Becoming a Journeyman Plumber (With Resume Template)

By Indeed Editorial Team

Published 26 November 2022

The Indeed Editorial Team comprises a diverse and talented team of writers, researchers and subject matter experts equipped with Indeed's data and insights to deliver useful tips to help guide your career journey.

If you're interested in a career in a professional trade, you might consider becoming a plumber. Finding work in this field requires a resume that highlights your suitability for the role. Understanding how to write a resume for a journeyman plumber position can help you start your career in this trade. In this article, we explain what a journeyman plumber is, outline five steps for becoming one, provide a resume template you can use to write your own and offer an example you can follow for guidance.

What is a journeyman plumber?

A journeyman plumber is a professional who has finished their plumbing apprenticeship but has not yet become an accredited senior plumber. They perform basic plumbing tasks, such as maintaining and repairing water fixtures in commercial and private buildings, installing pipes and drains in new buildings and performing bathroom renovations.

Plumbers often read building schematicplans and plumbing diagrams so they can work around gas, electricity and air conditioning pipes and wires safely. Journeyman plumbers often train apprentices to help them become fully qualified.

How to become a journeyman plumber

Here are five steps you can follow to start your plumbing career:

1. Get an apprenticeship

The first step towards becoming a qualified plumber is to complete a plumbing apprenticeship. You can typically begin your plumber apprenticeship through an accredited institution that focuses on this trade. For example, you can apply for an apprenticeship through the Master Plumbers Association in your state. An apprenticeship allows you to earn a wage while learning skills and knowledge in the field from an experienced plumber. It typically takes four years to complete, and once you receive your accreditation, you can begin working as a qualified plumber.

Through an apprenticeship, you can learn the main duties of the plumbing profession. These can involve lifting and holding heavy pipes, sinks, appliances, tools and machinery that connect to a water system, using small tools in confined spaces, reading gauges to assess water or gas pressure and threading small wires and securing bolts and screws. Physical strength and manual dexterity can help you complete these tasks. Other important aspects of plumbing that you can learn in an apprenticeship include:

Using sealants, adhesives and caulking to fix small holes and secure parts
Maintaining grip strength
Working comfortably in confined or dirty spaces
Using vibrating tools for long periods
Welding and soldering

2. Complete a certification

Your plumbing apprenticeship will include earning a certification to continue your formal education. This is completed part-time while you're working through your local TAFE. You can expect to complete a Certificate III in Plumbing as a part of your apprenticeship.

A plumbing certification can offer you a greater understanding of the theoretical knowledge necessary for the career. For example, you can gain knowledge of how water and gas systems work. You can also gain the technical skills and knowledge for performing tasks such as analysing building schematics and checking water pressure. You can learn how to use mathematics when analysing gas and water to meet regulatory standards and gain a knowledge of mechanical engineering to understand how to make repairs with specific tools. Some further mechanical and technical plumbing skills you can learn through studying a certification include:

Geometry and algebra for analysing angles and shapes and calculating complex formulas
Proficiency with plumbing tools
Understanding of water heating principles
Knowledge of different plumbing fixtures
Ability to identify leaks and clogs in water or gas lines
Understanding of mechanics to make informed decisions and give reasons for maintenance and installations
Ability to interpret plans and plumbing diagrams and make decisions and calculations based on them

3. Become a registered plumber

Once you've completed your apprenticeship, you can apply to become a registered plumber. After completing your registration, you can begin performing tasks that apply to the business aspect of working as a plumber. For example, you can perform administrative- and business-related tasks, such as organising paperwork or answering emails. Although you've finished an apprenticeship at this stage, you still require supervision from a licensed plumber to work in the field. While this stage of being a plumber can allow you to earn more money, you can pursue further study to become fully licensed and work as an independent contractor.

4. Pursue a second certification

To become a fully qualified plumber, you require further education in the field. After completing Certificate III in Plumbing, you can study for Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services. Once you've completed this secondary certificate, you can apply to register as a fully qualified plumber.

At this stage of your plumbing career, you can focus on gaining the necessary skills to work independently in the field. For example, you can gain the ability to analyse water systems, diagnose any problems and figure out a solution. Issues with water or gas systems can often be complex, so strong problem-solving skills can help you determine the cause of issues quickly and resolve them with minimal disruptions to the home or commercial building. Some further skills you can gain at this level include:

Ability to make quick calculations
Understanding of piping
Ability to make fast assessments and perform diagnoses
Knowledge of plumbing systems and an ability to monitor them after installing them
Ability to analyse project requirements
Ability to estimate project costs

5. Write a resume

To apply for work as a plumber, you require a well-written resume. A resume is a formal document that outlines your skills, experience and education to demonstrate that you're qualified for the position. It also allows you to make a positive impression on the hiring manager.

Resume template

Here's a template of a resume for a plumber with experience that you can use to help write your own:

[First name] [Last name], [Degree or certification if applicable]
[Phone number] | [Email address] | [City], [State]

Professional Summary

[Two to three sentences that highlight years of experience, relevant skills, education or certifications and achievements as a professional.]

Experience

(For the most recent role, list 5 experience items. For previous roles, list 3.)

[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [City], [State]

(Strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results
[Job duty]
[Job duty]
[Job duty]
[Job duty]

[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [City], [State]

(Strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results
[Job duty]
[Job duty]

Skills

Education

[Qualification], [Name of Institution]

Optional

[Certification name], [Host organisation], [Year completed or expiration date]

Example resume

Here's an example of a resume for a plumber with experience that you can use as a guide when writing your own:

Matthew Grant
08 8373 9494 | w.grant@email.com | Adelaide, SA

Professional Summary

Plumber with five years of experience in performing routine maintenance on gas, electrical and plumbing lines in large commercial buildings. Friendly demeanour, strong work ethic and ability to communicate clearly with clients and colleagues.

Experience

Journeyman Plumber | December 2021–Current
Baker & Sons Plumbing | Adelaide, SA

Flood pipes with gas or water to analyse areas for repairs and maintenance
Perform manual inspections of sewage pipelines
Use architectural drawings and plumbing diagrams to analyse buildings and determine pipe locations
Make on-the-spot calculations to make repairs quickly and determine costs
Cut pipes and materials to specific measurements using specialist tools

Apprentice Plumber | August 2019–November 2021
Wylder Plumbers | Adelaide, SA

Assessed pipelines to determine issues
Installed new fittings and bathroom amenities
Communicated with clients and customers with a friendly demeanour

Skills

Education

Certificate III in Plumbing, Adelaide TAFE

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.

Becoming a Journeyman Plumber (With Resume Template)

What is a journeyman plumber?

How to become a journeyman plumber

1. Get an apprenticeship

2. Complete a certification

3. Become a registered plumber

4. Pursue a second certification

5. Write a resume

Resume template

Example resume

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