If you’ve decided to go to trade school, you’ll need to choose between a variety of job options, including becoming a plumber or an electrician. There are pros and cons to each trade, as well as specific skills that you may want to develop more than others. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose between these lucrative career options. 

3 Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Becoming a Plumber or an Electrician

1. Training Requirements

Both of these valuable trades require training and apprenticeships. For both, you will need a high school diploma or GED. Trade schools will help you fulfill classroom hours and apprenticeship programs to get hands-on training and experience. The classroom hours will vary by program and school. Paid apprenticeships for either option are generally two years. 

2. Type of Work

Plumbers install pipes, fixtures, and all aspects of a building’s plumbing system. Also, they maintain and repair any feature of commercial or residential plumbing, including water heaters.

Electricians install electrical systems, including wiring, outlets, and fuse boxes. They also repair and maintain electrical systems and work in residential or commercial settings. Finally, electricians may need to climb electrical towers or poles.

When making a decision, consider where you see yourself. Are you interested in bathroom remodels and installing piping, or do you prefer wiring homes and putting in electrical systems? 

3. Working Conditions 

Most electricians and plumbers work full-time, as these are trades that are always in-demand, and they often offer 24/7 emergency service. Both may work holidays, evenings, and weekends, as well as put in overtime. There are safety hazards for each profession, and both may require the use of ladders and scaffolding, as well as working in small and dark environments. In terms of monetary compensation, both options are lucrative, so pick the work that you like the best.

If you are interested in training to become a plumber or electrician, choose Berk Trade & Business School in Long Island City, NY. They offer programs in both professions, have over 70 years of experience, and are accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges®. They also offer placement assistance for all their graduates. Call (718) 729-0909 to speak to a team member, or visit the website to learn about their programs.