How to Become a Plumber
Professional plumbers are in high demand across the UK. If you’re interested in becoming a plumber in London, there are a couple of ways you can achieve that goal. In fact, you have two main options for becoming a plumber, both of which we’ll cover below.
Before you decide to undergo plumbing training, be sure you’ve got what it takes to be a plumber. Since you’ll be working with the public and suppliers, you should have some basic customer care skills. It’s also important to have some mechanical skills since you’ll be working with power tools and machinery. Additionally, you should have an eye for visual detail because you’ll be reading technical drawings and plans to ensure your finished projects work well and look good. Now, let’s take a look at the two main ways you can become a plumber in the UK.
Plumbing Apprenticeship
The traditional way to become a plumber is to successfully complete a plumbing apprenticeship that takes four years. This option involves being employed by a plumbing company wherein you’ll learn all the ins and outs of the trade.
A plumbing apprenticeship involves both on-hands training and theory training. The final year of the apprenticeship is typically spent learning how to service and install domestic heating systems so you’ll be Gas Safe Registered upon the successful completion of your apprenticeship.
The advantages of a plumbing apprenticeship are many. First and foremost, the training is sponsored, which means you won’t have to pay for it. You’ll also gain a great deal of on-site experience learning from a master plumber. Plus, you’ll earn a small income during your training, which is always a ‘plus’!
It’s important to know that plumbing apprenticeships are only available to students aged 16 to 21, so if you’re older than that, you’ll have to take another route in order to become a plumber.
Plumbing Courses
There are full and part-time plumbing courses available in the UK that can put you on the right path to becoming a successful professional plumber. You can find these courses available at colleges and training centres across the country.
When you sign up for a plumbing class, you will learn all the skills necessary for the trade. You will be taught how to service, install, and maintain basic plumbing systems as well as important health and safety skills. While an apprenticeship takes 4 years to complete, a plumbing course can last anywhere from 8 to 16 weeks.
Anyone aged 16 or older can take plumbing courses. This training isn’t free, so you will have to pay to complete the training. Another disadvantage of taking a plumbing course is that there’s no on-site work experience offered nor will you be given the opportunity to work alongside a professional plumber.
When you become a licensed plumber, you will have many job opportunities. You can work in heating and ventilation, gas servicing, bath and kitchen fittings, refrigeration, or air conditioning, just to mention a few. As a London plumber, you’re also given the option of being self-employed or working for an established plumbing company.