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Do you prefer a certificate or an Associates degree for plumbing?

I'm a senior in high school still deciding if i should be a plumber or a diesel mechanic.

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Rafael’s Answer

Hi Peyton, for plumbing specifically, I'd lean toward a certificate to start because it gets you into the field faster, earning money and gaining hands-on apprenticeship experience sooner, and in the trades your real-world hours and licensure matter way more than a degree on the wall. That said, an Associate's degree isn't a bad move if you eventually want to run your own business or move into a management role because it gives you some of that business and planning foundation that can set you apart down the road. From my own experience, I started with one degree and then kept adding certifications and education as my career grew and I figured out what I actually needed. So my honest advice would be to grab the certificate, start your apprenticeship, get your hands dirty, start making money, and then if you feel like you want more education later you can always go back for the Associate's or even take business courses when you're ready. As for choosing between plumbing and diesel, try to shadow or talk to someone in both trades if you can because the day-to-day work is really different and you want to pick the one that gets you excited. Either way, you're making a smart move going into the trades!
Thank you comment icon Spot on agree with this answer! Liam Rielly
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Dan’s Answer

Hey there Peyton

I have been in the construction field for a long time, and Plumbers always seem to have high demand. It is a good field to get into for sure. If it is something that you feel good about doing and excited about getting into it then I would suggest you choose plumbing over the mechanic trade.

As far as Certificate vs associate's degree I would go for the certificate. It would seem that you could get that and get right into the filed working in the trade and learning hands on. In the trade that is where you will gain most of your knowledge and skills. You can always follow up later with a degree if that is what you want to do. You could also explore your local plumber's union and see what may be required to get into an apprenticeship within the local union. They often have great programs to help you learn and advance.
I hope this helps

Best of luck

Dan
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James’s Answer

Peyton,
Minnesota requirements seem to be similar to Virginia where I live. They require a couple of ‘certificates’ or licenses in order to conduct a plumbing business in the state. The first is a master plumber tradesman certification (tradesman card) which is obtained by completing prerequisites to sit for the state tradesman exam and testing successfully. The second is obtaining a contractor’s license from the state, which has more to do with conducting business in the state than the actual plumbing trade. An associates degree may have some benefit, however a good apprenticeship program would most likely be a more practical approach to becoming a certified plumber.
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