How long does it take to retrain as a plumber, gas engineer or electrician?

It is hard to say exactly as people learn at different rates but we have broken down the average times our plumbing, gas and electrical students take to finish their initial training and can start to work. Plumbing LCL Awards Level 2 Plumbing Diploma – 6 weeks LCL Awards Plumbing NVQ Level 2 – This is a portfolio-based element, so completion time will vary between learners. Ideally, candidates complete the required portfolio tasks over 2 days, but this depends on their job schedule. For example, 2 tasks might be completed on one job early in the week, with the remaining tasks carried out on later jobs as they become available. Gas Domestic Gas Heating Installer Course – 4 weeks LCL Awards Gas Managed Learning Programme – 4 weeks + portfolio The time required to complete the gas portfolio element depends on the candidate’s job schedule. It is also important to note that gas industry regulators have set a 6-month minimum timeframe to complete the portfolio element. Candidates can complete their portfolio in less time than these 6 months, but they will not be able to come back in-centre to undertake their final ACS exams. This is industry-wide and applies to all training centres. Electrics City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma 2365 – 7 weeks City & Guilds 18th Edition Wiring Regulations 2382 – 3 days City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma 2365 – 5 weeks LCL Awards Level 3 Initial Verification – 4 days City & Guilds Level 3 NVQ 2357 – On-site, and has a portfolio element, so it is time-dependent on the candidate, like the other trades’ portfolio elements. AM2 Assessment – 3 days For a deeper dive into this topic, you can find our articles on retraining: A plumber A gas engineer An electrician

What kind of work can I do after retraining?

Depending on your trade and qualifications, you may work in domestic, commercial or maintenance environments. Some learners move into employed roles, while others choose contracting or self-employment as they progress. Generally, plumbers would complete domestic work such as: Install and maintain systems that deliver clean water and remove wastewater from buildings. Work with pipes, fixtures, and appliances such as sinks, showers, and toilets. Handle gas and heating system connections where required. Ensure buildings remain safe, hygienic, and comfortable for occupants. Connect water supplies, manage drainage systems, and repair leaks, clogs, or other plumbing faults. Following their training, they would upskill into any of the following areas: Commercial/on-site environments Gas Heat pumps Gas engineers would also look to complete domestic work after their training. New engineers have a mandatory 12-month period during which they can’t upskill, but would complete some of the following jobs: Install, service, and repair gas systems and boilers. Prioritise safety by testing gas pipework and checking for leaks or faults. Ensure all work meets current gas safety standards and legal regulations. Respond to emergency call-outs and diagnose issues in heating and hot water systems. Following the 12 months, they can upskill into any of the following areas: Domestic appliances Commercial Heating Catering Laundry LPG Auditing Heat pumps Electricians could look to complete domestic or on-site work after their training Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, systems, and components across domestic, commercial, and industrial environments. Work on installations ranging from lighting and power circuits to smart controls, data cabling, and EV charging systems. Interpret technical drawings and blueprints to plan and complete electrical layouts. Diagnose faults, repair or replace damaged wiring and equipment, and carry out routine servicing. Test electrical systems to ensure safety, performance, and compliance with current regulations. Respond to emergency call-outs and troubleshoot complex electrical issues. Electricians would need to take into account that they would need to complete their AM2 to sign off on their own work, so this is generally what they look to complete first. Following the successful completion of the AM2, electricians look to upskill into the following areas: PAT testing Solar PV Battery storage Electric vehicle chargepoint installation

Retrain as a Plumber, Gas Engineer or Electrician

As the UK’s leading building services training provider for over 24 years, Logic4training has seen that learning a trade has become the most resilient career choice. Learn a trade and secure long-term career stability, strong earning potential, and skills that AI can’t replace.

Is learning a trade a good career choice?

Learning a trade is a strong career choice which offers clear, step-by-step pathways designed for beginners and career changers to move into gas, electrical, plumbing, and renewable roles with confidence and real employability outcomes.

With LLMs and AI becoming ever more sophisticated and integrated into a range of jobs, and the ongoing trade skills gap with industry experts forecasting a need for over 239,000 additional workers by 2029, learning a trade has become one of the most resilient careers in today’s job market.

