Jesus Sidon

Hometown: Springdale
Age: 25
Where I trained: NorthWest Arkansas Community College mechanical school
What I earned: Apprenticeship
Job title: Plumber
Employer: Kimbel Mechanical Systems in Fayetteville

Jesus learned about Kimbel Mechanical Systems through his friend, Tyler Lawell. Tyler wrote Jesus a referral, which is a big deal within the hiring process at Kimbel. Jesus was enrolled in the Kimbel Plumbing school with just a high school diploma, which allowed him to work and attend the school during the day. Class is offered at night, once a week for two years.

“[I] wake up ready to hurdle the day’s challenge and go to bed with future goals in sight,” Jesus says.

After the courses are completed and on-the-job experience is sufficient, Jesus can qualify for the journeyman plumbing test. Becoming a journeyman includes a pay raise and more responsibility, but the opportunities don’t stop there.

A journeyman can also pursue a master plumber’s license and become a superintendent, or be placed in leadership roles with a higher salary and more responsibility.

“Personally, I had my high school diploma. I did not have any additional schooling to get hired on with Kimbel. I was hired by Kimbel and then they enrolled me in their plumbing school.”

What does a plumber do?

Plumbers install, maintain and repair water systems in homes and businesses. They install pipes that carry the liquids or gases, and they upgrade and repair existing systems.

Responsibilities

► Diagnose malfunctions, determine the materials needed and prepare a cost estimate

► Install pipes that can carry water, steam, air or waste

► Ensure that all systems and equipment meets safety standards and building codes

► Install fixtures like sinks and tanks

► Resolve plumbing problems

► Cut into infrastructures such as walls or ceilings to make room for the pipes and fixtures

Education Needed

A high school diploma and on-the-job training

Job Outlook

+17%
expected growth from 2016 to 2026 in Arkansas

440
average annual job openings in Arkansas

3,980
jobs in Arkansas by 2026

 High-end earners in Arkansas (top 10%) make
$62,390 Annually
 Median wages in Arkansas
$42,400 Annually
$20.38 Hourly

This option is for you if:

► You’re a quick and efficient problem solver.
► You’re willing to work until the job is done.
► You manage your time well.
► You’re reliable and honest.
► You're friendly and a team player.

START YOUR TRAINING

READY TO HIRE YOU

"You don’t have to go to college to succeed; I went from being a dump truck driver to plumbing with very little knowledge in the industry. You do not have to go to college to have a successful career." –Jesus

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and CareerOneStop.org

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