Rodger I want to thank you for opening my eyes to the possibilities of Plumbing. I've been stuck in retail for about 3 years now and I can already tell this is not the type of work I want to do for the rest of my life. I want to find a career that's both meaningful and useful. I've always wanted to learn a trade but wasn't sure what avenue to take. I actually dream of owning my own company one day, just not sure what I want to specialize in. Your videos help a young guy like me steer in the right direction. Keep making these, it really helps!
+Mumen Rider thank you! I love what I do for a living. This is a great prideful career and it is so rewarding. Good luck to you. Thank you for commenting!!!
I've been a plumber for 13 years now and I would trade every single second of it if it meant I could apprentice under you. Excellent information and YES if you are watching this and on the fence about becoming a plumber just do it. Nothing has ever given me the long term gratification that plumbing has because unless it was torn down I can continue to walk into a home I've built until the day I die. It's amazing to hear "you're my hero" "you saved us." Listen to this man, he is literally telling you the secret to a long life of prosperity and gratification through honest work that actually impacts your community especially if you become the most honest and dependable plumber in your area. Good luck and if you take that first step, check out the history behind plumbing too, it's amazing! Rodger, thank you for inspiring a new generation of Defenders of the Nation's Health.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
@gehnzou1 I do appreciate that. I love this trade and what all it has done for me and my family. What type plumbing do you do and where in the world are you located?
I have been in and out of the trade in southern California and it's a place where you can begin training with nothing except your hands as long as a contractor is willing to take you on. It's also a place of villainy and dishonesty. I have walked off of jobs that "bosses" have tried getting me to rip off a customer, like when I worked for a guy who sent me to an upstairs to downstairs leak and said (and I quote) "replace his waste and overflow and charge him 900$" I asked "did you diagnose it?" He said NO, I replied "then how do you know it's the waste and overflow?" He yelled at me, I laughed at him. I went upstairs and stopped up the tub, sure enough it was still leaking. But how could it be the waste and overflow if it leaks while no water is passing through the drain. Predictably it was only an old cracked washer that needed replacement. I called the "boss" and told him "unfortunately I have integrity and you are a criminal" the home owner was blown away because I quit my job directly in front of him. He shook my hand and offered me 14 properties, "you are a rare plumber, please be my plumber" but I couldn't because I didn't have my own work vehicle at the time. So I have had every company that I have worked for out there, 4 in total, completely just go the way of "preventative maintenance" because they needed to create work, so I slowed down and just stuck to handyman services on my own for friends and family mostly for free. That's why I said that I would trade it all to apprentice under you. It wasn't all bad, I still posses a great amount of the knowledge and I just moved to Reno NV... and omg, it's BOOMING. Everywhere you look incredible new buildings are going up and I can definitely smell money. You are inspiring me to find a local shop. I'm only 39 so I still have a very long time to get it right. I have done new construction, remodel and service in residential. It's so much fun to be a plumber, I mean how many careers actually require you to set stuff on fire with a torch lol. It's a perfect marriage between art and engineering, puzzle solving, investigation. My favorite job that I ever did, the most rewarding, was when I was subcontracted to remove and replace the entire DWV system of a shelter/daycare/preschool for children who were abandoned by drug addict parents. Some of the children there were even born addicted to the substance that their parents were. So there I was, laying in silt and dirt and mud, air hammering a piece of 4" cast iron out of the footing. My step father was with me because his boss was the contractor. Now my father passed when I was 9, so I never really had a dad. We're both laying under this floor, covered in everything and he looks at me, signals me to stop. "P.j. I have to say something. I never thought much of you, I always thought that you were lazy and I never thought that you would really amount to much. I was wrong. I'm sorry because you are working harder than I've ever seen and you are doing it with a smile. I'm proud of you." That day completely changed my relationship with him. Like I said, if you are on the fence about becoming a plumber, just do it. You never know how it's going to happen but it will happen. You will wake up with the most rewarding feeling that you can have, purpose. I love your videos, I am so happy to see young people getting excited about plumbing and I look forward to all of your videos. God bless you and your family and your crew. I wish you nothing but prosperity. Good luck future plumbers, stay vigilant, the Nation's Health is in your hands
That's fantastic. I've been learning English because I'd like to become a plumber. I don't live in the USA but one day of my life I would like to work there and becoming an excellent plumber. I've finished my degree in civil engineering here in Brazil but for me it's not enough. I'll buy this book and start learning plumber from the beginning, I'll be an excellent plumber. I'm sorry about my mistakes wiring here, thank you
I just seen an ad online for a plumbing apprenticeship which led me to this video. I've never considered being a plumber but you and this video has convinced me its something I should look in to.