This shift has created a unique window of opportunity for career changers to move into a sector where the demand for tradespeople far outweighs the available workforce. At the core of this transition are six defining factors that make a career in the trades not just a job, but a strategic move for long-term stability.

Learn a trade

Logic4training's essential site skills class with their trainer

Demand For Tradespeople

The demand for tradespeople in the UK, particularly in plumbing, gas and electrics has never been greater. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), skilled trades remain one of the few sectors where vacancy levels have remained consistently high despite wider economic shifts. An aging workforce, lack of new entrants, tainted perception of the trades and increasing demand.

Safe From AI Job Displacement

The trades rely on hands-on, practical skills that cannot be automated or replaced by artificial intelligence. This makes learning a trade and entering the industry a strong, resilient career choice in a changing job market. Think...Can ChatGPT wire your house or fix your boiler?

A Practical Career Choice

The trades will always suit those who prefer being out working with their hands rather than sitting behind a desk. Training focuses on real-world skills that can be applied immediately to domestic or commercial environments.

Good Earning Potential

Qualified tradespeople can achieve a competitive wage, with opportunities to increase income through experience, upakill and specialisation or self-employment. Progression routes allow earnings to grow over time rather than plateau.

Flexible Career Options

Learning a trade can open the doors to a range of working patterns, including employed roles, contracting or running your own business. This flexibility allows many people to shape a career around their lifestyle and long-term goals.

High Job Satisfaction

Many people are drawn to the trades because the work is tangible and rewarding, with clear results at the end of each job. Seeing the impact of your skills day-to-day can offer a strong sense of achievement.

Speak to our team

The Logic4training Standard: Your 'Safe Bet' for a New Career.

When you are changing careers, the stakes are high. You need more than just a qualification. You need professional competence. We’ve codified our 24+ years of experience into The Logic4training Standard. A simple promise that makes us the most dependable choice for your future.

Start your training

Small Class Sizes

We guarantee small student-to-tutor ratios. You get the hands-on, 1-on-1 attention required to master complex technical skills, not just a seat in a crowded room.

Industry Trusted Training Provider

With over 65,000+ people trained, we are the preferred training partner for the UK’s leading building services firms. Training with us means you carry a reputation that major employers already trust.

High Pass & Completion Rates

Our focus is on outcome, not just intake. With a 4.9/5 Trustpilot and Google ratings, and industry-leading pass rates, our "Gold Standard" delivery is designed to help you qualify.

Approved Accreditation

We don’t just "teach". We qualify. Our pathways are accredited by LCL Awards, IGEM,City & Guilds and JIB ensuring your qualification is recognised by employers nationwide.

What are the best trades to learn?

Whilst there are a number of trades that you can learn, from our extensive experience within the industry, we believe that provide you with the best and most future-proof opportunities are Gas, Plumbing, and Electrical. These 3 core trades form the backbone of the UK’s building services and offer a career that is in demand and safe from AI job displacement, regardless of economic shifts or technological changes. Below, you can find the necessary information related to each trade.

What is plumbing?
Plumbing is one of the world’s oldest and most essential trades, dating back to the Roman aqueducts. While it began with simple water transport, modern plumbing has evolved into a career that is critical to public health and living, as well as maintaining environmental sustainability in both the domestic and commercial sectors.

What do plumbers do and how much do they earn?
The plumbing industry remains a cornerstone of UK property maintenance, with high demand driving consistent workloads for qualified professionals.

Hourly & day rates: The average hourly rate for a plumber in 2025 is £45, with daily rates averaging £331. Experienced commercial plumbers can command up to £700 per day.
Common jobs: Work ranges from quick repairs like tap/shower replacements (avg. £115) to larger projects such as bathroom installations (avg. £5,000).
Opportunity: As the UK moves toward Net Zero, plumbers are increasingly moving into Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) installations, where the average job cost is approximately £10,000. Additionally, plumbers have the opportunity to work in both commercial environments, which can lead to higher paying roles.

If you want to see how much our plumbing students earn, check out the plumbing jobs and costs survey we ran.

