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Plumbers fit, service and repair hot and cold water systems, and heating systems in homes and businesses.
They also work with gas fires and cookers.
You will need to be good at solving problems, have the ability to follow technical plans, and understand the importance of health and safety.
You’ll also need good customer care skills.
To become a qualified plumber you will need to complete industry-recognised training and qualifications.
A common way in is through an Apprenticeship.
Plumbers install water supplies, heating systems and drainage find faults in systems or equipment and repair them service gas and oil-fired central heating systems, boilers and radiators install and fix domestic appliances like showers, cooker, gas fires and washing machines service air-conditioning and ventilation units attend emergency call-outs to fix leaks, for example during cold weather fit weather-proof materials, joints and flashings to roofs, chimneys and walls .
You would work around 40 hours a week, with the possibility of overtime. Some employers offer a 24-hour call-out service, which would involve working unsocial hours (like evenings, weekends and public holidays).
As a self-employed plumber you would set your own hours.
You could work indoors, sometimes in cramped spaces, and outdoors in all weather conditions.
Some work may be at heights, for example on scaffolding to repair guttering or leadwork on roofs.
To become a qualified plumber you will need an industryrecognised qualification at level 2 or 3.
The level required will depend on the amount of experience you have.
For example, if you’ve worked in the industry for several years, a level 2 qualification may be enough, although you would be encouraged to complete training at level 3.
The main awards needed to become a qualified plumber are:
Level 2 (NVQ) Diploma in Installing and Maintaining Domestic Heating Systems.
Level 2/3 (NVQ) Diploma in Domestic Plumbing and Heating.
A common route into this work is through a Plumbing and Heating Apprenticeship,
The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers.
This would combine learning on the job with study at a college or training centre.
It normally takes two to three years to become fully qualified this way.
You should have the ability to follow technical drawings and plans good practical skills good problem-solving skills a careful and well ordered approach to work a reasonable level of fitness an awareness of safety issues and legal regulations the ability to work as part of a team and alone good customer care skills .
Starting salaries for newly qualified plumbers £18,000 to£22,000 a year.