Interesting sirs! I'm a college student and Im about to receive my B.A in teaching.. but I just want to help out my mom already or my family. I would just like to be a good son to start helping support my family financially since I'm just about to turn 26 as well. I'm so passionate about working with children or even maybe being a counselor. Teaching field is my passion but I'd just really wanna consider trade as well to help my family
Thx so much for your advice!. I myself are jumping from a plant worker job working with bio hazard trash to an apprentice plumber. Im nervous as hell!, But i know im going for a career. Your videos inspire me alot!.
David, I totally agree. Love the videos! I too recently got into the trade, and am now almost 5 months into my apprenticeship! Im 42 and been working as a chef/cook for the last 20 years, so I can definitely relate to being nervous about such a big change. It's not easy to step out of your comfort zone. Congrats to you on taking the leap! So glad I did....only regret is that I didn't do it 10 or 15 years ago. Good luck!
I'm inspired, not just by the video but also by people like you guys, who have taken initiative in pursuing a new career. I myself am 21, I've worked in housekeeping for 4 years and just recently started as a maintenance technician. I've done a bit of basic plumbing, electrical, and painting but I am looking to see where these basic understandings can take me and currently, a career in plumbing has really caught my eye. In time I hope to start an apprenticeship but for now i just want to soak up as much knowledge as i can as a maintenance technician
Love the video! I am about to graduate high school and I am ready to get into a union plumbing apprenticeship as soon as I can, and to learn as much as I can!Thank you sir for the informative video!
Connor have you heard back from them? I would keep following up if I were you. You can also go speak with the Business Manager at the Union Hall. He may be able to help. Also make sure you tell 4,00 of your closest friends to subscribe to my channel!🙂
Hey Roger, I watched your videos and they gave me a bunch of knowledge and I crushed my apprenticeship interview and now I am starting my 1st year next week. Commercial and light industrial plumbing and gas fitter. Keep on rockin!
Elvis I hope it is all going great! I'm excited for you. Learn all that you can, it will benefit you in the future. And please remember to tell 4,000 of your closest friends to subscribe to my channel!🙂
You're a smart dude. I enjoyed that video. I've been throwing around the idea of getting into a plumbing apprenticeship for a little while now. You made me feel confident more confident about moving in that direction. Thank you.
@MrWookLoaf I'm not that smart, I just love what I do. I am glad that you enjoyed the video though. This is a great trade to get into. Where are you located?
My buddie told me the company he works for is hiring, they even said that they will take me with no experience and once I'm into for about 8 months then they will send me to school and it's all paid for. Iv worked for Enterprise car rentals for about 8 years now and iv plateaued where there's no going up anymore. I'm 29 now and feel like if there is ever a time to take a chance on something meaningful and rewarding it is now. Thanks for the video, il be watching all your videos from now on for good advice I can follow for this new journey in life!!
bill adie sounds great to me. I think that the Enterprise experience could be great for you if you ever get into residential service work. What part of the world are you located in?
@@RogerWakefieldI live in Kelowna BC Canada. Thanks, I believe working at enterprise has giving better customer service skills and experience in making the customers feel happy with what they got. I'm actually about to head onto the job site and give my resume to the general Forman today and let him know I'm ready to start. Do you have any advice I should take with me?