What is gas engineering?
Gas Engineering is a highly regulated, specialist trade that focuses on the safe installation and maintenance of heating systems and appliances in both domestic and commercial settings. Whilst closely associated with plumbing, the gas sector is more demanding in terms of the knowledge required to carry out safe work. Additionally, you will come to find that the gas sector is more regulated than the plumbing sector.

Nevertheless, it is a career defined by safety, precision, and expertise, making it one of the most respected and well-paid trades in the building services sector.

What do gas engineers do and how much do they earn?
Gas is one of the highest-paying trades due to the specialised safety requirements and the essential nature of heating and hot water.

Hourly & day rates: Gas engineers earn an average hourly rate of £60.36, with day rates averaging £385.85. Emergency call-outs are particularly lucrative, with fees starting at roughly £117.
Common jobs: Maintenance is the “bread and butter” of the trade, with boiler servicing averaging £62.50. High-value work includes full heating system installations, which average £4,750.
Opportunity: Like plumbers, gas engineers have the opportunity to work in renewable and commercial environments, which can lead to higher paying roles.

If you want to see how much our gas students earn, check out the gas jobs and costs survey we ran.

What is Electrical Engineering?

Electrical work is at the centre of most, if not all, of modern infrastructure. From powering homes and charging electric vehicles to automating smart buildings, electricians are the architects of our connected world. In 2025, this trade is at the forefront of the green energy revolution, requiring a sharp mind for problem-solving, a deep understanding of electrical science, and an uncompromising commitment to safety and British Standards (BS 7671).

What do electricians do and how much do they earn?

Electricians are consistently near the top of the charts for trade salaries due to the technical complexity of the work and the growing demand for renewable technology such as solar PV, battery storage and EV charging.

Hourly & day rates: Electricians charge an average of £44 per hour, with a daily average of £335. Specialised or commercial electrical work can reach up to £600 per day.
Common Jobs: Routine work includes consumer unit (fuse box) upgrades (avg. £625) and fault finding (avg. £125). A major growth area is EV charging point installation, with an average cost of £1,100 per unit.
Opportunity: With current technology, the electrical industry provides great opportunities for electricians to upskill into the highly demanded renewables. With the government pushing for a greater rollout of renewable technologies, electricians are well placed to meet these demands.

If you want to see how much our electrical students earn, check out the electrical jobs and costs survey we ran.

Identifying the right trade is the first step toward a future-proof career with high earning potential and job security. Once you’ve seen which industries are thriving, use the section below to select your path and access the industry-recognised qualifications needed to succeed.

Choose your trade.

Plumbing

Become a Plumber

Start from scratch with our plumbing course and complete the LCL Awards Level 2 Diploma. We provide the technical knowledge and hands-on skills required for domestic plumbing, with the option to progress to an LCL Awards NVQ Level 2 for those looking to work on-site.

Plumbing is the ideal career choice for versatile individuals looking for self-employment opportunities or the path to a site-ready NVQ.

You can find more information on our plumbing training & packages here.

Become a Plumber

Gas

Become a Gas Engineer

Become a qualified Gas Engineer through our New Entrant Domestic Gas Heating Installer Course. You’ll learn essential heating topics that prepare you to complete the LCL Awards Gas Managed Learning Programme and achieve the ACS CCN1 and CENWAT qualifications. This route combines intensive practical workshop training, essential theory, and real-world portfolio completion.

A career in gas is perfect for those seeking a safe, practical career that involves a variety of upskill routes.

You can find more information on our gas training & packages here.

Become a Gas Engineer

Electrics

Become an Electrician

We are expanding our electrical route. We will soon be offering the gold-standard Level 2 and Level 3 Diploma routes for aspiring Electricians. These courses will cover everything from fundamental circuitry to advanced installations and testing, and are best suited for those who thrive with maths and calculations but love practical work.

Launching soon so register your interest!

A Logic4training student completing their electrical training to change career a become an electrician

Your step by step trade career pathway.

