You don’t want to be noticed because you smell strongly or wear unwashed clothes. Make sure you come to work clean and well-groomed--it can make a big difference! Don’t go overboard and use lots of scented products. Many people dislike strong perfumes and some workplaces even have rules against them. Being noticed because your clothes don’t follow company policy will not be good for your career. If your job requires a uniform, make sure it’s ironed, fits you properly, and that your shoes and accessories conform to the dress code. If you don’t wear a uniform, read the company dress code carefully before you get dressed to go to work. If you want a promotion, dress the way your supervisors do. Knowing what’s appropriate for your particular workplace will help you get noticed in all the right ways. Some workplaces are very formal and discourage workers from socializing or doing anything that isn’t work. Other companies want their workers to be friends with each other and act casually. Take your cues from your supervisors, not your co-workers.  If the CEO of your company wears shorts and flip-flops, wearing a suit every day will give the impression that you don't understand the company's culture. Dress more casually and talk about your hobbies more at this kind of company. If your job expects you to wear full business suits and follow strict protocol at all times, don't bring in a radio or change into your gym clothes at the office. Showing up late to work stands out in a very negative way. If you can’t get to work early, show up on time for every shift. People will remember you for your punctuality and courtesy. Some workplace rules can seem pointless or aggravating, but following them will show your supervisors that you’re a conscientious employee who cares about the company’s policies.  Get your own copy of the company handbook and check it regularly. If a company rule is harmful or violates someone’s rights, speak to human resources or your supervisor.

Summary: Practice good hygiene. Follow the dress code. Learn about your company's culture. Show up on time or early. Follow the rules.


. Some plumbing apprentice programs require you to take and pass an aptitude test in order to be considered. Make sure that you study for this test before you take it. The test may include a few different sections, such as general plumbing knowledge, reading comprehension, and math. If possible try to obtain a practice test or a study guide for the aptitude test. Ask your instructor or the apprenticeship provider if one is available to use as a study aid. This is the most common and potentially easiest method. Many unions provide all of the necessary training and coursework in-house, and they employ administrators who will pair you with a licensed journeyman or master plumber.  This means you won’t have to search for an individual plumber willing to take you on as an apprentice.  Another benefit of a union apprenticeship is that they offer greater benefits such as sick leave, medical insurance, disability insurance, etc. This option may require more work. Indeed, while you only need to apply once to a union representing hundreds or thousands of plumbers, you may have to apply to many dozens of small plumbing companies before finding a match. Other drawbacks include the fact many private sector apprenticeships are:  less structured and formalized unable to offer in-house training less interested in or capable of teaching new plumbers   relatively low paying. Depending on the rules in your state, you will need to work as an apprentice for two to five years before you are eligible to take the exam. However, these exams are challenging and it is wise to start studying as soon as you start working as an apprentice.  The written portion of the exam may include sections that test your knowledge of codes, technical procedures, and the plumbing trade in general.  Some exams also have a practical section that requires you to perform some common plumbing tasks, such as cutting pipes or identifying installation problems with water heaters.

Summary: Prepare for the aptitude test Apply for a plumber’s union apprenticeship. Apply to a private plumbing company that is willing to hire an apprentice. Start preparing for your licensing exam right away.


Before you can scratch your dog's stomach you will need to wait for it to show its stomach to you.  While you could try to make it roll over, forcing the belly rub is not a good idea.  Play with your dog and calmly wait for it to show you its stomach for scratching.  Always wait for your dog to show its stomach. You dog will naturally roll over and present its stomach if it wants a belly rub. A dog who wants a belly rub will appear loose and relaxed in regards to its body language. After your dog has presented its stomach and you feel that it is comfortable and relaxed, you can begin to rub its belly.  As you rub the dog's stomach keep an eye on its behavior, looking for signs of enjoyment or discomfort.  It's normal for some areas of the stomach to cause your dog to kick when you scratch them.  Always scratch or rub gently as the stomach is a sensitive area on a dog. Feel free to rub your dog's stomach however you'd like.  Try rubbing in circles, short scratches, or longer motions up and down the whole length of your dog's stomach. After you have scratched your dog's stomach for a while you may decide it's time to stop.  Your dog may try to get more belly rubs out of you and it's fine to continue if you want.  However, if your dog tries to get up or move away from you it is time to stop.  If you stop rubbing and your dog moves away from you, it's time to stop scratching its stomach. Feel free to stop scratching your dog's stomach any time you wish. Although dogs love a good belly rub, they also enjoy receiving attention on other areas of their bodies.  Try petting, patting, rubbing, or scratching some other places on your dog to see what they might enjoy.  As always, work slowly, touch gently, and make sure your dog is truly enjoying it.  Your dog might enjoy a rub or scratch under or around its ears. Most dogs will like a good neck rub or scratch. A dog might enjoy it when you scratch its chest. Try scratching under your dog's chin. A dog might like it when you scratch the area of its back just above where its tail starts.
Summary: Wait for your dog to present its stomach. Rub or scratch the dog's stomach. Stop when you are done or your dog becomes uncomfortable. Scratch or rub other areas on your dog.