Are you thinking of changing your career to the plumbing trade? There are plenty of options available for you to become a qualified plumber, no matter what your current circumstances are. In the UK, plumbers are in high demand, meaning it is a great idea to invest into one of our plumbing courses!
What is the role of a plumber?
A plumber is someone who installs and repairs pipework and drains, as well as upgrading existing plumbing. This could be in a residential or commercial setting, in new builds or existing properties. A plumber’s duties could include:
- Installation, maintenance and repair of pipes – including drains, valves and fixtures
- Liaising with contractors and building professionals on a project site
- Reading blueprints or building plans and following them correctly
- Adhering to rules and regulations to ensure all work passes inspection
- Keeping track of material costs and time spent on projects
- Estimating project costs and keeping to a specified budget
- Responding to emergency callouts
- Performing maintenance and checks on plumbing systems
A plumber could work on household appliances such as washing machines, boilers and dishwashers. This could include simple jobs such as bleeding a radiator, to more complex projects like pipe installation.
Are plumbers in demand in the UK?
You might be wondering whether or not plumbers are in demand in the UK, after all, you don’t want to be entering an industry where you’ll be competing for a job. Fortunately, there is a huge skill gap when it comes to plumbing in the UK. According to a study by Rated People and Vanarama, plumbing was the most in-demand trade in 2020. Everyone in the UK has some form of plumbing in their home, meaning that there will always be a need for plumbers. Here are some reasons why plumbers are in high demand in the UK:
- Retiring skilled workers. Many experienced plumbers are reaching retirement age and, while there are still many plumbers available, there is a gap to fill here.
- Lack of funding. With cutbacks to apprenticeships, there are far fewer opportunities for people to take this route into the trade. There are still other options available, however, such as short courses.
- Perceived stigma. Often, people who choose to complete apprenticeships are, unfortunately, perceived as less successful than those who choose to complete higher education such as university courses. There is a negative stigma here, even though plumbing is a crucial job role.
What qualifications do you need to become a plumber in the UK?
It is important to have the right skills and qualifications to work as a plumber. All plumbers must have GCSEs in maths and English Language, passing with at least a C. From this point, they could complete an apprenticeship that will provide them with the necessary skills and qualifications for them to work as a plumber. Alternatively, they could complete a City and Guilds course. Relevant qualifications for plumbing include a BTEC Level 1/2 First Award; an EAL Level 2 Intermediate Diploma in Plumbing, and an EAL Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Plumbing. All plumbers should hold a current plumbing licence (blue CSCS card) and a Gas Safety certificate. As well as qualifications, plumbers need to have at least 2 years of relevant work experience (5 years for specialist plumbing).
How long does it take to become a plumber?
There are two different routes you can take to become a qualified plumber. The path you choose is up to you and could depend on your current circumstances. For example, if you’ve recently completed school at GCSE level, you might choose to enter an apprenticeship. This will allow you to gain experience working with qualified plumbers while studying at college. An apprenticeship is the longest route to becoming a plumber, taking 4 years to complete. This is a great option if you’re between the ages of 16 and 21 as your training will most likely be free and you will be able to make a small income while completing your training.
A faster route to take is to complete a fast-track plumbing course. These courses aren’t quite as in-depth as an apprenticeship but are an ideal way to kickstart your plumbing career quickly, as they only take 8 to 10 weeks to complete. This could be a better option for you if you’re above 21 or trying to change your career path. A fast-track course will allow you to start earning quickly, giving you all of the right qualifications to start work as a plumber. This option will have a cost, but there are more flexible courses that allow you to continue your current job alongside training.
At The Trades College, we can find the perfect course for you. No matter what your circumstances are, there will always be a course available to suit your needs. Discuss your options with us today by visiting our contact page.
