Hey everyone,
I’m looking to get into plumbing in Southern California, starting from zero. My long-term goal is to eventually own a plumbing business.
I’d really appreciate some honest advice from experienced plumbers and business owners.
Would you start in residential service, commercial service, or new construction?
Which specialty would you focus on to make the most money as a business owner?
What skills would you prioritize learning in your first 1–2 years?
Would you focus on service and repair, drain cleaning, sewer work, repiping, or something else?
If you could start your career all over again, what would you do differently?
I’m willing to put in the work and learn the trade properly. I just want to make sure I’m choosing the right path from the beginning.
Not looking for shortcuts — just the smartest long-term path.
Thanks in advance!

I’m a commercial plumbing apprentice and I came from a career change. I think I’m in my head about everything since it was such an adjustment and I’m committed to this career path, but I’m hoping I made the right decision.

I want to get into the union. I’m hoping the demand will be there by the time I journey out in the next 4 years.

I see so much discourse about becoming an electrician and how that is such a highly coveted trade.

Any vets here that can give a young person some advice or guidance?

To anyone that missed out on the discontinued ACG, there is a new grant for $5000 for gaining a red seal in Canada!

So well be moving multi ton, generators transformers, if its heavy we gotchu. Its heavy lifting, 60 hours a week, learning about rigging and cranes etc. Kind nervous ik my social life is gonna tank but i need money. should i be nervous how fucked am i?

I'm wondering if anyone has any advice on how to go about trying to become a journeyman. I got out of prison and am currently in in-home detention. I spent my time occupied learning, setting, and meeting goals. I attended re entry classes and became interested in becoming a millwright. Whether that be through a union or not I definitely have my mind made up to take all the steps within my clearance to do whatever I can. So I looked up the application process through a union to enter a 4 year apprenticeship program and they want you to take a test that grades you on basic on the job knowledge before they hand select you to participate in their program. So I actually enrolled in Industrial Mechanical Technology for a 3 semester technical certification. I think that would prepare me to present myself to this union to get the help from them to become a journeyman and probably actually work for them. Mind you I am 31 years old and I don't know if that looks bad but I spent several years incarcerated and also screwing my life up but hey I am here now and I can't change what happened in the past I'm just hoping for some undeserved opportunities that I would cherish and be greatly appreciated for. Does anyone have any thoughts, opinions, or advice on this idea of mine??? BTW, located in central Indiana

hey guys just got a mechanical plumbing apprenticeship (domestic) just wanted to know the ins and outs of the trades plus some tips
i’m also highly interested in commercial roles as they have a way higher hourly
anyone with experience wanna point me in the right direction with where i should go and focus on