareness for the protection of self & others

An apprentice plumber should be exposed to progressively higher-level construction functions. This means being taught “why” a project is being undertaken as it is, not only because of the specifications, but also with consideration for the needs of other trades and the intended use by the final owners or tenants. This exposure also includes “how” the work must be accomplished through proper scheduling with sufficient labor resources, material availability, coordination with other trades, as well as the schedule of any required inspections.

1. Basic construction & industry specific math
2. Blueprint & other industry drawing interpretation
3. Basic material planning & scheduling
4. Project management, scheduling, estimating and reporting

An apprentice plumber must recognize they are aspiring to a licensed profession and learn to handle themselves accordingly. Paramount in this endeavor is their ability to communicate effectively and respond appropriately. This includes understanding and acting upon the guidance of supervisors but continues further into proactively seeking necessary information and sharing potential challenges that could affect their work. An apprentice plumber may also have occasion to interact directly with customers, during which their performance will reflect upon not only themselves, but also their employer and the industry.

1. Receiving company and/or project level guidance
2. Receiving task level directions, clarifying, and communicating needs
3. Responding to customer service inquiries or requests
4. Engaging in professional communication (speaking, written, electronic)

Some apprentice plumbers will be exposed almost exclusively to new construction settings where nothing existed before the work in which they are involved. In these cases, an apprentice should be exposed to the definition of requirements, planning to accomplish those goals, as well as the regulatory and code requirements to be satisfied. Even apprentice plumbers who work primarily in service settings are exposed to smaller projects, such as the replacement of a water heater where changes in the facility require resizing, changes in technologies may require new materials, and the level of intrusion into the potable water system may require new permitting and inspections.

1. Determining project requirements (customer, company, contractor)
2. System planning, sizing, and configuration
3. Regulatory compliance (licenses, permits, inspections)
4. Final documentation & hand-off to owner

Some apprentice plumbers will be exposed almost exclusively to service settings where troubleshooting and issue diagnosis represent a higher percentage of the work. Advancement in these areas is accomplished through hands-on experience as well as the ability to use new technologies to understand equipment error codes (as one example). Even apprentice plumbers who work primarily in new construction settings have opportunity to develop these same skills as they complete final “punchout” lists, troubleshoot the startup of a new facility, or provide warranty related support for subsequent issues.

1. Identification & compliance with manufacturer’s instructions
2. Warranty claim identification & preparation
3. Troubleshooting & diagnosis of system/project challenges
4. Final start-up & punch-out procedures