So you’re interested in pursuing a career as a plumber? And who could blame you, the plumbing industry can offer competitive wages and give you the opportunity to run your own business. Many people who choose to pursue plumbing then progress into design, teaching, management as well as consultancy. There are several routes you can take into this industry, but you must gain the necessary qualifications and training first.

Along with this, you must have a suitable understanding of mathematics and science, although you may not realise it, this is a crucial part of the job. Additionally, you need to consider the fact that you will be working at significant heights on occasion, and you need to be comfortable working in tight or slightly cramped areas, as well as possess the stamina to complete physically demanding work day in, day out. With this in mind, in this blog post, we have accumulated a few things to consider in relation to training for becoming a qualified plumber, as an apprentice. Read on to discover more about the training process of becoming a plumber.

The route to a plumbing apprenticeship

For school-leavers, graduates or career changers, the job market can seem like a daunting place, nevertheless, there are many ways you can get your foot in the door and get yourself onto a professional plumber training course, this level of apprentice training is the first step towards a new career as a qualified and professional plumber.

Dependant on the route you choose to take, you could have the opportunity to earn during your training, this is the case with the NVQ Level 3 Electrical Training Course and with apprenticeships, under 19’s can expect to earn £3.70 an hour. While wages will vary depending on who you train with, what any apprentice will definitely gain in terms of skills, experience and qualifications in your within this field is invaluable.

It’s important for an apprentice to really utilise this period of training. Whatever specific area of plumbing you plan to go into, there are a number of pointers for you to follow and tips that can take your training to that next level.

What kind of training is available?

In the UK, in order to become a fully qualified plumber you will need an industry-recognised qualification at NVQ level 2 or 3. The prior experience you already have will determine what level you can start your training from, regardless of this, you are going to require either:

● Level 2/3 Diploma Plumbing and Heating

● Level 2/3 Diploma Installing and Maintaining Domestic Heating Systems

If you find yourself in the position of going into plumbing without any prior knowledge of the basic, core skills that you are required to have in this field, this includes:

● Carrying out and understanding safe working practices in building services and in engineering

● Understanding and being able to install hot water systems as well as carrying out maintenance in the home

● Understanding and installing above ground drainage systems and maintenance techniques

● Installing domestic heating systems and carrying out maintenance for these systems

Moreover, a Level 3 qualification is better suited to an individual who has already completed a Level 2 qualification or someone who has prior knowledge or experience within the plumbing industry.

The level 3 Diploma offers a plethora of options, this includes but is by no means limited to hot and cold water systems, drainage, solar heating, oil and appliances as well as water and recycling systems. This also includes the ACS safety assessment requirements, for the gas plumbing options. ACS assessment is required in order to register with the Gas Safe Register which has formally been known as CORGI. The Gas Safe Register will massively increase your chances of employment as customers are far more likely to opt for a plumber who is registered rather than one who isn’t in order to carry out work.

How do you get a plumbing NVQ?

You’ll achieve these qualifications appropriately while working in plumbing and they will be accredited to an individual by industry award-giving bodies such as Guilds, EAL and BPEC. It’s a simple process and involves an NVQ assessor visiting an individual when you’re on a job or in your place of work, and assessing you as you carry out tasks. If this assessor is happy with the work they have witnessed being carried out, you will gain your NVQ.

College training courses

Various types of college courses, this includes both part-time and full-time courses, will go over the necessary, core, information that it is required for you to know. This information will get you primed and ready for a career in the plumbing industry, alongside this, you will be required to have an awareness of the health and safety required. The other practical skills you will gain and required from you includes:

● Level 1 Certificate Introduction to Plumbing

● Level 2 Diploma in Access to Building Services Engineering

● Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing Studies

These courses are essentially the key to you accessing higher level qualifications, moreover, this will increase your opportunities and chances of an apprenticeship and will also help you if you’re seeking employment as a trainee.

Once you’ve become a fully qualified plumber, you’ll be able to carry out work within several areas of plumbing including air conditioning, ventilation, heating, gas servicing refrigeration and bathroom and kitchen fitting and much, much more.

Improving qualifications when you’re already qualified

Within the plumbing industry there are certain associations or institutions you can join in order to improve your career prospects and benefit you in general. For example, if you work with oil-fired appliances or heating systems, it’ll be beneficial for you to register with the Oil Firing Technical Association competent person scheme. The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) also has membership options which will aid you with your development within the plumbing industry. The British Plumbers Employers Council (BPEC) provide training packages, including ACS assessment preparation and also practical business guidance.

As this guide has hopefully shown you, the plumbing industry can offer exciting career opportunities and is a highly rewarding profession. Hopefully, you have discovered the relevant information you were looking for and you are aware of the training that is necessary for being a qualified plumber and you will one day be able to reap the rewards of this highly gratifying profession.

Prestige Plumber offering plumbing services, boiler installation and emergency plumber call-out services in Southampton, Portsmouth and Fareham

If you suspect you may have a plumbing problem in your home and require assistance, it’s crucial you get it fixed as quickly as possible. Here at Prestige Plumbers, we provide extensive services in heating, plumbing, and boiler care. If you need a plumber during working hours, we won’t request a payment for a call-out charge. What makes us as one of the lead plumbing companies is that our emergency plumbers operate around the clock. Our plumbers are highly experienced and provide an extremely professional service. If you’re seeking a professional plumbing service and you are based in Portsmouth, Southampton or Fareham, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.