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01

Speak to our team

You want to be a plumber, that's great! Get in touch with us a we can find the best route for you.
02

Choose your plumbing route

Have had a catch with our course advisor to find the best plumbing package for you.
03

Pre-course learning

To help prepare you for your in-centre training, we will provide you access to our online revision platform ClubLogic. Here you'll be able to cover some content related to your course.
04

Start your plumbing training

Here comes the best bit! This is where you will come in-centre and complete your 6 week Level 2 plumbing diploma at our industry-leading facilities.
05

ClubLogic

Throughout your course, you will have access to our online revision platform, ClubLogic. Here you can revisit content that you have learnt in the classroom.
06

Course assessments

Throughout your course, you will complete assessments on the modules that you will cover.
07

Gain your qualification

Upon successfully completing your final assessments, you will have completed the Level 2 plumbing Diploma and you will receive an LCL Awards qualification.
08

Work as a plumber

Having gained your Level 2 Plumbing Diploma, you can now confidently go out into the working world and apply your trade as a domestic plumber!
Extra option

Level 2 NVQ

For those who are looking to achieve the Level NVQ, this is where you will then complete the NVQ's portfolio. This will require you to demonstrate practical competence in a live environment. This will allow you to apply for your JIB Plumbing CSCS card and work on-site.
Extra option

Upskill into gas

Some of our plumbing packages include the gas elements needed to join the Gas Safe Register and legally work as a gas engineer. If you are completing these gas elements, you will carryout additional in-centre training and portfolio tasks.

01

Speak to our team

You want to be a gas engineer, that's great! Get in touch with us a we can find the best route for you.
02

Choose your gas route

Have had a catch with our course advisor to find the best gas package for you.
03

Pre-course learning

To help prepare you for your in-centre training, we will provide you access to our online revision platform ClubLogic. Here you'll be able to cover some content related to your course.
04

Domestic gas heating installer course

Here comes the best bit! This is where you will come in-centre and complete your fundamental training at our industry-leading facilities. You will learn the core practical skills, as well as, the principles of cold & hot water systems.
05

ClubLogic

Throughout your course, you will have access to our online revision platform, ClubLogic. Here you can revisit content that you have learnt in the classroom.
06

Gas managed learning programme

Next, you'll complete your industry recognised ACS gas training. This in-centre training will cover the core principles and practical skills needed to safely work as a gas engineer.
07

Direct observation

Once you have completed your in-centre training, we will carry out a direct observation assessment of a boiler install, service and maintenance task.
08

Build your gas portfolio

Next, you will need to gather evidence of your work to create a gas portfolio. This is to demonstrate competency within the gas industry and your in-centre direct observation can be used within the portfolio.
09

Refresher training

Once you have completed your gas portfolio and we have signed it off, you will come back in-centre to complete some refresher training to prepare you for your final ACS assessments.
10

Final ACS assessments

To finish the course, you will need to complete the final ACS assessments. These will be a combination of practical and theoretical exams.
11

Apply to the Gas Safe Register

Once you have successfully completed of your ACS assessments and received your qualifications, you can apply to the Gas Safe Register.
12

Gas Safe probation period

When you apply to the Gas Safe Register, you will placed on a probation list, where you will have an inspection of work, usually within 3 months. Don't worry! You've done all the hard work.
13

Work as a Gas Safe Registered Engineer

Upon successful completion of the probation period, you will be ready to go out into the working world as a qualified Gas Safe Registered engineer.

01

Speak to our team

You want to be an electrician, that's great! Get in touch with us a we can find the best route for you.
02

Choose your gas route

Have had a catch with our course advisor to find the best electrical package for you.
03

Pre-course learning

To help prepare you for your in-centre training, we will provide you access to our online revision platform ClubLogic. Here you'll be able to cover some content related to your course.
04

2365 Level 2 diploma

Here comes the best bit! You'll complete your in-centre, fundamental, electrical training at our industry-leading facilities. You'll cover essential health and safety, electrical science, installation technologies and electrical systems.
05

2365 Level 3 diploma

After completing your fundamental training, you'll complete the level 3 diploma that focusses on the theory & science principles, electrical systems design, inspection & testing, fault-finding and environmental technologies.
06

