Students of trade schools can use the formal classroom education in addition to hands-on experience to earn credentials as skilled journeymen. The old fashioned term refers to a tradesman who has completed training but is not yet a master at a particular specialty. Students and graduates who wish to become a master Electrician, Plumber or HVAC professional, must submit a master work piece to a credentialing guild or association for evaluation, then upon approval, the title of ‘master’ will be awarded along with appropriate certifications and designations.
A plumber specializes in the installation and maintenance of a system of pipes commonly used for (drinking) water, sewage and drainage. The ancient word, ‘plumber’ is derived from the Latin word for lead, since in Roman ages, all pipes were made of lead. The licensure and certification of the professional capabilities of a plumber are varied among states and jurisdictions, but follow a general standard. The student who wishes to enroll in certification courses will learn the basics of reading drawings to determine layout of water supply, waste, and venting systems; the ability to locate errors in plumbing appliances and systems; the precision of measuring, cutting, bending, and threading pipes using tools or machines; basic welding; legal awareness and safety concerns.
An electrician specializes in the electrical wiring of buildings, stationary machines and equipment. The responsibility of a skilled electrician is in the installation of new electrical components or the maintenance and repair of existing electrical infrastructures. The electrical industry is regulated in the United States by standards set by building codes and contractor specifications. The specialized skills of electricians are usually only performed by individuals who have completed courses in essential topics and certified for safe practices. Individuals can get licensed and certified with specific credentials dependent on state and local requirements.
A HVAC specialist is an inclusive designation that covers the areas of: heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. The almost essential technology of indoor environmental comfort provides the specialists with a growing industry and strict standards. HVAC systems are designed with expertise mechanical engineering; combining the principles of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer and refrigeration. The required standards within the HVAC industry are due in part to the manufacturers of the equipment setting specific minimums of safety, health and environmental concerns. A priority of HVAC specialists is the prevention of airborne diseases in highly populated office buildings, schools and hospitals, thus creating the need for highly educated, licensed individuals in the industry.