Do you want to become a plumber

5 Reasons Why Plumbing is a Great Career

Here are 5 great reasons why plumbing may just be the best career choice out there:

Job security - even in a downturn, people need plumbers
Financially rewarding - plumbers are one of the highest paid contractors
Skills for life - a portable trade, you can work anywhere
Interesting work - a chance to use your brain as well as your hands.
It’s sociable - you get to interact with people every day.

Is plumbing for you?

Plumbing is physically demanding work and you have to be prepared to get your hands dirty. Plumbers also need a decent knowledge of maths and science but it isn't essential.

An interesting job for life

Plumbing gives you the potential to be your own boss and offers a whole range of career development options. Further training gives you the choice to diversify and branch out into the heating industry including gas and heat pump technology. If you want to stick with plumbing, in time you could work in the commercial sector, become a designer, a consultant, a manager or even a teacher and pass on your skills to the next generation. It’s worth thinking about how you can future-proof your career and jobs that offer further options as you get older are really worth considering.

What Qualifications Do You Need To Become A Plumber In The UK?

It takes a while to become a fully trained plumber, so it’s important to do your research and make sure you choose the right training provider or college and the best route for you.

To become a plumber in the UK you’ll need to have GCSEs in Maths, English and Science at A* to C grade (or the equivalent) as a baseline requirement. However, this is the bare minimum to enter a career as a plumber. Additionally, it is worth bearing in mind that each college or employer will have their own entry requirements.

Additionally, some UK colleges may offer plumbing courses which can help you in gaining an entry-level trainee position within a plumbing company.

However, to work as a fully qualified plumber, most companies will require an industry recognised qualification, such as a Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating.

What’s covered by The NVQ Diplomas in plumbing?

NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing and Heating

Suitable for those who have no previous experience. This qualification provides all the basic domestic heating and plumbing training you need to build a strong foundation. The course focuses on safe working practices and covers domestic hot and cold water systems, central heating systems, drainage and sanitation systems, and looks at environmental technologies relating to plumbing.

NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Plumbing and Heating

For those who have completed the Level 2 qualification and wish to extend their qualification, or those who already have extensive experience to build upon. It focuses on expanding technical skills and knowledge in heating as well as plumbing. Learners work with electricity, oil-fired appliances and solar thermal hot water systems before choosing a sector in which to specialise. If you choose gas-related units at Level 3, on successful completion of the course, you can register with Gas Safe and work on gas central heating systems. Once you’ve qualified, it’s good to register with one of the professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE), Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors (APHC), Council of Registered Gas Installers (CORGI) or FairTrades Plumbers' Association.

Plumbing & Heating packages from Logic4training

We offer a range of plumbing and heating packages including level 2 Diploma and NVQ options. These courses are available at Logic4training Sittingbourne and Northolt. The best way to find out more is to come to one of our Introductory sessions. [gravityform id="5" ajax="true"]

Traineeships

For school leavers and those under 24, with general qualification below level 3 and eligible to work in England, a traineeship is a good starting point as the government pays for training and you’ll be given a work experience placement, which will prepare you for an apprenticeship. It can last up to 6 months. To learn more about traineeships click here

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships in plumbing last up to 4 years and work well for those who are at least 16 and have time to develop a career. As an apprentice you are employed by a company or professional plumber and initially work towards an NVQ Level 2 Diploma through an accredited institution. After that you complete the Advanced Apprenticeship to gain the NVQ Level 3 Diploma. There’s a mix of classroom learning and on-the-job training and apprentices are paid a small wage. For more information please click here

A college education

Many colleges across the UK offer 1 to 2 year courses in plumbing and this is the most common option for career changers. If you choose to train with an independent trainer, check that the qualifications you gain in the end will allow you to become a Registered Plumbing or Heating Professional. Always make sure that the course on offer is accredited by an awarding body, which means that the training is up to professional standards.

Taking things further

At Logic4training we offer qualified plumbers the opportunity to explore career development with short courses designed to supplement core skills. There are courses linked to safety in Hot Water Systems, Water Regulations and Legionella. For more information on these, please click here If you’d like some help in working out what’s best for you, download our free guide here

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