2357 NVQ level 3 assessment

To start the NVQ, you will need to complete an initial assessment. This is to ensure that you are safe to carry out work in the the next stages.
07

2357 NVQ level 3 portfolio

This is the stage that you ned to build a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate competency within the industry so that you can complete the AM2 final assessment.
08

AM2 final assessment

All your training has lead to this point. The AM2 is the final assessment on the journey to becoming and electrician. It consists of a series of timed tasks that must comply with the current IET Wiring Regulations and Health & Safety best practice.
Optional

2382 Wiring regulations course

The 18th Edition Wiring Regulations, officially BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 (Amendment 3:2024), are the authoritative UK standards for the safe design, installation, inspection, and maintenance of electrical installations.
Optional

Initial verification course

Initial verification ensures new installations are safe, compliant, and function as designed. It is for those who are responsible for the initial verification and certification of electrical installations.
Optional

Periodic inspection

This testing and inspection training course is for those who are responsible for periodic inspection and certification of electrical installations. Holding this qualification supports progression to senior roles and enables EICR sign-off.
09

Register for ECS gold card

Upon successfully completing the AM2, you will be able to apply for a ECS gold card that is the standard that shows you are a competent and trusted electrician, that can carry out electrical work to a safe and high quality.

Our candidate's training experience.

With over 65,000 tradespeople trained over 23 years, we have seen many people walk through our doors.

Each journey is unique, but what they all share is a commitment to developing their skills and building strong careers in the building services industry. Here’s what some of our candidates have to say about their experience training with Logic4training.

Watch more testimonials

Over 2500+ five star reviews from our customers.

At Logic4training, our reputation speaks for itself. We have over 2,300 five-star reviews from candidates who’ve transformed their careers by learning a trade or upskilling within it. Across the country, aspiring and trained plumbers, gas engineers, electricians, and renewable energy installers have trusted us to help them start a new career or further develop it.

See more of our reviews

a group of happy Logic4training electrical students

100% recommend to anyone wanting to get into...

Such an amazing place to learn the trade, throughly enjoyed the course, would 100% recommend to anyone wanting to get into plumbing. Staff are polite...

Tyler Eccott

Excellent place to learn

Basildon Logic training centre is an excellent place to learn, gain experience and get the qualifications you need. All the staff professional, approachable and accommodating....

Imran Badruddin

We're trusted by some of the Nation's most respected companies and awarding bodies.

Our training has been tried and tested, and we're proud to say that we have trained individuals from a range of companies across the UK. We can also assure you that our training courses, and their related qualifications, are approved by industry accreditors.

Ready to learn a trade?

Simply fill in this form and our team will get in touch with you as soon as possible. We look forward to helping you change careers!

Common questions & expert advice.

It is hard to say exactly as people learn at different rates but we have broken down the average times our plumbing, gas and electrical students take to finish their initial training and can start to work.

Plumbing

LCL Awards Level 2 Plumbing Diploma – 6 weeks
LCL Awards Plumbing NVQ Level 2 – This is a portfolio-based element, so completion time will vary between learners. Ideally, candidates complete the required portfolio tasks over 2 days, but this depends on their job schedule. For example, 2 tasks might be completed on one job early in the week, with the remaining tasks carried out on later jobs as they become available.

Gas

Domestic Gas Heating Installer Course – 4 weeks
LCL Awards Gas Managed Learning Programme – 4 weeks + portfolio
- The time required to complete the gas portfolio element depends on the candidate’s job schedule. It is also important to note that gas industry regulators have set a 6-month minimum timeframe to complete the portfolio element. Candidates can complete their portfolio in less time than these 6 months, but they will not be able to come back in-centre to undertake their final ACS exams. This is industry-wide and applies to all training centres.

Electrics

City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma 2365 – 7 weeks
City & Guilds 18th Edition Wiring Regulations 2382 – 3 days
City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma 2365 – 5 weeks
LCL Awards Level 3 Initial Verification – 4 days
City & Guilds Level 3 NVQ 2357 – On-site, and has a portfolio element, so it is time-dependent on the candidate, like the other trades’ portfolio elements.
AM2 Assessment – 3 days

For a deeper dive into this topic, you can find our articles on retraining:

When changing careers, many people retrain in the trades with no prior experience. It’s actually fairly common, so if you are in this position, don’t worry…this is normal.

