Journeyman plumber jobs require specialized training. There are many different aspects of plumbing that have to be mastered before a plumber is ready to be licensed as a Journeyman plumber. An even more advanced level is a Master plumber job, which allows the plumber to be over more workers and also to plan out multi-level building plumbing work.
Training
Plumbers must go to school in order to master the basic job requirements for a Journeyman plumber job position. In school, they learn the basics of industrial math and science, especially chemistry. They learn how to read blueprints of buildings and how to calculate and design plumbing systems.
Once they finish the classroom part of their training, or in some cases while they are doing that training online, apprentice plumbers must find a job working under a Journeyman or Master plumber to begin gaining their on the job experience. In order to be able to apply for the Journeyman exam to be licensed to take Journeyman plumber jobs, the apprentice must have completed their course work and also completed at least eight thousand hours under the direct supervision of a Journeyman or Master plumber. Until they complete these hours, which adds up to almost four years of working full time, they are not eligible to even apply to take the exam.
Each state has its own exam system, although all of it is based on the National Standard Plumbing Codes. The exam covers a written part, dealing with knowledge of calculations and schematics, has a sanitary waste and vent part of the exam which is practical knowledge, and then has a shop work part that has to do with the materials and machines used on the job. All three parts must be passed in order to be licensed as a Journeyman plumber so that they can take Journeyman plumbing jobs.
Journeyman plumbing jobs require the plumbers to oversee other workers, such as apprentice plumbers. It also requires that the plumbers deal in customer service, as well as work with other construction workers and overseers on the construction sites. They must be able to plan out the plumbing systems in new homes and offices so that the systems meet the particular requirements of that particular state and city. In addition, they need to be able to handle all types of tools, and be able to visualize the system so that the trouble areas may be found more efficiently. They must also keep up to date on the different appliances being used, such as the automatic sinks and toilets, since they require and electronic knowledge as well.