60 Business and training: community plumbing
How to gain plumbing skills and experience
Be an apprentice and be proud of the fact that by starting here, you will learn and emerge as a well-trained, knowledgeable, and respected plumber in the community.
By
Sam Dubazana at The Plumbing Academy
Starting a plumbing business requires knowledge of the trade. If you are going to be responsible for bringing that knowledge to your business, you will need to gain experience in the day-to-day workings of plumbing. One common way to learn the trade is to work as an apprentice to an experienced plumber.
• Apprenticeships can last several years, but they provide you with the skills and the experience that are necessary for running a plumbing business.
• Working as an apprentice can help you develop a list of clients and make a name for yourself, so that the transition to your own plumbing business is made easier.
• You can find out how to become a plumber’ s apprentice by contacting plumbers in your area, or through plumbing education courses.
Take courses relevant to the plumbing trade Plumbing colleges, trade schools, and other institutions in your area may offer educational programmes designed to train plumbers. These programmes may take up to a couple of years to complete. Look for one that provides knowledge, skills, and technical, practical aspects of plumbing:
• Occupational Health and Safety Regulations
• South African National Building Regulations
• Business essentials.
Sam Dubazana
If you want to start a plumbing business and do not have plumbing experience yourself, it is essential that you partner with an established and qualified plumber, or identify and approach a mentor who can guide you and support you in the setting up of your business. Franchise opportunities are available to qualified plumbers to have their own business. PA
Look for one that provides knowledge, skills, and technical, practical aspects of plumbing.
April 2017 Volume 23 I Number 2 www. plumbingafrica. co. za