How To Become A Plumber

Bronze Package: LCL Awards Level 2 Diploma in the Installation & Maintenance of Plumbing & Heating Systems. This qualification provides candidates with the basic essentials of plumbing and is a solid foundation for entry to the workplace or further training.

Silver Package: The silver package adds a Level 2 NVQ element to the Diploma, ideal for candidates with an onsite location to complete ‘real world’ tasks. This programme also covers the WRAS Water Regulations qualification. Demonstration of experience and WRAS are both required to apply for a JIB-PMES CSCS blue card for skilled operatives.

Gold Package: Our gold package combines the Level 2 Plumbing Diploma with Logic4training’s Managed Learning Programme (MLP) for Domestic Gas Heating Installers, providing the perfect starting point for candidates looking to go from plumbing to gas installation. On completion of the MLP, you will have achieved the onsite experience and Gas ACS certificates, necessary to become a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Platinum Package: Combining all the training of our bronze, silver and gold packages, this comprehensive programme, will give you the skills, experience and qualifications to trade as a fully competent plumber and gas engineer, with a JIB-PMES CSCS blue card for skilled operatives, Approved Plumber Status and Gas Safe registration.

In 2025, the average salary for a plumber in the UK is roughly £33,285 per year, which is higher than the UK average salary of around £31,000. There are a number of factors that can affect how much a plumber earns, such as:

• Experience
• Location
• Qualifications and specialities within the industry (domestic, commercial or renewables)
• Being employed or self-employed

Most self-employed plumbers will earn more than the average plumbing salary, with some plumbers earning up to £350 per day.

You can read more into the topic of how much plumbers earn, and you can see how much plumbers charge and the costs involved here.

To become a plumber by completing the Plumbing & Heating Installer Course, it will take:

Bronze Package: 6 weeks

• Level 2 Diploma in the Installation & Maintenance of Plumbing & Heating Systems.

Silver Package: 6 weeks + NVQ portfolio

• Level 2 Diploma in the Installation & Maintenance of Plumbing & Heating Systems.
• The NVQ On-site Portfolio will vary from person to person and route to route. People aim to complete the portfolio element over 2 days, but the jobs may be spread out.
• Water Regulations & Bylaws Course – 1-day course

Gold Package: 10 weeks + onsite portfolio

• Level 2 Diploma in the Installation & Maintenance of Plumbing & Heating Systems.
• Gas Managed Learning Programme.
• The Gas On-site Portfolio will vary from person to person but can be discussed with your course advisor.
• Hot Water Systems & Safety Course- 1-day course
• Energy Efficiency for Domestic Heating Course – 1-day course

Platinum Package: 10 weeks + onsite portfolio

• Level 2 Diploma in the Installation & Maintenance of Plumbing & Heating Systems.
• Gas Managed Learning Programme.
• The Gas On-site Portfolio will vary from person to person but can be discussed with your course advisor.
• The NVQ On-site Portfolio will vary from person to person and route to route. People aim to complete the portfolio element over 2 days, but the jobs may be spread out.
• Water Regulations & Bylaws Course – 1-day course
• Hot Water Systems & Safety Course – 1-day course
• Energy Efficiency for Domestic Heating Course – 1-day course

All our courses are full-time. Courses start at 8.30 am and usually finish at around 4.00 pm. You will be advised on your first day at the centre if there are any changes to these times. The centre is open from 8.00 am, and there is tea & coffee awaiting.

To become a plumber in the UK, technically you need any qualifications but, it is best practice to earn the following qualifications:

• Level 2 Plumbing and Heating Diploma: This is the recognised entry-level qualification for the trade, giving you the core skills and understanding needed to begin working as a plumber.
• NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Plumbing: An NVQ Level 2 in plumbing is needed if you want to work on-site or in a commercial environment, as it allows you to apply for your JIB Plumbing CSCS Card. For those taking the apprenticeship route, progressing to the Level 3 NVQ can be beneficial. At this stage, you’ll usually cover gas training alongside plumbing, opening up more career opportunities.
  • JIB Plumbing CSCS Card: To access most building sites, you’ll need a JIB Plumbing CSCS card. This demonstrates both your technical competence and health & safety awareness. A Level 2 NVQ in Plumbing and Heating is required before you can apply.
• Gas Safe Registration: Anyone carrying out gas work must be registered with Gas Safe. To apply, you’ll need to have achieved your ACS gas assessments, including CCN1 and CENWAT qualifications. This can be achieved by completting a Gas Managed Learning Programme
  • Gas Managed Learning Programme (MLP): This is a faster route into working with gas when compared with NVQ Level 3 qualifications. It can be taken as part of our plumbing training packages or as a standalone course.
• Heat Pump Upskill Qualifications: Once you’ve achieved your Level 2 NVQ in Plumbing and Heating, you can choose to upskill with heat pump training, allowing you to expand into the renewable heating sector.

