Climbing the Ladder with Budd's Plumbing & HVAC

Climbing the Ladder with Budd’s Plumbing & HVAC

Born and raised in Cape May County, Miles Sapp graduated from Middle Township High School, where he played basketball, football, and track. Miles continued his education and football career at Stevenson University. He began pursuing the social work field but soon realized he wanted a career that was more hands-on, offered long-term growth, and aligned with his personal goals of flipping houses and building a future in real estate. That decision led him to the trades.

Miles was introduced to Budd’s Plumbing by mutual friends of the owners and joined the company in March 2024. Since then, he has advanced through the Apprentice Program, working toward journeyman status with the ultimate goal of earning his master plumber's license. 

‍A Program Built for Growth

Budd’s Plumbing offers a structured Ladder Program designed to take employees from apprentice to journeyman to master plumber.

• Apprentices begin by assisting master plumbers on residential and commercial projects while completing four years of school and supervised work to qualify as a journeyman. 
• Training includes Plumbing 101 basics, fittings, blueprint reading, and code requirements.
• The program combines classroom education, field experience, and mentorship.
• After completing these steps, journeymen can sit for the state exam to become a master plumber. 

Miles sees the program as a foundation for his future goals. “Every day I’m learning something new, and it will benefit me, as well as others down the road. It’s knowledge I’ll carry with me wherever I go.” 

A Team That Invests in You

Mentorship and teamwork are core to the program. Miles credits everyone on the Budd’s team for being patient and encouraging as he learns the trade. “Everyone remembers what it’s like to start out, so they’re willing to guide you through it. If and when you make a mistake, the focus is on making sure you understand and get it right the next time.”

The culture at Budd’s stands out to him compared to other companies. “From experience, I have seen that other companies don’t put the time into their employees, but Budd’s does. They want you to grow, and they give you the chance to learn and succeed. That’s what makes this place unique.”

Miles also appreciates the small but consistent traditions that build connection within the company. “Every Wednesday we have breakfast together. It might sound simple, but it gives us time to talk about the week, the jobs we have ahead, and connect. It shows how much the owners care about building a strong and cohesive team.”

Looking Ahead

While the trades weren’t his first path after high school, Miles now sees them as the right one. The Apprentice Program has given him direction, and he’s focused on becoming a journeyman with the end goal of becoming a master plumber. Beyond career goals, he looks forward to using his skills in personal pursuits, including house projects, renovations, and real estate. “Everything happens for a reason. I’m here now, I’m learning, and I’m excited about where this program will take me.” 

Why the Trades Matter

Budd’s Plumbing promotes the belief that careers in the trades are not just jobs, but a direct path to independence and long-term success. Unlike traditional routes weighed down by tuition costs and debt, the trades offer people the chance to build wealth, stability, and a skill set that can’t be outsourced. They offer control over your career, opportunities for advancement, and the freedom to apply those skills in ways that extend beyond the workplace. Rising tuition costs and student debt delay important milestones for many high school graduates, while careers in plumbing offer:

• Job security and steady demand regardless of the economy
• Competitive wages without the burden of tuition debt
• Clear steps to professional advancement
• A lifelong skillset that can open doors to other industries 

Miles agrees. “With the trades, you earn while you learn. You’re building a skill that will always be in demand. That’s something college can’t always guarantee unless you have a scholarship or a very specific career plan.” 

Miles is proud of the progress he’s made in just a short time and values the opportunities ahead. He credits Budd’s with giving him the tools, training, and support to succeed, and he looks forward to continuing to grow with the company. “At Budd’s, they don’t just give you a job - they give you a career path. That’s what keeps me motivated to keep moving forward.”

‍Start Your Own Journey

Budd’s Apprentice Program is a pathway to a rewarding career in plumbing and HVAC, combining hands-on training, mentorship, and long-term opportunities. If you’re motivated to learn, grow, and build a future in a supportive environment, Budd’s invites you to apply and start climbing the ladder today.

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