A Career in Plumbing

Plumbers are extremely important people in society. It's a fact of life that wherever people settle, they will always need plumbers. Good plumbing is not only vital to public health (plumbers deal with clean drinking water, sanitation, heating systems etc), but is also an integral part of modern day life - how many of us could do without the luxury of a hot bath or central heating?

A Career in Plumbing
The plumbing industry holds diverse career paths, good wages and the opportunity for individuals to run their own business. Some plumbers work as 'wet only plumbers', dealing with piped systems for water such as fitting bathrooms, radiators and sprinkler systems etc. 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 have to by law become registered with the Council of Registered Gas Installers (CORGI), after passing their Approved Certification Scheme (ACS). Some plumbers deal with drainage and small domestic jobs such as leaky taps and blocked sinks. However, whatever area of the industry plumbers choose to work in, they all should be suitably qualified and need extensive knowledge of the Water Regulations (Water Bylaws in Scotland) and the Building Regulations.

Qualifications Required To Be A Plumber
Being a plumber is a physical job; you will have to be prepared to get your hands dirty (some plumbers on a regular basis, some every now and again), learn to use many tools and equipment in a safe and proper fashion, you will need a head for heights, be willing to fit into small, cramped spaces (under sinks etc) and you will need to be a quick learner (plumbers who take you on for work experience will expect you to make the odd mistake, but not to make it twice!). You will also have to be a 'people person' by having good communication skills and take pride in your work.

At present, to be a plumber you need to follow the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) route (Scottish National Vocational Qualification - SNVQ - in Scotland). These qualifications are made up of theory and practical work in the classroom/purpose built training facility and work based experience with a working plumber. Colleges should help students find a work placement, although many students organise it themselves.

The S/NVQ qualification works in levels. All recently qualified plumbers should hold S/NVQ Level 2 as basic with Level 3 as the preferred level. Level 2 will give you the foundation you need for a career in plumbing and teach you domestic plumbing to a satisfactory level. Level 3 is more comprehensive and deals with domestic, commercial and industrial plumbing along with aspects such as gas - if you want to one day set up your own business, this is the level to reach. The Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering, and the industry as a whole recommends that all plumbers reach a minimum of Level 3.

Reaching Level 3 has other advantages. The Institute runs a Master Plumber Certificate, which only those attaining Level 3 or equivalent can reach as long as they have the relevant experience as well. Those with S/NVQ Level 3 can (once in membership with the Institute for five years as a Member MIPHE) gain Engineering Technician EngTech status with the Engineering Council (UK).

SummitSkills
SummitSkills is the Sector Skills Council for the plumbing industry. The organisation holds a list of colleges and courses throughout the UK and is a good starting point for those wanting to get into plumbing (contact details at top of page). However, once you have found the college you wish to attend, you may have to pass the BPEC Selection Test first. This test assess whether those wanting to enrol on a course will be suitable. Plumbing courses are in high demand so colleges want to make sure that they take on those who are suited to the course, rather than those who will have difficulties and may dropout half way through.

For further information contact: The Institute of Plumbing And Heating Engineering  www.iphe.org.uk

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