A plumbing trainee is a person who assists a master plumber in his day-to-day tasks. In some cases, these individuals will travel to multiple residences or businesses to perform a single job. Other times, a plumbing trainee may be exclusively employed by a facility, such as a university or hospital. Generally speaking, this position requires a high school diploma or equivalent, and the completion of a plumbing vocational school. Some common job duties include reading blueprints, laying out piping and inspecting plumbing problems; other tasks include fixing leaky pipes, bathroom sinks, toilets and showers.
Effectively reading blueprints is an important part of being a plumbing trainee. Before new installations can be done, it's necessary for the trainee to understand the specifics of pipe location and how to lay them. Incorrectly placed pipes could cause future complications. In most cases, an individual will learn how to do this from the master plumber he assists.
After a plumbing trainee and the master plumber have a thorough understanding of where piping should be placed, both individuals will lay out the piping accordingly. Being successful at this requires the correct piping size, equipment and tools for each job. In some cases, like in a residence, this process may be relatively simple. Other times — for example, when the work is being done in a large facility — it could be more complex. Throughout the course of a project, the master plumber is likely to check on a plumbing trainee to ensure that he is performing his job correctly.
When issues arise from existing piping, a plumbing trainee will inspect the problem. For example, if a homeowner is experiencing flooding in her basement, a plumbing trainee would assist the master plumber with an inspection. This practice requires an individual to make a correct assessment of each situation and determine the best course of action.
Another large part of this job revolves around fixing leaky pipes. No matter how high-quality piping may be, it's common to experience leaks over time. When this occurs, it's up to a plumbing trainee to effectively solve the problem. In some cases, this may involve a quick fix by placing a repair sleeve over the leak. Other times, piping might need to be completely replaced.
In addition, a plumbing trainee will often be called to fix bathroom sinks, toilets and showers. While the specifics of each job can vary, he might need to repair or replace different parts to restore normal functioning. He might also need to install caulking to prevent water damage in a bathroom.