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Plumbers
What they do?
Plumbers perform some or all of the following duties:
A. Read blueprints, drawings and specifications to determine layout of plumbing system, water supply network and waste and drainage systems
B. Install, repair and maintain domestic, commercial or industrial plumbing fixtures and systems
C. Locate and mark positions for pipe connections, passage holes and fixtures in walls and floors
D. Cut opening in walls and floors to accommodate pipe and pipe fittings
E. Measure, cut, bend and thread pipes using hand and power tools or machines
F. Join pipes using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement or soldering, brazing and welding equipment
G. Test pipes for leaks using air and water pressure gauges
Where they find work?
1. Construction - 77.0%
2. Wholesale trade - 3.0%
3. Public administration - 3.0%
4. Health care and social assistance - 2.0%
5. Educational services - 2.0%
6. Administrative and support waste management and remediation services - 1.0%
What education do I need?
1. Completion of secondary school is usually required.
2. Completion of a four- to five-year apprenticeship program or A combination of over five years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in plumbing is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
3. Trade certification is compulsory in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia and available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland, Manitoba, the Northwest Territories and the Yukon.
4. Red Seal, an interprovincial trade certification, is available to qualified plumbers.
5. Most recent entrants have a trade/vocational certificate, and almost 3 in 10 have a community college diploma.
High School Subject that will help:
1. Math
2. Sciences
3. Industrial Arts
What can you expect to make:
The average hourly wages for Plumbers is $20.41/HR, which is close to the average for occupations in the trades, transport and equipment operators sector and close to the average for all technical, professional, and skilled occupations. These wages grew at an average rate from 2002 to 2004.
Average Wage
Expected Wage by Age
Unemployment:
5% of Plumbers are unemployed. This rate is close to the average for technical, professional, and skilled occupations.
Unemployment
Trends in Unemployment
Current Job Outlook:
The job outlook for Plumbers is considered Average because:
1. Employment grew at an average rate.
2. Hourly wages ($20.41) are close to the average ($18.07), and the rate of wage growth is close to the average.
3. The unemployment rate (5%) is close to the 2004 average (7%).
Future Job Prospects:
Your job outlook will continue to be Average because:
1. Although the retirement rate will likely be average, the number of retiring workers should contribute to job openings.
2. The number of job seekers will likely match the number of job openings.
Highest Concetration:
The highest concentrations are found in Alberta and Prince Edward Island while the lowest concentrations are in New Brunswick and Newfoundland.
Unionization Rate:
The unionization rate (50%) is close to the average (32%) for all occupations.
Useful Experience:
1. Maintenance
2. Water/gas service
3. Construction/manufacturing
Part Time Workers
Part time workers:
4% of Plumbers are employed only on a part-time basis. There were 28,700 workers employed in these occupations in 2004, a decrease of 7% since 1997.
Age Demographics
Age Demographics:
The retirement rate to 2009 will likely be average reflecting the age/retirement structure of the occupation.
