Trade Schools
If you are currently working as a plumber, you may have already developed strong problem-solving skills and enjoy working with your hands.
You may also understand complex systems.
But perhaps you’re considering the need to venture off into something a bit more different.
Whether you need a change or simply just want to expand your skill set, there are many alternative careers you can consider.
Some of these alternative careers include construction management, gas line technician, building inspector, and many more.
This guide will provide you with a list of alternative career choices to help you along your journey of transition.
List of Alternative Careers
1. Construction Manager
Description
Construction managers are responsible for overseeing the whole process of building a home or commercial building.
They must ensure everything runs as it should.
While you’ll still be involved in a lot of the action associated with the building process, you will be rewarded with a higher salary and possibly more satisfaction.
Transferable Skills
There are many transferable skills you can take with you as you transition from a plumber to a construction manager.
Some of these skills include problem-solving skills, communication skills, attention to detail, leadership skills, and much more.
Developing these skills ahead of time means that you’ll have an understanding of the complexities of construction projects.
Potential Requirements
Plumbers don’t need a bachelor’s degree.
However, this is required to become a construction manager.
So, you’ll need to make sure that you earn a bachelor’s in business, engineering, construction management, or another related field.
Additionally, you may even choose to pursue a professional certificate such as the CCM, or Certified Construction Manager.
Benefits
There are many benefits to transitioning to a construction manager.
For example, if you are someone who currently loves working on the job site but is prepared to take on a larger load, this could be an ideal career for you.
You’ll find yourself one step ahead because you’ll already understand how essential plumbing systems are.
You’ll have a bigger appreciation for understanding the way buildings come together.
2. Gas Line Technician
Description
Gas line technicians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing gas systems in residential and commercial buildings.
While it’s a unique field, plumbers who have enough experience may quickly find themselves making a smooth transition.
Transferable Skills
A plumber making the transition to a gas line technician can transfer multiple skills, including problem-solving, safety protocols, the ability to identify and repair leaks, customer service skills, having an understanding of building codes, and much more.
It’s possible for a plumber to easily apply their past knowledge of working with pipe materials and fittings to gas lines.
Potential Requirements
Both plumbers and gas line techs need a high school diploma.
Additionally, to become a gas line technician, you’ll need to enroll in and complete a vocational training program and pass various exams to become certified.
Some of these exams prove that you have basic mechanical skills, the ability to follow safety protocols, and many others.
Benefits
Compared to being a plumber, various benefits come along with working as a gas line technician.
You’ll benefit from a higher salary, year-round work, and a unique level of specialization.
Overall, plumbers who currently work with gas lines, as well as water systems, will quickly find that they can adjust easily.
3. Building Inspector
Description
Becoming a building inspector is another option for those looking to transition from a plumber to an alternative career.
As a plumber, you should already be familiar with safety and compliance.
As a building inspector, you’ll be able to apply your knowledge of codes and systems to a variety of different projects in construction.
Building inspectors have a responsibility to make sure that every aspect of a construction project adheres to standards.
This also includes plumbing systems.
Transferable Skills
Plumbers looking to transition to a building inspector can leverage a number of skills, all of which are transferable including mechanical knowledge, communication skills, attention to detail, understanding of building codes, and much more.
Potential Requirements
Building inspectors, like plumbers, also need a high school diploma.
Besides that, you will also need to have construction experience and a license, depending on your location.
Some employers may even prefer candidates that have an engineering or architecture degree.
Benefits
Being a building inspector provides you with a lot of freedom and autonomy.
Additionally, you’ll benefit from higher pay.
You will also be able to develop relationships with different contractors without having to deal with added stress.
4. Plumbing Consultant
Description
Already having experience as a plumber puts you 10 steps ahead if you choose to transition to a plumbing consultant.
Shifting into a consultant role means you will be in charge of advising contractors, companies, and homeowners on the best plumbing systems, solutions, and equipment for particular projects.
You may work with builders who are looking to upgrade their current plumbing infrastructure.
Transferable Skills
Plumbers transitioning to a plumber consultant job can leverage several of their skills to succeed in this role.
