So you want to be a plumber?
Plumbing is a really rewarding career for practical people who enjoy solving problems and making their customers happy.
If you’re thinking about starting a career as a plumber, these are the things you need to know beforehand.
What does the typical day look like for a plumber?
Depending on which sector you are working in, you could be based at a home, industrial or commercial location. On any given day, you could be carrying out any number of the following duties:
- Installing and repairing water supplies, heating systems and drainage
- Servicing gas and oil-fired central heating systems, boilers and radiators
- Installing and fixing domestic appliances, such as washing machines and showers
- Servicing ventilation and air-conditioning units
- Fitting weather-proof materials and joints to roofs, chimneys and walls
Hours, working conditions and income
You’ll work around 40 hours per week, with the possibility of overtime. Some employers offer a 24-hour call-out service so be prepared for unsociable hours.
The working conditions can be uncomfortable, as you may need to complete jobs in restrictive spaces, at great heights, or outside in adverse weather.
Usually, you’ll travel locally between jobs but there may be occasions when you’ll need to stay overnight away from home.
Starting salaries for newly qualified plumbers begin at around £16, 500, whilst experienced plumbers can earn up to £35, 000 per year.
Self employed plumbers set their own rates and hours.
What qualifications do I need?
To become a qualified plumber, you’ll need an industry-recognised qualification at level 2 or 3, depending on the amount of experience you have. The main qualifications are:
- Level 2/3 Diploma Plumbing and Heating
- Level 2/3 Diploma Installing and Maintaining Domestic Heating Systems
These qualifications are completed whilst working, as you’ll need to supplement your theoretical knowledge with practical skills, and are accredited from the awarding bodies EAL, City & Guilds and BPEC.
Training and development
You can further your career by specialising in several subjects, including hot and cold water systems, oil and gas fired appliances, drainage, central heating, solar heating and water recycling systems.
Below are links to a selection of bodies you can register with:
- Gas Safe Register
- Oil Firing Technical Association (OFTEC)
- Traditional Building Skills Bursary Scheme
- SummitSkills
What skills should a good plumber possess?
- The ability to follow technical drawings and plans
- A practical mindset
- Real problem-solving talents
- An organised approach to work
- A reasonable level of fitness
- An awareness of health and safety regulations
- The ability to work as part of a team and independently
- Great customer care skills
We’re always keen to hear from talented plumbing professionals. If you’re interested in taking the next step in your career with us, please send your CV and covering letter to info@wpjheating.co.uk