THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO P L U M B I N G

C A R E E R S

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CONTACT USTel: 0345 845 7222Email: enquiries@logic4training.co.uk

Unit 2, 1 Rowdell Road, Northolt,Middlesex, UB5 5QR

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Logic4training, the UK’s leading building services training provider, is proud to present its in-depth guide to starting and developing a career as a plumber.

This guide will tell you everything you need to know: what training to take, the common routes to success and what qualifications you’ll need. We’ll guide you right through to your career progression options.

CONTENTS• What to Expect from the Job

• Are There Any Risks?

• Where to Start

• Qualifications You’ll Need and How to Get Them

• Apprenticeships

• Other Courses to Take

• Progressing in Your Career

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO PLUMBING CAREERS

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WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE JOBSalaries for new starters can range from £15,000 to £20,000 a year, increasing with experience. A highly experienced and fully skilled plumber could earn £40,000 a year or more. Self-employed plumbers set their own rates, making it a very attractive end goal – but you’ll need lots of experience, discipline and a great track record to get there.

Plumbers typically work up to 40 hours a week. Working hours depend on the company you work for and the type of plumbing you’re doing, but Monday to Friday is common. Some plumbers provide emergency support 24/7 (usually based on a rota system) and self-employed plumbers may work longer than plumbers employed by a company.

Day-to-Day DutiesDay-to-day duties will vary depending on your qualification level and skill set. It’s not all taps and toilets; heating systems, appliance installation and repair, drainage and planning can all feature in a plumber’s usual rotation of work.

Plumbers work in both domestic and commercial settings, finding leaks, responding to emergency call-outs and carrying out maintenance. The working environment is varied and will involve outdoor activity in all weather, working at height and in confined spaces at times.

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ARE THERE ANY RISKS?Every job carries its own risks, plumbing included. Chemical exposure from sealants, drain cleaners and calcium removers make eye goggles, masks and gloves essential equipment.

Working with water can mean working in damp environments, where mould exposure could become an issue.

Electricity and water don’t mix, but there will be instances where the two operate in close proximity, raising the risk of electric shock to the installer and the customer. The same goes for gas appliances, like boilers. Plumbers can upskill to install boilers after the completion of more advanced training leading to Gas Safe Registration.

Heavy lifting and long periods spent in cramped spaces can lead to back injury, which can be avoided with exercises, proper posture and good technique.

“Electricity and water don’t mix, but there will be instances

where the two operate in close proximity, raising the risk of

electric shock to the installer and the customer. The same

goes for gas appliances, like boilers.”

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WHERE TO STARTThe first steps on your plumbing career path can be the hardest. If you know someone that works in the trade, talk to them about how they did it and where they started – it can help kick-start your journey.

If you’re still in school, talk to a careers advisor about how you can get on to a plumbing apprenticeship. Before we cover specific qualifications, let’s look at some of the standard requirements employers look for.

Things You’ll NeedA positive attitude, willingness to learn and a friendly demeanour are all excellent attributes for an aspiring plumber. Along with enthusiasm for the job, most employers will look for the following:

• A full, clean driving licence• Good numeracy• Attention to detail and ability to follow technical

drawings• Good practical skills• Customer service skills• CSCS card to work on-site

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL NEED AND HOW TO GET THEMGCSEs in Maths, English and Science at A* to C grade (or the equivalent) are baseline requirements, but you should regard these as the bare minimum. Not all colleges and employers will have the same criteria.

Some UK colleges offer plumbing courses, which can help you land an entry-level trainee position in a company.

To start working as a qualified plumber, many companies will require you to hold an industry-recognised qualification, like a Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating.

Additional Units – Level 3 Gas Fired AppliancesBeing qualified to work on gas appliances widens your skill set and opens up more opportunities. For this, you’ll need a Level 3 Diploma in Gas and you’ll need to be on the Gas Safe Register.

Our Ultimate Guide to Careers in Gas has all the details on how to do this, including which courses to take if entering with a related qualification in plumbing and heating:

www.logic4training.co.uk/guides/ultimate-guide-careers-gas

The first steps on your plumbing career path can be the hardest. If you know someone that works in the trade, talk to them about how they did it and where they started – it can help kick-start your journey.

