1. Strong work ethic 2. Respect your mentor 3. Dependable and responsible 4. Positive attitude 5. Adaptability 6. Self starter 7. willing to learn 8. always be professional 9. loyal to the company 10. be confident 11. Try to be the best

i disagree with 9. Even though I was the one they always called when they had a problem that needed solving, the only thing company loyalty ever got me was low wages, being worked like a mule, and being kicked to the curved when I asked for a raise.

Killer Video, for all those apprentices out there, follow the 10 steps and they will pay off. I worked with some bad ass plumbers in my apprentice years, and I’m grateful for em every day to this day, they are the ones who shape you! Trust in this.

THANK YOU!!! You are my hero! I'm a 62 yo divorced lady. I live alone, and like everybody, I have the occasional plumbing issue. I work a commission only job as a 1099, therefore, I pay for everything a W2 employee would receive as a benefit. That being said, I need to make every dollar stretch as far as I can. Your KZfaq videos have helped me do that. I just got my disposal working again, when before I started it wasn't making a sound. AT ALL. So once again, I'm so grateful to you! I live in Alabama or otherwise I'd be tempted to call you to my rescue. But , since you're in Texas, and I couldn't afford to call you anyway, probably, I hope you'll take my words of affirmation as reward for all you've done to help me.

Thank you 🙏🏼 i needed this motivation to finish my apprenticeship

1. respect 2. be okay with getting dirty 3. attention to detail 4. don’t stand around or be on phone 5. don’t be that guy that always disappears on job site 5. ask questions and pickup quick 6. don’t lie about your knowledge 7. don’t complain about what your told to do, especially if you have to dig. get use to doing all the grunt work. 8. know what your plumber is thinking/ what he needs material/ tool wise 9. be on time 10. Work ethic Hustle. & take pride in your work/ make your installations stand out from the rest. an don’t be a Hack/ lazy route out. ** study your codes buy a code book..

If you want to impress your journeyman on your very first day on the job. Know how to read a tap measure. Know what 1/16's- 1/8's- 1/4's and know how to add , subtract, multiply and divide fractions. If you know these basic math skills on your first day, you will be way ahead of your compitition. advice for the first year (first day)

I just moved from Nevada to Texas to become a plumber apprentice. These videos help fuel my passion.

Only a few hours away from finishing my apprenticeship, Im learning as much as I can. Thank you for this channel 🙏

Going to apply to my Local 55 Union here in Cleveland. I have to wait until the third Monday of next month, but I am going to do it, dammit! Currently, I am working as a Quality Tech at a fastener distributor. I do not have much college education and have been feeling the need to find something I enjoy and will put my all into. Thank you for the videos. I am ready to pursue a new chapter in my life and support my wife and our newborn.

As someone whose transitioning careers i can't wait to give back to a company that gives me a chance. You can put loyalty and hard working on a resume and those are some of my stand out qualities

Hey Roger, hats off to ya brother. I/we were there in Austin, I shook your hand B4 the rally & had to shake your had after all the speeches... all of you did a great job, but some of the things you spoke about really hit the nail on the head...👍🏻 The wife & I were setting on the capital steps just to the left of the podium & had to go get something to drink, I thought it was you speaking when I heard whoever it was speaking say only 8 plumbers showed up at the last TSBPE board meeting ! That stopped me in my tracks... I’ve not attended a board meeting myself, but I promise you, I’ll be at the next board meeting...!!! It’s time plumbers took the bull by the horns, and plumbers being at board meetings is the start... I’m not a big company, but all 7 of us el be at the next board meeting...👍🏻 See You July 15th at 9AM Ron Winn HEB Plumbing Bedford TX HEBplumbing.com

Hey Roger, thanks for these great videos. I just stumbled upon them. We're family owner and we've been in business since 1974 up here in Ontario, Canada. As leaders in our market area we've got 24 employees in all and still growing. With 6 apprentices, I'm going to play your 2 videos I just found at our meeting next week. I believe they will be helpful and well-received. (our tech coach is in Texas with Service Excellence!) And thanks for these great videos... keep em coming!

