26 Aug 2018 STAT

This week, we took a dive into the world of plumbing and to cap it, let’s examine the world of the plumber. How does one become a plumber? What awaits the career plumber? How is plumbing in general?

What does it take to be a plumber?

To become a plumber, you need to attend some technical or vocation training. This takes roughly one year to complete.

The training course depends on the institutional level; but it covers topics ranging from water supply to drainage systems and their piping equipment. They will also learn about plumbing fixtures and appliances and some of electrical elements of those fixtures. They are taught complimentary skills such as soldering, brazing and welding as well as reading instructional manuals, workplace safety and measuring and layout designs. 

If attending an advanced level training programme, it will also cover more advanced topics as pneumatics, mechanics and hydraulics. 

As part of the training experience, one must get real-world exposure. This happens by getting a placement (attachment) for vocational work at a plumbing business, factory or project. 

After roughly a year, one gets certified and can look out for a job.

How does a career as a plumber look like?

As long as there are houses and construction and structures and equipment; there will be a plumber.

Having a career as a plumber means you must be able work at all hours, be hands-on and be willing to work from your way up to the top. Essentially, there are no short-cuts. Experience and ability to work well with others is key.

If you want to venture into self-employment, you must get some good business practice going. For now, we have identified these top issues for anyone looking into becoming a success. 

You also need to be able to price your services correctly; and to do get your started, you can look into these guidelines for quoting for plumbing jobs.

Finally, you must be able to do a good job. The only way to do a good job is to satisfy your customers. Here is what you must live up to, to keep your customers happy.

How much does a plumber earn?

The average salary for a plumber with one-year market experience is about KES 28,000 per month in Nairobi and Mombasa and around KES 19,000 in rural areas. Those employed in a large project can earn as much as 50,000 per month, if they have more than 3 years of work experience. Plumbers with over 10 years are able to take home at least 60,000 shillings every month.

The other avenue for earning a living is to look for a job. Many businesses hire a plumber or contract their departments to keep one retainer. As well, most homes will need one from time to time. 

The salaries for plumber start at institutions start at KES 20,000 plus benefits in small plants and factories for beginners while experienced plumbers earn in the upwards of KES 120,000 per month.

What are the other benefits of becoming a plumber?

If you are a hand-on person, get a job a plumber. The prospects for this career path are very promising and will only get better. Kenya is still a developing country and therefore infrastructure jobs will keep increasing while maintenance and repairs increase. Therefore, if you are looking for a life-long career that will still keep you well sustained and possibly run into a successful business, then choose the plumbing business as your choice of income.

Other benefits for taking this career include lots of personal fulfilment. Some of the payoff includes: 

• It is an easy career to start – not as expensive as many course – and takes about a year to get certified.
• There are many jobs for plumbers – many businesses employ plumbers as well as opportunities to become attached with contractors, development companies and of course your local mjengo. This is besides being self-employed.
• The average income reaches over KES 50,000 per month and will rise to over KES 100,000 in less than 10 years. This is faster than most sectors.
• It is an interesting job and challenge – no day is like the other and you get to meet all sorts of people.
• It is a secure job – people will always want to fix their water, piping and plumbing. 

How to get started:

As we said, it all begins with training. Here are some technical schools and colleges that you can apply into for training.

1. Mombasa Technical Training Institute – Mombasa. MTTI offers courses for Plumbing Grade III, II and I for one year. The course is administered by DIT and the minimum requirement is a KCPE and above.
2. Kenya Water institute – in Nairobi. This is a one-year course that requires KES 13,200 in school fees. The minimum entry is a KCSE mean grade D or KCE Division II.
3. Mawego Technical Training insitutte – Oyugis. Admists students with a KCSE grade of D+ and their course takes 6 terms.
4. Jodan College of Technology – Thika.
5. World of Faith Community College – Kiambu.
6. Kisauni Youth Polytechnic – Mombasa.
7. Wote Technical Training Institute – Wote.
8. National Industrial Vocational Training Centre – Nairobi.
9. Mombasa Industrial Training Centre – Mombasa.
10. Rift Valley Institute of Science and Technology, RVIST – Nakuru.
11. Ramogi Institute of Advance Technology - Kisumu.
12. Moi Institute of Technology - Rongo.
13. Christian Industrial Training College - Thika.
14. Siaya Institute of Technology- Siaya.
15. Kisumu Industrial Training Centre - Kisumu.
16. Mombasa Institute of Technology- Mombasa.
17. Kabete Polytechnic Training College – Nairobi.
18. Kirinyaga School of Professional Studies – Kerugoya.
19. Nyandarua Institute of Scienve and Technology – Nyahururu.
20. Comboni Polytechnic - Gilgil