Some of these skills include technical plumbing knowledge, problem-solving skills, customer service skills, communication skills, project management skills, and much more.
Potential Requirements
Becoming a plumbing consultant means you’ll already have to be a licensed master plumber with a lot of experience, making this an ideal career for current plumbers looking to transition.
However, you may need to obtain additional certifications depending on what you’re specializing in.
Benefits
Compared to a plumber, plumbing consultants generally enjoy many benefits, including less physical labor, a higher salary, less hands-on work, the ability to influence larger projects, and more flexibility in scheduling.
This is a great alternative career if you’re looking to remain in the plumbing industry but prefer to utilize your current expertise.
5. Automation Technician
Description
An automation technician is another great alternative career for those looking to remain hands-on.
Automation technicians install, maintain, and troubleshoot automated machinery.
They work in the automotive, manufacturing, and robotics industries.
They work with advanced systems and have a duty to help companies reduce manual labor.
Transferable Skills
If you’re currently a plumber, you can leverage a lot of your skills for your next career as an automation technician.
Some of these skills include problem-solving skills, troubleshooting skills, communication, decision-making skills, and much more.
Potential Requirements
You may need to receive additional education, training, and apprenticeships on your journey to becoming an automation technician.
Automation technicians need to have an associate’s degree in robotics, automation technology, or another related field.
While it may not be required, you’ll appear more valuable to employers if you receive on-the-job training or enroll in an internship or apprenticeship.
This helps you gain the necessary experience.
Benefits
There are many benefits of working as an automation technician.
Currently, there is an increased need for automation techs.
This means that you can enjoy a career that offers stability, excellent pay, and a lot of room for growth.
It’s a great alternative career choice because it blends your skills in problem-solving, electronics, and other areas.
6. Aquaculture Technician
Description
For those who can see themselves in the marine life industry, an aquaculture technician is another great alternative career for plumbers.
Aquaculture technicians are responsible for caring for marine life.
Daily, they feed fish, check the water quality, monitor fish for diseases, maintain equipment, and much more.
Transferable Skills
Many skills are required to become an aquaculture technician, but some of them you may already have as a plumber.
Some skills you can take with you include adaptability skills, communication skills, conflict resolution skills, and more.
Plumbers already have technical skills that may be beneficial when it comes to maintaining water systems in different environments.
Potential Requirements
Aquaculture technicians must have either an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in marine biology, aquaculture, fisheries, or a related field.
You must also acquire training via internships or from on the job.
Benefits
If you understand the chemistry between water treatment and wastewater, you’ll be delighted to work as an aquaculture technician.
It’s a rewarding career if you are looking to apply your plumbing skills to an industry that primarily focuses on sustaining the environment.
You’ll continue gaining more hands-on experience with aquatic organisms.
You’ll expand your technical skills and learn how to manage water quality.
Tips for Transitioning Careers
Here are several tips that can help you transition into a new career:
1. Network
If possible, connect with professionals in the industry you’re thinking about transitioning into.
You can network with these people online or in person.
This is necessary as you can receive a lot of advice and perhaps guidance to learn more about the new industry.
It’s also possible for these professionals to make recommendations on job openings.
2. Make Changes to Your Resume
It’s also necessary to make any new changes to your resume when transitioning into a new career.
Be sure to add additional skills, qualifications, and relatable knowledge to your resume as you gain them.
Also, make sure that you highlight your current experience and skills as they apply to your new career.
3. Receive Additional Certification
Making a big career change may mean you’ll need to enroll in another program to receive the necessary training and gain knowledge for your new career.
You may also need to take exams to receive additional certificates.
For example, transitioning from a plumber to a gas line technician means you’ll have to take various exams to become certified.
Conclusion
Having these ideas in mind certainly helps to begin thinking about how you can make a smooth transition into a new career, all while continuing to build on your current foundation as a plumber.
Whether you want to transition into a management position or continue working with your hands, there’s something out there for you that will fit your skill set.
The skills that you have developed as a plumber can easily be transferred into a new career that interests you.
All you need to do is take the first step, which is to gain any additional education, make the necessary changes to your resume, apply to open positions, and begin your new journey.