3rd year union apprentice and gas tech here. Good tips and I'm implementing the ones I'm not already doing. I signed up as a member to IAPMO and will purchase the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code Study Guide and 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code Illustrated Training Manual to hep further my education. I used to get put off that I didn't get the exposure I wanted to on some jobs (e.g. being stuck on materials on a big site) but now understand there's more I can do for myself after having read the IPT's Pipe Trades Handbook & Training Manual, which is all I could think of doing outside of work up until now. Thanks Roger.

I love this and its applicable in my electrical apprenticeship. I took a pre-apprenticeship and really enjoyed the plumbing parts of class. Got hired in electrical first, my hope would be to learn both.

I watch your videos every once in awhile. First year apprentice, will be second year here shortly. I'm still trying to learn so much. I definitely work my hardest. Ik I have the intelligence and mind to do it. I want to make a great living and have a great career. If anyone is reading this I am willing to listen to your story on your trades or if you're a plumber yourself. I may need to switch to a different company here sooner or later because I just don't feel like I'm not learning much right now.

Thank you Roger. I really appreciate you putting in the time to make these videos and share all of your knowledge and experiences. I always learn something extremely useful whenever I wash one of your videos. I will be starting as an apprentice by the end of the month in Pennsylvania

I'm actually joining the union in DFW myself right now I'm studying for the apprentice exam

Very good video. All apprentices should watch this when they start working. Fortunately for me I've worked under fantastic Journeyman during my apprenticeship and they all have said the same things you've said here. I just turned out with my time in Local 1 NYC and I can tell anyone reading this, you definitely know what you're talking about. The only thing I'd say appreciates should also do is attend union meetings and rallies regularly (if you're in a union). Also; plumbers are like wash women so make sure to keep ya mouth shut!

Thank you for your insight and passion. It is people like you who have cemented the idea that I've made the right decision to be a plumber.

Thank u! Going to share with some Apprentices and Journeymen too!

Thanks, Mr Roger Wakefield for the knowledge you have shared with us I have really learnt a lot and am Igor to learn more.

I liked everything you said and this is a part of respecting the plumbing master that you work under: listen. Try to not be off somewhere else in your head or do that thing you do to your parents where you hear what's being said. But you're not listening. So you don't do something like hear them say get me my large channel locks, and then after you give them the normal channel locks because all the heard was channel locks.

I am a garage door installer of 6 years I’m 29 years old , I just took a big step and got hired on a very large plumbing company . I start as a material handler and then I will move up from there . I’m really excited ! I love your videos thanks

I am a plumber in jamaica just start in the industry i want to be the best i can thank you for your tips God bless you

Very impressed with not only your passion for plumbing but the way you articulate yourself! Keep doing videos and the subscribers will roll on in. I'm flirting with the idea of abandoning a career situated primarily in an office setting. I like moving around and working hard manually. Would this seem like a crazy idea for a 25 year old to do? Some of my close friends/family would deem it crazy but I just think they'd be crazy to not see plumbing as a practical and safe career choice compared to the "white collar" job market of today.

8 month apprentice here in Dallas . #10 seems to be hardest for me I'm always scared to mess something up. Had a Difficult PRV I wanted to install the other day with my own hands but between the wonky irrigation tie in and the few 90's I needed I decided to maintain a visual and let the actual pro do it. Just beat myself up a lot I just wanna be the best I can. I push myself to my physical limits everyday and try to be as high speed as I can.

Great tips Roger! Thanks 🙏🏿

Thank you! Starting my 5 year union plumbing apprenticeship today! $15.53 an hour, will keep you updated every month! If you are interested in hearing how my experience is going, just reply, from one plumber apprentice to another 🙏🏼

Hey thanks for the great video. Im in my 2nd year of apprenticeship and was really starting to become unmotivated. This video really reshaped my mind frame towards the field and has me eager to go to work tomorrow. Thank you

I’m a Terd-year apprentice. Good advice. I’m the princess of the year every year

Roger loves the video! Heading to Arizona in a few months and gunning for a spot in n open shop. Im a home inspector now and hoping that knowledge I have will help me advance and shine a little more in the plumbing game. Keep doing what you’re doing. Very motivating and uplifting

22 Started my apprenticeship last week. Hard work but i know it’s gonna pay off in the long run

I've learned so much from you bro thank you so much!!!