After high school I worked at Fedex Overnight for 8 months quit in the summer time, Did retail for 6 months very fun experience selling luxury sunglasses! Point is I did different jobs and gain experience. Recently I started working as a plumber helper and love it great pay great hours! I’m only 20 years old! No debt no college degree :)
Where are you starting out at? Thank you for watching. I only ask that you tell 4,000 of your closest friends about my channel to subscribe, give me a thumbs up, and ring the bell!
Appreciate your content it helps me out a lot, I’m coming up to my third year in my apprenticeship and am working on fitting new central heating systems and ripping out the old ones, my journeyman never let me get hands on and make me feel stupid when I ask questions I’m curious about, I feel like I have a decent amount of knowledge but struggle with the hands on side of things as they never let me do anything apart from lag the pipes at the end, any advice would be much appreciated 👍🏼
I have learned so much from this video OMG!! Thank you sir, for not only opening my eyes but for also leading my heart and giving me the courage to go after my passion. Thank you for your contribution to the world!!
@@RogerWakefield lol not yet sir that's y I said I don't mind starting the apprenticeship,,I'm sure I would like to be in the service and reconstruction field of plumbing
Roger, Great videos! I am actually close to being hired union for apprentice program.... I am also 34 years old with three kiddos and my wife. Late start, but is it still possible to be successful in this program at my age?
@@RogerWakefield awesome thanks alot man! Yeah my brother in law is a member of the Union there he says you just have to pass a drug test, aptitude test and a physical. I know I can do it. He makes over 50 an hour as a journeyman. I remember in your video "Chicks dig it!" Haha thanks for all your awesome videos sir
I’m doing plumber apprentice job at the moment You don’t get paid much 16 hour . It’s very tiring work and come home with body aches You got do it when your young , I’m in my late 30s. I could barely carry 4 inch cass iron pipe they use for drainage . It’s also very long too. Always got go up a ladder too very noisy , dirty, environment It’s not Rosey job but just a job
I am a 15 year old high school student looking at many trades, and plumbing is one high on my list. But I have a question, to apply for an apprenticeship program, do I have to have experience in the field? Is that what trade schools and college courses specified in trades are for, or does the apprenticeship teach you the basics? I know I have a lot of time to think about it, but I am very curious.
My problem so far is open shop crappy treatment I am also given responsibility's that i am not licensed to do and also do not have the knowledge or the training to do, i work new construction and they just slam a guy like me with 3 days worth of work by myself and give me 2 days to do it
Hey love the video and love how you reply to your audience! I've been driving garbage trucks for 10 years and decided I want to pick a trade for a change of lifestyle. I keep hearing that all helpers/first years do is dig trenches for 10 hours a day, is this true? And how long does it last? I'm nervous about making the switch, I've worked hard but never had to dig for 10 hours a day, and am not sure how to find a company that will advance me. Thanks! Love the videos
Hello @ksteng15. Don't believe everything that you hear. I don't know of any apprentices here that have been on a shovel for 10 hours a year. Learn more than the others and bring value to your company and you won't be on a shovel very much at all. Are you getting into commercial or residential? New construction or service?
They never have time to show me or let me do anything as they want it done as fast as possible and I am away to be starting my gas so I feel it’s really time I should be able to do this but they won’t let me or teach me
How is a plumbers work schedule, like being on call? Do they work a full day then have to wake up in the middle of the night to fix something if they are called?
Hey I just saw this video and I feel so motivated and so at ease with what I want to do. I’m doing electrical construction and plumbing. I want to do something that can benefit me outside of work to help my parents with giving them the best home for working so hard for me. Thank you for your guidance and how clear you were in this video.
What would you say to someone whose only option is to enter this field under a company thats known to treat their employees horribly and rip off / upsell to customers when they dont need it? Suffer through to get experience or not?
