A recession-resistant, essential trade with a clear path to owning your own business. Paid apprenticeship, top 10% >$105K.
Gold = credential gate. Each turn: more skill → more pay → the next step.
1
High-school diploma
No degree needed; enroll with a union or non-union program.
◆ GMA mentor — find an apprenticeship
2
Paid apprenticeship (4–5 yr)
Earn while you learn — paid hours + classroom.
3
Journeyman license
Pass the journeyman exam to work independently.
4
Master plumber · top 10% >$105K
The master license lets you pull permits and lead.
5
Run your own business
Start a plumbing contracting business.
The flywheel: you earn while you train, licensure raises your rate, and a plumbing business turns steady, essential demand into an asset that employs others.
