Plumbing Trainer

Reports To: Career Development Manager

Location: O'Connor Plumbing
Employment Type: Full-Time

The In-House Plumbing Instructor is responsible for developing the technical knowledge, hands-on skills, and professional growth of apprentices, technicians, and plumbing professionals at O'Connor Plumbing. This position combines classroom instruction, field coaching, curriculum development, and skills evaluation to ensure employees meet company standards, licensing requirements, and industry best practices.

The instructor serves as both an educator and mentor, helping build a highly skilled workforce while supporting O'Connor Plumbing's commitment to quality workmanship, safety, and exceptional customer service.

Essential Responsibilities

Technical Training

• Deliver classroom and hands-on plumbing instruction.
• Teach residential and commercial plumbing systems.
• Demonstrate proper installation, repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting techniques.
• Conduct practical labs and live demonstrations.
• Train employees on company-specific standards and procedures.

Curriculum Development

• Develop and update plumbing training curriculum.
• Create lesson plans, presentations, quizzes, and practical exercises.
• Build structured learning paths for apprentices and technicians.
• Maintain training materials that align with Maryland plumbing code and industry best practices.

Field Instruction

• Perform ride-along with apprentices and technicians.
• Observe work quality and provide coaching.
• Demonstrate proper jobsite procedures.
• Reinforce safety, efficiency, and customer service standards.

Skills Evaluation

• Conduct written and practical competency assessments.
• Evaluate employee readiness for advancement.
• Document training progress and certifications.
• Recommend promotions based on demonstrated competencies.

Safety Training

• Teach OSHA safety practices.
• Instruct employees on PPE requirements.
• Conduct equipment safety demonstrations.
• Reinforce lockout/tagout, confined space awareness, ladder safety, and jobsite hazard recognition.

Apprenticeship Development

• Mentor apprentices through each phase of training.
• Monitor apprenticeship progression.
• Coordinate with supervisors regarding apprentice development.
• Assist employees preparing for journeyman licensing examinations.

Technology & Documentation

• Maintain digital training records.
• Track attendance and completion rates.
• Update learning management systems and training databases.
• Generate reports for Career Development leadership.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify skill gaps throughout the company.
• Recommend new training programs.
• Research new plumbing technologies and code updates.
• Support implementation of improved installation methods.

Core Competencies

• Plumbing Systems Expertise
• Adult Learning Principles
• Coaching & Mentoring
• Leadership
• Public Speaking
• Curriculum Design
• Communication
• Problem Solving
• Time Management
• Team Development
• Customer Service Excellence
• Safety Leadership

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 75 pounds.
• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Frequent bending, kneeling, climbing, and reaching.
• Ability to work in classroom and field environments.
• Ability to demonstrate plumbing techniques using tools and equipment.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

The In-House Plumbing Instructor will be evaluated on:

• Apprentice completion rates
• Technician promotion readiness
• Training attendance and completion
• Practical skills assessment scores
• Ride-along coaching effectiveness
• Reduction in installation errors and callbacks
• Safety compliance
• Employee engagement and feedback
• Licensing exam pass rates
• Curriculum completion and updates

Working Relationships

The Instructor collaborates with:

• Career Development Manager
• Service Managers
• Install Managers
• Field Supervisors
• Dispatch
• Safety Coordinator
• Human Resources
• Apprentices
• Journeyman Plumbers
• Master Plumbers

Mission Statement

The In-House Plumbing Instructor is dedicated to building the next generation of plumbing professionals by delivering exceptional technical education, fostering continuous improvement, and ensuring every employee embodies O'Connor Plumbing's standards of craftsmanship, safety, integrity, and customer service.

Qualifications

Required

• Maryland Journeyman or Master Plumber License preferred (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 7 years of plumbing experience.
• Extensive knowledge of residential and commercial plumbing.
• Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic abilities.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to teach employees with varying skill levels.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.

Preferred

• Previous training or instructional experience.
• Experience mentoring apprentices.
• NCCER Instructor Certification (preferred).
• OSHA 30 Certification.
• Experience creating training curriculum.
• Microsoft Office and Learning Management System (LMS) experience.