How to Become a Qualified Plumber

By Daniel Greenaway

Plumbers play a very important role in society that is vital to public health, when taking into account clean water, heating systems and sanitation. How could we do without central heating and hot baths? Due to this, prospects for qualified plumbers are very good.

The traditional route to becoming a plumber in the UK is via an apprenticeship. Two years of study at college and working for a plumbing firm you will progress towards an NVQ level 2 or level 3. This typically takes 2-3 years through to completion.

With limited spaces available on college courses and difficulty in getting apprenticeships many people are turning towards private companies to fill the training gap.

There are several training operators around the country that offer intensive plumbing courses. These courses are designed around the need to gain the correct qualifications and the regulations in the shortest possible time, and allow you to work within the domestic plumbing sector.

City & Guilds Level 2 Technical Certificate - Plumbing Award 6129 is the only industry recognised plumbing award. It is strongly advised that you compliment the Technical Certificate with the Plumbing NVQ as many employers and major contractors view this as an indication of competence.

Intensive plumber courses like this are created to ensure plumbing graduates are able to cope with the vast majority of plumbing jobs that they will experience in the field. If you require general plumbing skills for your business then this type of course is for you.

After finishing an intensive course you can start to earn money from your plumbing career doing some of the following: Plumbers install, maintain and repair water supplies, sanitation and waste disposal systems in domestic and commercial properties, they also work on various heating systems.

The salaries for plumbers vary nationally with the highest salaries being in London and the south-east of England. The starting salaries of newly qualified plumbers range from £17,000 to £21,000. Experienced plumbers can earn much more depending on experience. With the right skills and training; plumbers can transfer into the ventilation, heating and electrical, refrigeration and air-conditioning.

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