Wondering what training your plumber has gone through to be a Licensed Master Plumber in Baltimore, MD? As with most trade jobs, plumbers rack up hours on the job before they can progress to each level in their licensure. Tradespeople – even master tradespeople – must attend continuing education to remain up-to-date on their skills throughout their career.
Apprentice
Plumbers start out learning on the job as apprentices. In Maryland, they can begin as early as 16 years old. Trade schools allow students to earn some of their apprentice hours while still in high school.
To find an apprenticeship, the state hosts the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program as part of the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning. Apprentices can add themselves to the list. Employers search for them there.
As an apprentice, these aspiring plumbers assist with the basics. They may spend much of their time doing chore work around a job site as they get exposed to processes, terminology, and some basic work with tools.
As they learn more, simple jobs are assigned to them. Eventually, they will perform straightforward tasks without supervision.
Journey Plumber
To advance to a Journey Plumber license, the plumber must have worked as a licensed apprentice for four years. During this time, they should have clocked 7,500 hours on the job. These hours should have been supervised by a licensed master plumber.
The Journey Plumber license also requires a written exam and further training. This training takes 32 hours and focuses on backflow prevention device testing.
Master Plumber
The highest level of plumbing license is the Master Plumber license. Plumbers may take the exam to advance to Master Plumber after being a journey plumber for two years.
During those two years, while still working with a Master plumber, they need to have clocked 3,750 hours on the job.
Plumbing Inspectors
For those plumbers who also take on inspection work the state of Maryland dictates that they will take continuing education each year for at least eight hours of credit.
Hire a Licensed Master Plumber from Ace Plumbing
If you need a plumber for your residential plumbing needs, call Ace Plumbing to set up an appointment. We have the skills and training to assist with your boiler installation, pipe clogs, and water heater repair. Call (410) 256-7900 today to set up service for your Baltimore area home.
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