Thinking of becoming a plumber but don’t know which plumbing course to choose? You’ve come to the right place! At The Trades College, we can discuss your options and help you start your career in a new trade.
What is the role of a plumber?
Plumbers work within people’s homes to fit and repair systems relating to water. This includes heating, cleaning and drainage systems. If you choose to become a plumber, you could be completing jobs such as:
- Assessing projects to estimate cost and time
- Cutting and joining pipes, fittings and valves
- Installing heating, water and drainage systems
- Locating and resolving issues
- Carrying out services on heating and radiator systems
- Installing and repairing domestic appliances (e.g. washing machines, dishwashers and showers)
- Responding to emergency callouts
- Installing weather-proof materials to walls, roofs and chimneys
- Performing general maintenance tasks to plumbing systems
The jobs you complete as a plumber will vary from day to day, depending on the needs of your customers. For example, you might go from repairing a shower to installing a completely new drainage system. If you enjoy spontaneity within your career, this could be a great option for you!
What skills does a plumber need?
Plumbing is an incredibly hands-on job and, therefore, requires a set of skills to carry out work effectively and efficiently. It’s beneficial if you’re a dexterous person, but all of these skills can be learned through training and experience. Some of these skills include:
- Ability to use relevant hand and power tools
- Understanding of plumbing and building regulations
- Knowledge of plumbing materials and how to use them correctly
- Mathematical skills
- Problem-solving skills
How do you become a qualified plumber?
To start your training as a plumber, you must first complete your GCSEs in Mathematics and English Language. This will allow you to progress to completing a plumbing course or apprenticeship. There are a few different routes you can take to become a plumber, from apprenticeships to fast-track courses. The path you choose should depend on your circumstances as well as how soon you’d like to start work as a plumber.
Choosing the apprenticeship route is a common choice, and is perfect for those who have just completed their GCSEs. Apprenticeships will provide you with the perfect balance of work experience and study, fully preparing you to work as a plumber once you have completed your studies. You’ll also earn a small income while you’re completing your apprenticeship – typically between £129 and £196 per week, depending on your age and year of study. Apprenticeships normally take four years to complete.
Alternatively, you could complete a fast-track plumbing course. These will allow you to train as a plumber within a short time, usually around 8-10 weeks. Of course, this won’t be as in-depth as a traditional plumbing apprenticeship, however, it will give you the main skills and qualifications required to start working as a plumber. Usually, you’ll have to fund the course yourself, and it won’t provide you with gas training. This is a great option if you’re unable to find an apprenticeship, or you’d like to start earning a living wage as soon as possible. You’ll then be able to expand your training from this point while working, for example, becoming Gas Safe registered.
Which plumbing course should you choose?
When choosing a fast-track plumbing course, you should look to see which awarding bodies have approved the course. This will ensure that any training you complete as part of the course will be accredited by the right organisations. Accreditation is important as it means the course is suitable for gaining the correct knowledge and skills, as well as for completing further learning. For example, City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing and Domestic Heating is an accredited course. This is a popular course and will provide you with the basic skills necessary to start your plumbing career. If you’re unsure about which course to choose, The Trades College can help to discuss your options.
Can you train as a plumber while working?
As our courses are not government funded, you must be able to comfortably fund the course yourself. For many, this means they will need to continue working alongside their training. All of our courses are designed to work around you, making it completely possible to maintain your current employment while studying. We can help you find a course which is flexible for you, with part-time, evening and weekend availability.
Interested in starting your career as a plumber with The Trades College? Get in touch with us today!