After successful completion of the Plumbing & Heating Packages, you will gain the following qualifications and certificates:

Health & Safety Courses (Included in all packages)

• Asbestos Awareness – online course certificate
• Manual Handling – online course certificate
• Fire Safety – online course certificate
• Working at Heights – online course certificate
• Working Safely – online course certificate

Bronze Package

• Level 2 Diploma in the Installation & Maintenance of Plumbing & Heating Systems

Silver Package

• Level 2 Diploma in the Installation & Maintenance of Plumbing & Heating Systems
• LCL Awards NVQ Level 2 in Plumbing & Heating
• Water Regulations & Bylaws Qualification

Gold Package

• Level 2 Diploma in the Installation & Maintenance of Plumbing & Heating Systems
• The Gas Managed Learning Programme includes:
  • CCN1 – Core Domestic Gas Safety, including CPA1 (Combustion Performance Analysis)
  • CENWAT – Central Heating Boilers & Water Heaters
• Hot Water Systems & Safety (Unvented Hot Water Systems) Qualification
• LCL Awards Energy Efficiency for Domestic Heating Qualification

Platinum Package

• Level 2 Diploma in the Installation & Maintenance of Plumbing & Heating Systems
• The Gas Managed Learning Programme includes:
  • CCN1 – Core Domestic Gas Safety, including CPA1 (Combustion Performance Analysis)
  • CENWAT – Central Heating Boilers & Water Heaters
• LCL Awards NVQ Level 2 in Plumbing & Heating
• Water Regulations & Bylaws Qualification
• Hot Water Systems & Safety (Unvented Hot Water Systems) Qualification
• LCL Awards Energy Efficiency for Domestic Heating Qualification

If you want to learn more about the qualifications needed to become a plumber, read our article for further explanation.

Starting a plumbing career can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to help you find the right path. Here, you will be able to see what package is best suited for your career as a plumber.

Bronze Plumbing Package

If you are looking to become a domestic plumber, our bronze package is for you. With the Level 2 Diploma in the Installation & Maintenance of Plumbing & Heating Systems, you will gain the necessary understanding and practical skills needed to work as a domestic plumber.

Silver Plumbing Package

The silver package is the best option for those who also want to work on-site in a commercial environment. The inclusion of the NVQ will allow you to apply for your CSCS/JIB card. Once you have your CSCS/JIB card, you will be able to work as a commercial plumber.

Gold Plumbing Package

If you know that you will also want to work on gas, our gold package is the package for you. Our gold package has been designed for individuals who want to work as a domestic plumber and gas engineer. Following your plumbing training, you will move on to our gas Managed Learning Programme, where you will undertake the necessary gas training to become competent when working with gas and work towards completing your gas ACS assessments. Upon successful completion of the Managed Learning Programme, you will be able to apply to the Gas Safe Register.

Platinum Plumbing Package

The Plumbing elements of the packages are available at our Northolt & Sittingbourne Centres.

If you are looking to complete the Gold or Platinum Package, the Gas elements can be carried out at our Northolt, Luton, Basildon, or Sittingbourne Centres.

There are no entry requirements for this course, but we will assess candidates to check their suitability. A good understanding of maths and English is essential.

Yes, it is possible to complete these courses on weekends. The Plumbing Diploma and Gas Managed Learning Programme can be completed on weekends at our Northolt Centre. The Plumbing Diploma would take roughly 4 and a half months to complete and the Gas Managed Learning Programme would take 3 months.

There would be no change to the gas portfolio as this depends on the individual.

Classes can have a maximum of 8 people. We like to keep our class sizes small, so that you have more contact time with your trainer.

Yes, plumbers are in high demand due to several reasons.

Firstly, the construction industry continues to grow, leading to an increased need for skilled tradespeople, including plumbers. This is heightened with the fact that the trade industries are facing a skills gap. This is due to the factors listed below:

• An Ageing Workforce
• Fewer Apprenticeships and Low Completion Rates
• Brexit and the Loss of EU Workers
• Perception Problems
• Lack of Diversity
• Digital Skills Deficit
• Economic and Supply Chain Pressures

We have gone into more depth in our The UK’s Building Services Skills Gap: What’s at Stake article that you can read here

Additionally, many existing buildings require maintenance, repairs, and upgrades to their plumbing systems, creating a consistent demand for plumbing services. Furthermore, the emphasis on environmental sustainability and energy efficiency has led to the installation of modern plumbing systems and renewable technologies, requiring skilled plumbers to handle their installation and maintenance.

The combination of these factors ensures a steady demand for plumbers in the job market. Overall, we all have plumbing in our homes and businesses which needs maintaining and repairing in the event of an emergency.

Upon completing the Plumbing NVQ, you will be able to apply for a JIB Plumbing CSCS card, as well as the Water Industry Approved Plumber Scheme (WIAPS).

For those on the Gold and Platinum Packages, upon successfully completing your Gas Managed Learning Programme, you will be able and need to apply to the Gas Safe Register to work on domestic gas systems.

Yes, if you are an experienced plumber who holds an alternative recognised plumbing qualification or has at least three years of industry experience but no formal plumbing qualification, please click here.

Of course! Whilst you might want to think about what you’ll be able to offer future clients/employers, if you want to learn gas and have little to no experience, please click here.

If you have at least two years of plumbing experience or of a related trade (such as a kitchen fitter), please click here.

We understand that being able to spread the cost of the course is an appealing option, so we have teamed up with OMNI Retail Finance to make this possible. When speaking to your course advisor, let them know that you want to spread the course cost, and they can help you start the process. More information can be found here.

On your first day, you will receive your own plumbing tool kit. While completing the Plumbing Diploma, you will need to bring it in every day unless your trainer says otherwise. Also, you will need to bring hard steel toe-capped boots for when you are in the workshop.

When working towards completing your Gas Managed Learning Programme, you do not need to bring in any tools. All tools and equipment are provided during this course. In some circumstances, candidates may bring their own test equipment if they so desire, but please check beforehand.

Logic4training will supply reading material and textbooks on the first day of attendance; however, it is a good idea to bring in pens, highlighters, and sticky notes.

Logic4training has created an “Ultimate Guide” to careers in Plumbing which you can download here.

With the rise of AI, we have also provided a guide on How To Use AI For Your Plumbing & Heating Business to help you apply AI to your plumbing career.