Some plumbers specialise in sheet metal work on industrial, commercial and historical buildings. This type of work involves cutting, shaping and fitting sheeting materials made from aluminium, copper, lead and zinc.

Plumbers can take their plumbing career in various directions:

If you become a plumber you may wish to opt for self-employment due to the flexibility it offers.

Difference between a plumber and a heating engineer?

Some plumbers work as wet only plumbers, dealing with piped systems for water such as fitting bathrooms, radiators and sprinkler systems. Others choose to branch out into the gas industry so they can install gas central heating systems along with other wet plumbing systems.

These plumbers are legally obliged to become registered with CORGI (Council of Registered Gas Installers), after passing their Approved Certification Scheme (ACS).

Advice on becoming Corgi registered

Become a plumber - hours and environment

If you opt for a plumbing career, you can anticipate working a 40 hour week with the option to work overtime. If your employer offers a 24-hour call-out service, you will be expected to work irregular hours. You will work both indoors, often in confined spaces, and outdoors in all weathers. Work on the outside of buildings can be high up.

Plumbers skills and interests

Being a plumber is a physical job; you will have to be prepared to get your hands dirty, learn to use many tools and equipment in a safe and proper fashion, have a head for heights, be willing to fit into small, cramped spaces (under sinks etc) and you will need to be a quick learner.

Below are a few attributes that help to make a good plumber:

Become a plumber - plumber training

It takes years of training to become qualified as a plumber and have a plumbing career. It calls for a dedication to lifelong learning, as the rate of technological advancement is rapid.

To be considered a qualified plumber, it's recommended that you gain the NVQ (or SVQ in Scotland) Level 2 and 3 in Mechanical Engineering Services (MES): Plumbing (Domestic).

City & Guilds (6129) Technical Certificates Level 2 Basic Plumbing Studies and Level 3 Plumbing Studies - you can take these if you do not have any work experience.

The technical certificates (6129) do not prove occupational competence as a plumber, only the full NVQ qualification can do this. The technical certificates are open to people of all ages but competition for places is strong. They cover the theory and some practical skills needed to move onto the NVQ qualification, including:

- hot and cold water systems
- sanitation systems
- central heating pipework
- health and safety

City & Guilds (6089) NVQ Level 2 and 3 in Mechanical Engineering Services (MES): Plumbing (Domestic) - you can only move on to the NVQ once you have gained work experience, either through employment or a work placement.

Level 3 NVQ/SVQ contains three additional assessments:

To convert your plumbing career from domestic to commercial gas plumbing or vice versa, you have to retake the corresponding ACS assessment, as they differ for each field.

N.B. Plumbing colleges and training centres set their own entry requirements which are likely to include an aptitude test.

There are organisations offering short intensive training courses and some offering home-study options to become a plumber. To be industry-recognised, the courses must be accredited by City & Guilds (C&G) and lead to the technical certificate (6129) or NVQ (6089). You can check if they do by contacting your regional C&G office with the course and training provider's details.

Plumbing apprenticeships

You may be able to start your plumbing career as an apprentice with a plumbing or engineering company. Most apprentices start at 16 to 19, but entry may be possible up to 24, depending on availability of places. There is currently very little provision for Adult Apprenticeships in England but there are limited pilot schemes in Wales. Check with local employers, colleges and training centres for details or visit the government's apprenticeships sites for England and Wales.

Overseas qualified plumbers

If you are qualified from outside the UK, contact the Joint Industry Board for Plumbing to find details about how to register as a qualified plumber. You will need proof of qualifications you've obtained in your home country.

Rogue plumber training courses

Sadly there are many reported causes of rogue plumbing training companies so check out the company before you sign up for anything. The industry is working to find a solution to this problem, but it is complex as these training providers are operating within the law.

Don't get ripped off by rogue trainers. If you are considering a career as a plumber do your homework on what the industry requires of you, both in terms of qualifications and on site experience. Otherwise you risk losing your hard earned money and wasting your time undertaking worthless training courses.

OFTEC

If you install, service and repair oil-fired appliances and heating systems, you can register with the Oil Firing Technical Association (OFTEC) and take their training and accreditation scheme.

Plumbers and Building regulations

When you become a plumber you must make sure that their work complies with relevant Building Regulations and legal requirements.

Part L of the Building Regulations - Energy Efficiency

Part L states that plumbers and heating engineers fitting new boilers must hold the City & Guilds Certificate in Energy Efficiency for Domestic Heating (6084). This certifies that you are qualified to carry out the work in line with Part L requirements. Contact the Energy Efficiency helpline (in Further Information) or visit the Skills4business website for more details.

Part P of the Building Regulations - Electrical Safety

Part P states that certain types of household electrical work must be approved by a certified contractor or building inspector. You can certify your own work by completing a short Part P training course. See the Part P contacts in Further Information for details about certification training schemes, entry requirements and information about the electrical work that requires approval.

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Plumbers Salary Expectations

Plumbing career salary guideline figures:

Key messages for prospective plumbers

Plumbing links

So do you still want to become a plumber? If so, good luck with your plumbing career!