@Nicholas Fecteau that's a tough question. I don't believe in doing business like that. What state are they in? Is there licensing and laws that they are breaking? I would see if I can find something else where you can learn good plumbing practices.
Great video man! I started with the company im with now in Calif. as a laborer just digging trenches and doing the grunt work with little desire to move up. Although I did pick things up and showed my boss I'm capable of more than I led on. After a year or so I left and now I'm back as a apprentice just got my first check. we do residential service mainly but commercial quite a bit as well. My boss is really well off and I too want my own company. You really think this is attainable in 6 years? And if so could you Mabey tell me how I should approach it. I'd really appreciate your time and I've liked and subscribed! Sorry for the ramble.
Thanks @Rocc Collins for subscribing! What are the laws in Cali? I know there is no licensing as a plumber, but what are the qualifications to own a plumbing company?
Can I work at a "masters" electrician, Hvac, and plumbing at the same time.. running concurrent? I don't care about pensions, 401ks or anything like that. I know alot about plumbing can't I just take the test.
hello, been a apprentice for 5 months now and my boss feels I should be on my own?? Is that realistic?? it takes 4 years to get your journeymen license. I told him I should be in new construction for a year. what are your thoughts??
I think it's crazy that anyone would think that an apprentice with 5 months experience is ready to be on their own. It takes a long time to know what you don't know. I would be thinking about another company or boss to work under. What state are you in? Is that even legal there?
shakes peter I don’t think you are ever too old to start doing something that you want to. I’ve seen people start at 50. Are you capable of doing the work?
Watch my other videos about becoming a plumber and figure out what kind of plumber you want to be. You are actually at a great age. Have you started studying plumbing?
@@RogerWakefield lol not yet sir that's y I said I don't mind starting the apprenticeship,,I'm sure I would like to be in the service and reconstruction field of plumbing
Is it late to start at 28??? Is plumbing also a family business mafia-like? So no one can get in the business unless if they are family, relatives or friends?? Would racism affect someone's chances of getting apprenticeship??
@Omar H28 isn't too late to start. Not mafia like but there are always family members that seem to get in together. Racism shouldn't affect getting into it at all. We have all colors, genders, nationalities, and educations. We are a very mixed bowl of nuts!
Theres racism everywhere dont let that stop you from working hard and proving yourself. I just got into a union and people treat me like family. Didnt experience any racism and I'm a young black female and most people in this trade are white men. So I'm a double minority, I think I gained a little respect being a veteran though.
I’m not in the union. I had an opportunity with the local 630 out of west palm beach, but I was making more than journeyman rate. I’m from a background of union workers though so I understand the whole package deal, but with 3 kids and a lot of bills I need money now lol. I think unions are Great though.
I am an HVAC helper just finished my first year, I have met alot of plumbers and electricians all have advised me that hvac is not as prosperous mostly because its really slow certain times of the year. Is there a slow season for plumbing? Is it easy to get overtime?
I was an hvac helper too but the guy I worked for was a dick head so I joined an apprenticeship program for hvac and refrigeration. Rn I work more than 40 hrs a week making $16 an hr in just 6 months. It’s pretty easy, the only thing hard for me was the heights on commercial but I got over it in the first 2 months.
Dear Rodger, I am considering changing careers and I like hands on work and was considering plumbing because its a job that will never go away via automation. However, I don't have a lot of money right now. Is there a way to become a plumber without spending tens of thousands of dollars? Thanks
@@RogerWakefield Don't you have to go to school and pay for classes? Apprenticeship's are competitive and often require a test of knowledge to get in don't they?
i want to become an apprentice for plumbing coming this following year, I have a program that will help me through the ropes of getting all my certificates like first aid, resume building etc, all the basics for preparing to get full time employment or an apprenticeship at the end of their 9 week program. the problem is, I have a criminal record, not a long one, just one charge of aggravated assault. Am i still able to pursue a career through trades or will i undergo a background check and get turned away from apprenticing with someone. im a very hard working guy, i like creating things and working with my hands, building life long friendships and im only 22 years old. i dont have much experience working ive been unemployed for 2 years but i have experience with heavy lifting, played sports all my life and own an online business and regularly volunteer. I am very worried that my record will come back to haunt me and i wont ever be able to get a job in skilled trades. need advice!