I'm just now trying to get into plumbing I just hope I can find a place that have a good attitude

Mr Wakefield thank you for your wise words !

Hey Great video! I’m thinking to get an apprenticeship in New Zealand as a plumber , hopefully it won’t be difficult

Thank you! Great Video!

Appreciate the vids u put out here man.. I'm getting into plumbing soon so these vids are a huge help to know what I should expect. Thank you!

NOt just for plumbers or even tradesmen. Apply these tips to ANY job you take and youll see yourself excel

Thank you very much for your videos and knowledge you share Roger. I teach Plumbing Technology at a Tech College and use your videos as learning tools and quizzes. I appreciate you sharing because it is good for my students to hear from another professional about all the opportunities there are for a plumber or pipe fitter.

I'm at a major crossroad in my life (partially because of how crazy things are now with COVID-19) where I have the chance to evaluate and change directions. These videos and others have been very helpful. Thanks!

Keep up the great work! Thank you for all the helpful advice.

Sir. I'm in the military right now and I'm a utilitiesman our job description is plumbing and HVAC. They teach us the basic of plumbing and HVAC, now I'm done with our schooling. And I'm on my first duty station now at Mississippi. I found out that I'm not really gonna do plumbing work at my first station and it's more on office work. By your videos I want to continue to pursue this career when I go back to the civilian world but the problem is I don't have a mentor that can guide me to ultimate plumbing. And plumbing is kinda new to me. I only started learning it when they sent us to our basic school for it. Can I work on a plumbing apprenticeship for part time?

Thanks for the wisdom. GOD BLESS

Your videos are helping me a lot. Thank you Roger.

Plumbing wasn't for me but I loved the trade so I got into wholesale I share the same work ethic I'm there every day and I love my job and I do what I do and I'm successful

Lovin these videos. Definitely gonna get the UPC study guide.

Got 3 college degrees, two undergrad degrees and a masters in business. Have over 15 yrs of automotive exp working on my own cars all the way to engine swaps and soldering/wiring harnesses. Excellent with tools and working with my hands. I'm 34 and I'm tired of applying to white collar jobs with hundreds of other applicants. I also want to get into a blue collar job so I can work for myself one day. I'm extremely enthusiastic and hard working in absolutely everything I do. I'm now learning older guys are entering the trade, 30s and 40s. Hope I'm not starting late. Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

Never met an owner to date, that enjoys babysitting, why would an owner within any business, hire a person, then having to follow them post there call completion. Might as well as owner, complete the calls yourself. Two catagorys apply, one being self-starter within office, most important primary is within actual calls, call backs are overhead, 85% within call backs is due to cookie cutter workmanship, triangle within being a true cookie cutter, lazyness/ low quality tools/ not ready within real world u.s standards to run calls completely solo, lack within actual experience, replacing a hose Bibb, and-or supply lines, and-or a bathroom lavatory pop-up assembly does not place qualified/ over night thought within what many feel makes them an actual plumber. Those 3-aspects mentioned above qualifies within nothing more/less than a glorified handyman. Much much more involved, actually never will know each/every transition through process, many different types within plumbers, within many different settings,, last but wizard oz least being codes change every 2-calendars, being said no one knows, and-or will know everything within this occupation. Guy mentions he's fully tankless water heater capable/nothing he hasn't done as example, during non-consenting initial tankless water heater debut days yes, condensing tankless water heaters enter sector within process, no clue towards process, especially venting requirements as example, removing existing non-condensing tankless water heater unit, setting/installing new condensing tankless water heater, tieing into existing single, and-or double wall galvanized b-vent. Knows fundamentals yes, doesn't know unit will be warranty void upon his very first call to designated manufacturer. Glorified, you add the following word, hint, starts with an "h" . Ends with an "n"

Mid life career change for me, gonna try and join Austin's 286.

Brother I love this video and I think I will start showing it to my new apprentices I have hired.

Thank you sir Roger. Just stumbled to your vid. And it's very helpful

Fantastic information, but for boys. Not real men who have all of these common sense-built in core values and integrity. BUT... lots of guys need this advice, regardless of age. Some never learn.

Joining the Union as a plumbers apprentice

Hey Roger, big fan. Aside from the UPC, what is a good way to study at home?