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APPRENTICESHIPSAn apprenticeship gives you a job, training and qualifications, making it a popular choice for school leavers. Anyone can take an apprenticeship, but how it’s funded depends on your age and progress.

Still in School?If you’re still in school and thinking about your career path, a plumbing apprenticeship straight out of school is a great way into paid work.

As an apprentice, you’ll be taken on by a company and learn on the job. Apprenticeship standards are currently under reform, with a new government scheme expected by 2020. New ‘Trailblazer’ apprenticeships are replacing the current model to help meet the changing needs of employers, give better training and simplify the funding system.

If you’re between 16 and 18 years old, the government will incentivise your training through employers. Find out more about the new apprenticeship reforms and how the new funding model works:

www.cityandguilds.com/apprenticeships/trailblazer-apprenticeships

www.cityandguilds.com/apprenticeships/trailblazer-apprenticeships/apprenticeship-funding

An apprenticeship can take between two and five years, depending on how far you want to take additional training. Level 2 qualifications in plumbing let you work on water installations and

an apprenticeship will include the work experience necessary to pass your Level 2.

Continuing to work towards a Level 3 qualification with a gas appliance module opens up opportunities for boiler and central heating work. Adding to your skill set in this way broadens your career prospects even further. It is worth noting that only registered gas operatives can perform these tasks on-site.

As with most apprenticeships, you’ll work a five-day week, with one of those days reserved for studying for your qualifications.

If you’re in school, talk to your tutor and/or careers adviser who can guide you further. You should also research the plumbing companies in your local area that offer apprenticeships.

Do you know somebody that works as a plumber? Talk to family and friends to see if they know someone you can get advice from, or ask if they can help you find an apprenticeship placement.

Apprenticeships for Over-24sAlthough there’s no age limit for an apprenticeship applicant, if you’re over 24 years old, you’ll have to fund it yourself. An Advanced Learner Loan allows you to pay for your apprenticeship – find out how to apply at:

gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan/how-to-apply.

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COURSES TO TAKEYou could take courses separately while securing your own work placements and achieve your qualifications without an apprenticeship.

This is a good route for self-starters who are looking to make a shift in their career. Common routes would include gaining an industry-recognised qualification while getting experience on a work placement. To become fully fledged, including being able to work on boilers and domestic heating appliances, you’ll need:

• A recognised plumbing and heating industry qualification and/or

• Accredited Certification Scheme (ACS) training and assessment

• Gas Safe registration

If you currently work in a similar field that involves installation work, you may be able to use those transferrable skills to enrol on more advanced courses. This depends on what kind of experience you currently have and what skills you can bring to the table.

Recognised Plumbing and Heating Industry Qualifications

• Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Plumbing and Heating

• Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating (Gas-Fired Water and Central Heating Appliances)

“If you currently work in a similar field that involves

installation work, you may be able to use those

transferrable skills to enrol on more advanced courses. This

depends on what kind of experience you currently have.”

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PROGRESSING IN YOUR CAREERPlumbing gives you lots of choice for career routes. If you get a job, stick with a company and work hard, you can climb the chain of command to a supervisor or manager role, giving you more responsibility and better prospects. Making yourself invaluable to your employer and being a dedicated, trustworthy employee will set you up for a bright future.

You could shift your career path by starting your own plumbing business. With enough experience and plenty of hard work, you can become your own boss and grow from a sole trader into a whole team of plumbing professionals headed by you.

It might seem daunting, but it’s quite possible if you’re willing to make it work. Read our guide to setting up your own business for more information: www.logic4training.co.uk/guides/logic4training-guide-to-starting-a-business/

“You could shift your career path by starting your own

plumbing business. With enough experience and plenty of

hard work, you can become your own boss and grow from

a sole trader into a whole team headed by you.”

www.logic4training.co.uk

Tel: 0345 845 7222Email: enquiries@logic4training.co.uk

Unit 2, 1 Rowdell Road, Northolt, Middlesex, UB5 5QR