Would you judge a plumber by their age or credentials?
The latest study from WaterSafe, the plumbing assurance scheme, found that homeowners are choosing plumbers based on their age rather than how qualified they are to do the job1.
The findings revealed:
- 50% want their plumber to be aged between 36 and 49 years old
- 24% would hire a plumber who was aged 50+
- 21% of homeowners would allow a 26-35 year old plumber to work on their appliances
- Only 4% of respondents trusted plumbers in the 18-25 age group
WaterSafe have warned consumers that age should not be taken as an indicator of skill or professionalism.
Perhaps the most shocking revelation from the study was that 70% of homeowners do not check their plumber’s credentials, despite rogue plumbers costing the nation £2.6 billion in recent years.
Julie Spinks, director at WaterSafe, said: “When it comes to the trade industry, there has always been an inherent degree of ageism – whereby it may be easy to assume that older traders, in having acquired years of experience, are more trustworthy.
“However, the reality is the age of a tradesman is irrelevant – while experience is valuable, it’s all about their professional qualifications and skills set. After all, each year we continue to see truly gifted, hardworking younger installers enter the industry – and their talent must not be overlooked.
“Ultimately, the most important factor is to check a prospective plumber’s credentials to ensure they are qualified to do the job in hand.”
Here at WPJ Heating, we agree. Holding the correct NVQ qualifications, having the ability to recognise and resolve all types of plumbing problems through experience, and being registered with recognised bodies such as the Gas Safe Register, are all far more relevant.
What’s more, the plumbing industry is likely to get younger over the next few years due to the Government’s drive on apprenticeship schemes. Now, increasing numbers of people of school and college age are being exposed to the option of taking on an apprenticeship, wherein they gain real-life experience from working for a plumbing company whilst simultaneously completing their NVQ courses.
Far from being incapable, apprentices are often highly determined and become qualified and experienced at a much faster rate than their colleagues who may have deferred the start of their own careers.
The misconceptions regarding age that were highlighted in WaterSafe’s survey should therefore be challenged, with the process for choosing the best plumber to focus on professional criteria rather than personal assumptions, allowing proof of qualifications to take full precedence.
1 WaterSafe, 2015. Plumbers pedigree judged on age not qualifications. [Online] Available at: https://www.watersafe.org.uk/news/latest_news/ageoverqualifications/. [Accessed 27th May 2015].