#9 yes the company is paying you, but the other side, without the employees, no company, I have seen companies, oil service to be exact, on Long Island ny , that had no idea have to service and even know what goes into a heating system everything goes two ways, sorry for some bad English, but get the point

Do you have a course or something to learn about basic or beginners plumbing? I’m starting a new plumbing apprentice job in a week and I want to get as much knowledge as I can

Smashed the like button

I am wondering where do I go if I am a brand new beginner at plumbing? Do I go sign up with the Union, or find a job being a Plumber's assistant? I have really basic knowledge about plumbing,, and have a ton to learn... but it's just something I would like to do, and it makes a good income. What do you think?

Going to apply to local 130 in Janurary. Hoping it all works out.

I have 3200 hours, ill be ready for the tradesman test around August. I started doing new construction and did that for 1 year. Now i am in service and working on tunnels and slab leaks. I want to learn alot more so i can be the best plumber i can be. Any tips? I live in dallas tx, plumbing is my life and i seriously love running pvc drain and vents.

Great video. I should send this to my apprentice who has a bad case of cranial-rectal syndrome. Lol

How am I just now discovering your channel. I'm graduating this December! I can't wait to get started in this trade.

Im a plumber out of New york State , Should i read up on UPC or IPC , because ive seen on a website that new york adopted the IPC .. Anyone help plz ?

Thank you I shared this with your company

The problem with trades starting out is the older cats crap on you for no reason

Will this upc guide be useable for Canada? Or is this code only suitable for US codes?

I'm from Canada and I'm looking to start in this career at 28. I'm wondering what the UPC equivalent is in Canada.

Can you work part time as an apprentice or is it full time only?

I wanted to start but people keep telling me my joints and body will be worn out by my 40s is this true ?

Just put in my application with the local 646. Any tips or possibly a whole video on how to stand out in the interview to get hired?

My journeyman has no idea the storm thats coming.

Should I get the newest upc or should I get the 2018?

Did you always wanted to be a plumber and how did you know.

I love this! Im working on getting into an apprenticeship and this is a lot of solid info!

Just wondering if age will be a deterring factor? Im 46 years of age and starting my life over. How long did it take to become a shop owner etc?

What about to make a video to immigrant to be accepted as apprentice . Hard and easier things for a people from another country that staying their life here in USA .

Great video great advice!!!!!👍🏼

I've been trying to find a plumber apprenticeship for 3 months. Do you know somewhere I would be able to get an apprenticeship.

Struggling like fuck to get back in the trade no ones got room at the inn everyone wants that license how can I get around these damn work hours

I’m 54 I closed my business during the pandemic. Have broad education and have a lot of experience remodeling and also have a design background making construction drawings. I feel a little old to start a new profession but I need to do something and have thought plumbing may be an option. Med gas preferably. Thoughts anyone?

How long does it take to be a residential service plumber? I know a guy who said after a year he could go out and do it, I’ve been at it for almost 3 months I can’t find any evidence on how long it does to be a service plumber

thanks Rodger good stuff

Hey I need help. I want to be a plumber but I don’t know what’s the first step to do

Starting my Career today as a Helper. Let the Journey Begein #Murrieta

Thanks, Hi Is good idea , I ‘m trucker and I want to switch to plumber ??

Great video! Coming from SC. Currently in code class and intro to residential. Right now I’m learning the basics. Types of pipes, fittings, etc. Only thing with the code class is it’s not much help being online and my teacher for the classes not being passionate but simply just there for a role as a teacher. I have the IPC book, and looking for ways to better understand it. Any tips for starters? Seems overwhelming in the beginning

Are you suggesting that people not get sick? And shouldn't be entitled to sick days?

So so so true.

So I'm 27 with a family. I have experience with city utilities in contract work swapping meters. Is that enough to get in the door to an apprenticeship? Or do I need more?

I cannot even find an apprenticeship in plumbing. Any advice?

Is plumbing really a great career?

Every apprenticeship program is closed out here in Cali because of fucking COVID I’ve been waiting for 6months

UA LOCAL 1!!

So you can’t call In sick if your sick lol

how do i start an apprenticeship 🤢

How many lebos are watching this video

I'm 26 years old , is that to old to start.?

I think you make more money on KZfaq