You'll be providing an indispensable service essential for the smooth running of homes and offices. You'll maintain water piping and drainage systems for everyday services such as sewage, heating, venting, drinking and drainage.
Who can I work for?
This is a local-based small business-dominated industry, although there are some big plumbing chains.
Where and when can I work?
Anywhere. There are toilets and sinks, etc, all over the UK! This is no real 9-5 job. Yes, you will get your standard jobs, but there will always be anti-social-hours call-outs, which is where the big money comes as you can virtually name your price to a client standing there cross-legged!
What can I earn?
Self-employed plumbers can make between £30-£40,000 a year. For experienced staff plumbers that figure will be nearer £25,000.
What are the benefits?
Hopefully, a regular supply of free hot drinks on the job and, if you do your job well, being lauded as a knight in shining armour. A growing reputation comes with experience. You won't be stuck in the same place. Because most plumbers are self-employed, you'll have no boss to answer to, and you will decide how many or how few hours you work.
Are there chances of promotion?
None. But you could start your own business or branch out if you have the right qualifications (see below).
What will I be responsible for?
+ Unblocking toilets
+ The installation, maintenance and repair of pipes used to carry water, gas and sewage, etc
+ Ensuring you have the right tools at your disposal – this means pipe cutters, radiator keys, spanners, etc.
+ You may be part of the construction crew when a building is being built.
+ You'll connect internal plumbing to external features such as washing machines, sinks and showers.
+ You'll also handle gas lines for heating and cooking
+ More advanced plumbers will be responsible for heating and cooling systems too.
+ Fixing leaky faucets (valves controlling the release of liquids or gases).
What qualifications do I need?
You'll need a National Vocational Qualification – which are both theoretical and practical, so you'll train in the classroom and on the job as an apprentice. Once qualified, you'll know basic plumbing and hold an NVQ at Level 2 as a minimum and be able to start making money as a plumber. You can then work towards an NVQ3. This allows you to start your own business and/or work in more advanced areas, such as industry and gas AND make you eligible to gain a Master Plumber Certificate. Registering with The Council of Registered Gas Installers (CORGI) and passing its Approved Certificate Scheme (ACS) will enable you to install gas heating systems and work as a wet plumber (someone who only deals with piping systems in bathrooms or radiators). All these qualifications can be completed at local vocational colleges.
Do I need any experience?
Shadow a trained plumber by becoming what they call in the trade a plumber's 'mate'. This should test your aptitude for the job… and your nose! Also, look up Water Regulations and Building Regulations on the internet and swot up to give you a further head start before you start your qualifications and training.
What attributes are needed?
A tolerant nose; and you won't be precious. You'll be good with your hands and physically strong and enduring. You'll be presentable but not too presentable, given the conditions you may have to face. But you won't be too intimidating. You'll be adaptable to different environments – such as perched under a sink or hovering over a blocked loo. You'll be good with people and able to explain the complexities of certain procedures in a simple manner or break the bad news that your client faces a big bill.