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Do you want to become a Plumber? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

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Plumbers work on sanitation, heating, hot and cold water systems, and the sheet lead weathering required for the inside and outside of buildings. They use a variety of skills, tools and materials, and the work includes:

• installing systems for hot and cold water, heating, sanitation and waste disposal
• fitting pipework to baths, toilets, sinks, central heating boilers, water pumps, etc
• emergency repair work
• making and fitting flashings or roof weatherings.

It is possible to specialise in particular areas of plumbing work. Plumbers need a great deal of technical knowledge and expertise.

Plumbing services can be required at any time, so plumbers can expect to work more than the usual working week of 37.5 hours, Monday to Friday. They work both inside and outside, often in cramped and uncomfortable positions.

Salaries range from around £5,000 a year (for first-year apprentices) to over £22,000.

Plumbers should:

• have practical skills and good hand skills
• be able to follow technical drawings, building plans, and other instructions
• be fit and strong enough to carry tools and materials
• be interested in maths, engineering and science subjects.

Plumbers work for plumbing or mechanical engineering services contractors, building contractors, public sector bodies, or specialist contractors in the marine, chemical and gas industries. Of the 20,000 plumbing businesses in the UK, around 80 per cent are sole traders.

Most plumbers start as apprentices straight from school or college and train on the job over a period of up to four years. Entrants usually need at least four GCSEs/Sgrades (A-C/1-3).

In theory, it is possible to train as a plumber at any age, but employers may be less likely to train older people.

Apprentices spend some time working alongside an experienced plumber. This is combined with a day or block-release course at college, working towards NVQs/SVQs.

There are plenty of opportunities for progression in the plumbing industry. Once qualified, plumbers may decide to further their qualifications to NVQ/SVQ Level 4, or even degree level. They can work towards technician or supervisory level jobs, or specialise in a specific area of work such as heating, ventilation, refrigeration or air conditioning. Self-employed plumbers may run their own specialist firms.

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