The plumbing trade is a very noble profession that usually attracts those with incredible work ethics and strong backs. The level of responsibility and commitment assumed by those in the plumbing trade is heightened due to the public trust that is afforded this group of professionals.
The Illinois Department of Public Health has set licensing requirements in place for all those who seek to embark upon the plumbing profession in order to safeguard the health of the general public.
According to the website, the Illinois Plumbing License Law upholds rigid standards for those in the plumbing trade and issues necessary licenses for plumbers or apprentices. Guidelines for the process of entering the plumbing career, including installing, maintaining, extending, repairing, or altering any manner of plumbing systems, are also provided at the website and include passing a state exam after being employed as a licensed apprentice under a licensed plumber during a period from 48 months up to 72 months.
Plumbers in Training
An apprentice is defined here, as a person who is thoroughly trained or educated in the plumbing profession by an experienced plumber, trade school or union and is eligible to apply for a license with the Illinois Department of Public Health.
A journeyman has completed a plumbing apprentice training program under a licensed plumber and is now competent to work independently. A journeyman is also eligible to apply for a license with the Illinois Department of Public Health.
For those who are interested in rapidly qualifying for work within the plumbing trade via fast track or quick training programs, the website http://www.clcillinois.edu/programs/het provides assistance and information regarding the location and availability of classes such as the Fast Track Weatherization Program.
Specialties in the Plumbing Profession
One specialty that is located within the plumbing trade is the gas plumber. The gas plumber, as indicated at this website, installs, repairs, and maintains gas lines and other gas fixtures. The website stated that gas plumbers oftentimes work with emergency personnel and must also follow state guidelines before becoming licensed plumbers.
Another noteworthy and more common specialty is the service plumber or the residential service plumber. The service plumber has also met the guidelines of the Illinois Department of Public Health and has provided competency in the plumbing craft so as to offer a full service plumbing experience for a residential emergency or a routine plumbing issue.
The process of becoming a plumber in Illinois leads one down a path of education, experience, and meeting all the requirements for licensing as set forth by the Illinois Department of Public Health. Completion of this process is not just probable but highly possible according to Illinois Department of Public Health statistics that inform us that 8900 trained plumbers and 1600 highly skilled apprentice plumbers are awarded licenses, in the state of Illinois, on an annual basis.
The information on this site is meant as general information on the topic of becoming a plumber in Illinois and may contain incorrect or outdated information. Research local and state plumbing resources for requirements and more specific details. You can also contact some local Illinois plumbing companies to get more general information and specific requirements, details and some other options that may work out better for your career goals in plumbing.