It's sort of a joke about plumbers but I've met and worked with enough plumbers to know they say it too Don't bite your nails! I'll let you think about it for a few paragraphs. Apprentice Programs The first day of plumbing school might be in shop class at the local high school. It used to be a popular practice to introduce students to artisan trades in the first or second year of high school. Not too sophisticated, the main idea was to give a sampling of potential workplace and career paths. Of course, in those days it was assumed that if you didn't have what it takes' to go to college, you better get a good trade under your belt and hold on for dear life. Apprentice programs have been around for a long time, having their appearance in feudal times right through to recent history. It is no longer indentured servitude; still, an apprenticeship program does not offer much glamour. Typically, apprenticeship programs are designed to deliver useful trade knowledge in a step by step experiential manner over a specified period of work and training - you can call it plumbing school but it's really on the job training. Journeyman Plumber Now, if you want to become a journeyman plumber right out of the shoot, there are plumbing schools that provide the training. Community colleges took the basic idea of trade schools and put the concept into a campus setting. Academics was expanded, including the study of Uniform Building Code and Uniform Plumbing Code. Next, retired plumbers and building inspectors entered the classroom and voila - you now have a plumbing school. I don't know of a BS in Plumbing yet, but there might be one offered online. The achievement of a working level of plumbing knowledge - proven to state certification and licensing requirements - this is what it means to be a journeyman plumber. Relationship Of A Master Plumber It is logical to assume that the head of a plumbing school is or was a master plumber at some time in his career, but that may not be the case. Proficiency in the skills of the trade is one part that every licensed plumber must prove. Additionally, in a modern plumbing school, there are a multitude of life skills to be learned, dealing with business acumen, computer design, even taxes and ethics training. It's not just a B track for slow learners anymore.

Complete Plumbing (Stanley Complete Projects Made Easy)

Complete Plumbing (Stanley Complete Projects Made Easy) Kitchen and bath remodels are among the most popular home improvements. But plumbing can be intimidating. Complete Plumbing builds confidence and expands capabilities with comprehensive, easy-to-follow instructions. From simple maintenance to complex repairs and installations, do-it-yourself plumbers will want this book by their sides.

A one-stop guide to the basic skills, tools, and materials needed for common plumbing repairs and maintenance projects:

• Plumbing skills needed for every project
• More than 800 detailed step-by-step photos
• Tips and shortcuts

A handy companion to changing or adding plumbing for beginning and intermediate do-it-yourself remodelers and home improvers:

• More than 50 step-by-step projects
• Prestart checklists provide at-a-glance information for the right tools and complete materials to get the job done
• Estimated time needed

Complete Plumbing simplifies complex plumbing projects, from planning to cleanup:

• Adding new supply lines
• Installing drain-waste-vent pipes
• Connecting plumbed appliances