Are you thinking of becoming a plumber? Kickstart your career with The Trades College today! We have a range of courses to suit you. Keep reading to find out more about the benefits of joining the plumbing trade.
What do plumbers do?
The range of tasks carried out by commercial and domestic plumbers depend on their job description. The difference between commercial and domestic plumbers relies on the scale of the jobs they are carrying out. Domestic or residential plumbers will work within people’s homes, usually 2 floors or less. Gravity plays a huge role in plumbing systems, meaning additional training is needed to carry out work on multi-level buildings. Commercial plumbers will carry out work on larger projects for businesses and public/industrial spaces with more complex plumbing systems. Generally, plumbers will carry out tasks such as:
- Assessing and planning projects to give time and cost estimates
- Measuring, cutting and joining pipes/fittings
- Installing water draining and heating systems
- Fault-finding and repairs
- Carrying out services on heating systems and radiators
- Installing and repairing domestic appliances, e.g. showers and dishwashers
- Responding to emergency callouts
- Fitting weather-proof materials to roofs, chimneys and walls
How do you become a qualified plumber?
There are two ways to become a qualified plumber in the UK, the route you take could depend on your circumstances.
The first route you could take is a traditional apprenticeship. This option is suitable for those who have recently completed their GCSEs, as you cannot be in employment to study as an apprentice. An apprentice wage may not be a viable option for those who are older with household bills to pay, but there is no age limit if you think this might be a good opportunity for you. Usually, opportunities for apprenticeships are only open to those aged 16-21, as they are government-funded programmes.
Another option is to complete a fast-track plumbing course. This is a great option if you’re looking to complete your training as a plumber within a matter of weeks. Here at The Trades College, we offer a range of fast-track plumbing courses that can be completed part-time, alongside your existing job. The City and Guilds Accredited Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing Studies is the most popular option, providing you with the practical skills needed to kickstart your career. This could be a suitable option for you if you’re looking to change your career path, or if you want to continue receiving your usual income while you study. Please get in touch with us to discuss your options with self-funded courses.
To become a qualified commercial plumber, you will need to complete additional training. This is because the plumbing systems used in commercial buildings are typically more complex, and won’t be taught as part of a general domestic plumbing course.
Are qualified plumbers in demand?
There is a huge demand for qualified plumbers in the UK for numerous reasons. The reasons for increased demand include:
- Retiring skilled workers. Many qualified, experienced plumbers are reaching retirement age. There are still good plumbers available, however, due to many of these plumbers retiring, the skill gap is increasing.
- Lack of educational funding. Due to cutbacks on government funding when it comes to apprenticeships, there are fewer opportunities for young people to become qualified as plumbers. Traditionally, plumbing apprenticeships were commonly advertised post GCSE, however, these opportunities have reduced over the years.
- Perceived stigma. Experienced plumbers who are reaching retirement age grew up in a time with different views on apprenticeships and trades careers. In recent years, apprenticeships are viewed negatively, with the perception that they result in less successful careers than those who pursue higher education. This negative stigma could deter people from joining the plumbing industry.
What are the benefits of becoming a qualified plumber?
There are many benefits of becoming a qualified plumber in the UK. These benefits include:
- Plenty of jobs are available. Due to the skill gap and the increase in demand for qualified plumbers, you won’t struggle to find work as a plumber. As well as this, the variety of work available will keep you busy in a non-monotonous way.
- Good opportunities for career progression. If you decide to advance your career beyond working as a domestic plumber, there are plenty of opportunities to do so. You could complete further training to become Gas Safe Registered or get certified with the Oil Firing Technical Association (OFTEC) to install, service and repair, oil-fired appliances
- The income is stable. In the UK, the average daily rate for a plumber is between £150 and £200. This could result in you earning around £1,000 per week, making it an incredibly lucrative career choice.
- Opportunity to be your own boss. As a fully qualified plumber, you could work as a self-employed plumber, responding to callouts on a commission basis. You could also start your own business, employing other plumbers to work for you.
Overall, training as a plumber could be extremely beneficial for you. If you’re thinking of learning the trade through a fast-track course, feel free to get in touch with our team at The Trades College to discuss your options.