I have the same record charge... I'm in Dallas, Tx and wondering the same thing.. I was able to take a 8 week program but now I have to worry about background checks. We should be ok.. otherwise what are we supposed to do? I'll update in these comment sections.
@Crispy C check with the local AHJ and see what codes they are currently building by. That will be the best way to start. Please let me know when you figure it out.
i know this is 8 months late but i hope i can help. it obviously depends on your citizenship status, if you have a work visa i dont know why you wouldnt be able to as long as you have some background knowlege of plumbing. but as long as you have a work visa or become a citizen there shouldnt be a problem
i have no experience other than security work which isnt really even work, i found a company willing to hire me. im just really nervous and scared i know its weird that im scared. should i take the jump?
@Rudy Cordova, security is a job, plumbing is a career. If you are ready to start building a solid base for your future, absolutely. What's to be afraid of? What part of the world are you in? You are coming in green and they know it. Make sure you subscribe and ring the bell so you don't miss anything. We are putting together some pretty coll stuff!
P L A Y B O I do both might I recommend military first perhaps do a job that relates to trades as an experience builder and when you get out pursue a career in plumbing!
@Jonathan Xavier Pugh my apprentices are residential service trained. The probation really depends on the crime. Talk to the licensing agency and see what their requirements are. Where are you located?
From what I understand, the benefits of being in trade unions is awesome. Pension is a major plus compared to 401k options that are offered in other careers (based on performance of stock market).
Just started a job here in San Antonio texas as a plumber's apprentice and I'm loving every bit of it 💪 commercial and doing residential on the side with my father in law
@@joseangellongoriajr475 do u do construction or service I start an apprenticeship doing commercial service this monday what can i expect to be doing starting off
I currently have a job offer for an apprenticeship but the company only does new construction and pays peace rate instead of hourly is it worth it to just get the experience and tryo to move on to a service apprenticeship somewhere else to learn both new construction and service ?
@mivec4g64 if that's all you can find absolutely. I would try about anything to get ny foot in the door and learn what you can. Are you wanting to get into service or new construction?
I'm inspired, not just by the video but also by people like you guys, who have taken initiative in pursuing a new career, regardless of age or background. I myself am 21, I've worked in housekeeping for 4 years and just recently started as a maintenance technician. I've done a bit of basic plumbing, electrical, and painting but I am looking to see where these basic understandings can take me and currently, a career in plumbing has really caught my eye. In time I hope to start an apprenticeship but for now i just want to soak up as much knowledge as i can as a maintenance technician
Pinocho Says basic understanding wont get you very far. Figure out something that you really like and master it! Become the very best that there is and you will love every day then! How'd you find my channel?
@@RogerWakefield I found your channel simply by entering "Union Plumber", I saw your video & it looked like a good place to start. I know a few union electricians & they suggested I look into plumbing. I'm ready to stop job hopping & get into a career where I can learn something beneficial & not live from check to check.
3rd year union plumbing apprentice and gas tech who is always looking to learn. I've reviewed the IPT's Pipe Trades Handbook & Training Manual and will now review the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code Study Guide via your tips. Since this video is a few years old I was wondering if the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code Illustrated Training Manual with Tabs would be a better choice, although it's not a study guide like your recommendation is. Appreciate any feedback on that from you Roger or anybody else here.
I'm torn, I'm currently in a job that pays about 70k gross. However room for advancement and chance for higher pay is low as well (outside of annual cost of living raises). Should I take the plunge into plumbing making a third of my current pay for atleast 2 years?
