Major Labor Shortage Puts Emphasis on Plumbing Trade Schools

The plumbers' trade is about to experience a significant labor shortage in the next 10 years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters will be needed by 2026 at a rate that is 24% higher than average for all other professions.

Demand For Plumbing Professionals Continues to Grow With Economic Recovery

With the current plumber demographic consisting mainly of aging baby boomers, it's predicted that plumbers are retiring much faster than millennials are entering the workforce. This could result in plumbers retiring at almost twice the rate plumbers are being trained or hired. With an estimated 393,760 plumbers employed nationwide as of May 2012 - making an hourly mean wage of $25.90 - according to BLS data, plumbing companies will have to find ways to attract plumbers who will be ready for work in the future.

This is especially true as plumbers are now completing apprenticeships, which can span up to five years before they're able to take on plumber jobs on their own. This means plumbers need time to learn their trade through an apprenticeship program before they will be qualified enough to stand out among other plumbers looking for work.

Many plumbing companies want plumbers who know how to handle themselves in any situation and also possess strong computer skills because many plumber jobs require knowledge of CAD (computer-aided design) drawings and blueprints that indicate plumbing system layouts for new construction or remodeling projects. Other requirements may include passing a drug test, physical, or requiring plumbers to be licensed or certified in the state.

Plumbing schools are taking notice of these shifts in plumber demographics and emphasizing what they can provide to plumbers interested in learning the trade. It pays off for plumbers who attend plumbing schools - not only do graduates often find higher-paying jobs, but many plumbing companies also pay their plumber employees more than those with similar job titles at other companies.

Pipefitting apprentice Gregg Chastain is currently enrolled at Mid-Michigan Community College (MIMCC) where he studies heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), electrical work, carpentry, engine repair, welding and pipefitting. He has done some work on his—mainly small things like and background check.

Plumbers who are certified or licensed by plumber trade associations can often set themselves apart because plumber certifications indicate plumbers have the knowledge and skills to handle specific plumbing projects.

"Our plumber students understand that plumber trade associations provide plumbers with training and certification programs that provide them with additional tools necessary for success in their careers," says Bill Holtzclaw, dean of Bridgewater College's School of Integrated Technology in Bridgewater, Va. "They also know the rigors of earning licensure will help them stand out to employers."