As you have no experience, you would need to do an entry-level course. Entry-level courses are designed to teach core skills from the ground up, with clear progression routes into further qualifications and employment.

Yes, many learners retraining in the trades are changing careers later in life. Practical skills, reliability and experience are highly valued in the industry, and age is not a barrier to starting a trade career.

At Logic4training, we have trained many people who are over the age of 30 and 40. If you fall into this age range and want to hear from some of our learners who made the career switch into the trades, our article New Career at 40: 2 Top Career Ideas 40 Year Olds Swear By is perfect for you.

Plumbing, Gas, and Electrical are the most stable trades to learn in the UK. These roles are essential for infrastructure and are currently protected from AI displacement. At Logic4training, we make sure our courses focus on these “future-proof” skills to ensure long-term job security and high earning potential for career changers.

Yes, many trade courses are designed to fit around existing work commitments. Flexible training options, including weekend courses, make it possible to retrain without giving up your current income.

At Logic4training, we understand that changing careers can be difficult if you still need to work and so, we do offer our new entrant courses on the weekends, as well as, weekdays.

We strongly advise that you avoid online or blended learning courses, as whilst they may sound good, they come with many risks. A trade career is a practical job, so why would you learn it either full or partially online?

The following articles will help to cover some of the pain points relating to this topic:

Trade roles require physical, on-site work and problem-solving that cannot be automated or replaced by AI. This makes the trades a more resilient career choice compared to many office-based roles.

Learning a trade is one of the safest career choices when thinking about job displacement/loss caused by AI.

We aim to provide you with extensive insights into the topic via our blogs:

Depending on your trade and qualifications, you may work in domestic, commercial or maintenance environments. Some learners move into employed roles, while others choose contracting or self-employment as they progress.

Generally, plumbers would complete domestic work such as:

Install and maintain systems that deliver clean water and remove wastewater from buildings.
Work with pipes, fixtures, and appliances such as sinks, showers, and toilets.
Handle gas and heating system connections where required.
Ensure buildings remain safe, hygienic, and comfortable for occupants.
Connect water supplies, manage drainage systems, and repair leaks, clogs, or other plumbing faults.

Following their training, they would upskill into any of the following areas:

Gas engineers would also look to complete domestic work after their training. New engineers have a mandatory 12-month period during which they can’t upskill, but would complete some of the following jobs:

Install, service, and repair gas systems and boilers.
Prioritise safety by testing gas pipework and checking for leaks or faults.
Ensure all work meets current gas safety standards and legal regulations.
Respond to emergency call-outs and diagnose issues in heating and hot water systems.

Following the 12 months, they can upskill into any of the following areas:

Domestic appliances
Commercial
- Heating
- Catering
- Laundry
LPG
Auditing
Heat pumps

Electricians could look to complete domestic or on-site work after their training

Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, systems, and components across domestic, commercial, and industrial environments.
Work on installations ranging from lighting and power circuits to smart controls, data cabling, and EV charging systems.
Interpret technical drawings and blueprints to plan and complete electrical layouts.
Diagnose faults, repair or replace damaged wiring and equipment, and carry out routine servicing.
Test electrical systems to ensure safety, performance, and compliance with current regulations.
Respond to emergency call-outs and troubleshoot complex electrical issues.

Electricians would need to take into account that they would need to complete their AM2 to sign off on their own work, so this is generally what they look to complete first. Following the successful completion of the AM2, electricians look to upskill into the following areas:

It’s hard to say exactly, but in 2025, we surveyed our candidates, and the results showed average daily rates of:

Plumbers: £331
Gas Engineers: £385
Electricians: £335

Highly experienced commercial gas engineers can earn up to £750 per day, while specialised electricians could command £600 per day.

On an annual basis, many qualified tradespeople earn significantly above the UK national average, with self-employed professionals often earning between £50,000 and £80,000, depending on their workload and specialisation.

See the survey results:

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