In “Forget College and Start Plumbing”, we dive into a real conversation about sidestepping traditional college and building a fulfilling career in the plumbing trade. Today, we’ll break down why plumbing can be a more practical, profitable, and meaningful path than four more years of expensive schooling.
Understanding the College Pressure
Many high school graduates feel overwhelming pressure to enroll in college. Parents, teachers, and counselors often repeat the same refrain: “Go to college to get a good job.” Yet these well-intentioned voices may overlook a crucial reality. College is not mandatory for a stable and successful life. Certain professions like medicine, law, or engineering demand degrees, but if you’re unsure of your end goal, spending thousands of dollars might not be your best option.
Plumbing and other skilled trades can lead to prosperous, stable careers without the weight of massive student loans. You can get paid to learn, begin a career immediately, and still enjoy continuous growth and education throughout your working life. Whether you’re an academic high-achiever or more of a hands-on learner, plumbing welcomes a broad spectrum of people, including those who prefer direct paths to professional success.
The Value of Plumbing as a Trade
Plumbing is more than just fixing leaks or unclogging drains. It’s about designing, installing, and maintaining systems that supply safe drinking water and remove waste. The global population will always need safe water, so reliable plumbing will never go out of style. Skilled plumbing professionals are in demand across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.
Modern plumbing projects use advanced materials and technology, such as press fittings, digital leak detection tools, and water filtration systems. Although some people see plumbing as a “dirty job,” it is far more sophisticated than many realize. Plumbers often need solid math skills for layout and measurements, an understanding of blueprints, and good mechanical reasoning.
Building Pride and Craftsmanship
One point often raised is that skilled trades are prideful professions. Plumbers, electricians, HVAC techs, and carpenters can be highly meticulous. They aim for consistent, top-notch results, ensuring each project looks and functions perfectly. This dedication stems from knowing their work keeps homes, hospitals, restaurants, and countless other facilities running smoothly.
Imagine the satisfaction of installing a new fixture or re-piping a home so that it not only works flawlessly, but also stands the test of time. Like a well-crafted piece of art, quality craftsmanship speaks volumes. The best plumbers treat every project as though customers could see it behind the wall—like the pipes were encased in transparent glass.
Earn While You Learn
Unlike college, which often costs tens of thousands of dollars per year, a plumbing apprenticeship pays you from the outset. This concept of “earn while you learn” is one of the most attractive aspects of the trades. People can enter a union or non-union apprenticeship, log real-world experience alongside skilled Journeymen, and attend a few classes each week for structured training.
Many apprentices spend four or five years learning on the job. By graduation, they’re well-versed in fundamentals of the trade—everything from soldering or pressing copper pipe to advanced problem-solving and code comprehension. They also avoid crippling student debt and even save enough to buy a car or home, while college friends might graduate owing thousands in loans.
Setting Up for Lifelong Growth
Choosing plumbing doesn’t mean halting your intellectual development. In fact, many tradespeople love continual improvement. Business owners in the skilled trades often study leadership, marketing, accounting, and more. You can earn professional endorsements, like endorsements for medical gas or water conservation systems.
For instance, certifications like LEED AP (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or advanced water quality training can expand a plumber’s capabilities and revenue. There’s no limit on how specialized or educated a plumbing professional can become. The modern industry merges eco-conscious design, digital diagnostics, and advanced technology. Far from being a dead-end job, plumbing is a gateway to innovation.
Working With Purpose
Some people feel stuck in corporate roles or saddled with degrees that didn’t lead to their dream careers. By contrast, plumbers often report deep satisfaction because they solve real, tangible problems. They restore safe water service, keep a hospital fully operational, or ensure a new homeowner’s dream bath functions perfectly. This tangible sense of accomplishment is valuable for those wanting immediate impact and real-world problem-solving.
Plumbers also interact with diverse customers, whether they’re housewives wanting a simple faucet fix, or major construction firms building high-rise projects. This variety keeps each day interesting. Troubleshoot a water heater in the morning, install a complex water filtration system at lunch, and respond to an emergency sewer backup by evening. No day is dull.
Mental and Physical Rewards
Though the job is physically demanding—carrying heavy materials, bending and kneeling—staying active can be a positive for those who dislike desk-bound work. The mental challenge also appeals to problem-solvers. Figuring out hidden leaks, mapping out lines, or installing complicated pipe layouts sharpens critical thinking.
On top of that, advanced technology has eased many traditionally grueling tasks. Mechanical press fittings, power tools, lasers, and hydro-jetters streamline the work, allowing plumbers to do more in less time. Strong math and engineering skills can also help a plumber excel, especially when reading architectural drawings or designing custom solutions.
Mindset for Success
Jumping from high school or a non-trade job into plumbing requires a shift in mindset. Success in this trade, or any other, demands resilience, adaptability, and humility. You’ll likely start at the bottom as a helper or first-year apprentice. Embrace that. The best plumbers are the ones who continually seek mentorship, improve their craft, and remain teachable even when they become seasoned Journeymen or Master Plumbers.
Being around supportive professionals makes a difference. Look for workplaces or local unions that emphasize safety, camaraderie, and ongoing education. The same intellectual curiosity that might have led someone to college can still thrive in the trades, where learning is both formal and hands-on.
The Road to Business Ownership
For those with an entrepreneurial spirit, plumbing can be a springboard to running your own company. Operating a plumbing business is about more than turning a wrench. It involves hiring and training staff, creating systems and processes, marketing to attract new customers, and maintaining a stellar reputation. Not everyone is cut out for business ownership, but if you have the ambition and grit, the plumbing trade can open that door to self-employment and beyond.
Final Thoughts
Choosing not to attend college does not equate to settling for less. Skilled trades like plumbing offer competitive pay, job security, pride in craftsmanship, and unlimited growth potential. Whether you’re a high school graduate unsure about the next step or someone tired of corporate life, plumbing provides a fulfilling, tangible path that helps communities at large.
If you’re still on the fence, consider an apprenticeship for a year or two. You might discover your calling, avoid large tuition bills, and set yourself on a course for a long-term, successful career in plumbing. Remember: It’s never too late to pivot into a trade that needs you—and is waiting to reward your effort.
