SummitSkills Ltd
Vega House
Opal Drive
Fox Milne
Milton Keynes
MK15 0DF
Tel: 08000 688 336
Fax: 0870 951 4621
enquiries@summitskills.org.uk
www.summitskills.org.uk/careers/23
The Learning & Skills Council
Cheylesmore House
Quinton Road
Coventry CV1 2WT
Tel: 0845 019 4170
www.lsc.gov.uk
Careers Advice Line
The SummitSkills Careers Advice Line, 08000 688 336, heralds the first ever single source for guidance on training and careers across all the industries within the building services engineering sector.This joint initiative between SummitSkills and University for Industry Learndirect is available throughout the UK and Northern Ireland, and will focus on providing comprehensive guidance to all callers aged 16 and over regarding training, education and career progression. Persons aged under 16 will be directed to their careers or Connexions office, while enquiries from employers will be directed to the relevant training provider.
Open seven days a week from 8am until 10pm, the SummitSkills Careers Advice Line is supported by over 20 dedicated Learndirect staff. All staff are professional career guidance personnel who have received specialised training in the specifics of the sector.
The service will also facilitate the collection of industry wide data. This information will be analysed in an aggregate form on a monthly basis and allow for the identification of the needs, wants and aspirations of those seeking to pursue a career in the sector.
The importance of plumbers
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? Without the competent plumber disease would be rife, sanitation non-existent, clean, fresh drinking water from a tap only a dream and central heating would consist of a coal or log fire!It takes years of training to become qualified and a career in plumbing calls for a dedication to lifelong learning, as the rate of technological advancement is rapid. An understanding of maths and science is vital, and those on the tools need a head for heights, the ability to work in cramped conditions and the stamina to complete physically hard work day after day. The plumbing industry holds diverse career paths, good wages and the opportunity for individuals to run their own business. Many plumbers progress to design, consultancy, teaching and management, making the plumbing and heating industry a career with a future.
The job
The Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering's definition of plumbing is:Work associated with the provision of water supply pipework including that used for fire fighting; all forms of space heating, gas installation, sanitary appliances, discharge pipework and drainage; the weathering of structures and buildings.
As you can see, plumbing embraces a large area of work. 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.
Qualities/qualifications you need to be a plumber
Plumbers need the intelligence to work out complex equations, the expertise and flexibility to install different systems, the knowledge to understand how and why different systems work, the ability and initiative to problem solve, a thirst for knowledge of new technology, a creative mind, sound judgement and most importantly professionalism and honesty. Most colleges will prefer you to have a GCSE grade A-C level in Maths and Science or equivalent, to prove you have the mental ability for the job.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. You have to respect people's properties and uphold high standards in plumbing to protect the public health. The result of all this can lead to immense job satisfaction.
Working as a plumber on the tools needs physical skill and mental ability. There is no use knowing the theory if you can't do the practice and vice-versa.
The Qualifications
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 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.
Technology in the plumbing industry runs at a very fast pace. Once qualified you will need to continue learning about new technology and changes in Regulations through training courses and Professional Development. Most manufactures have training establishments and run courses. The Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering runs Technical Evenings and seminars for members and their guests, so they can keep up-to-date with the very latest in the industry.
What can qualified plumbers earn?
Forget the stories of earning £70,000 - £120,000 a year, the average self-employed plumber earns approximately between £30,000 - £40,000 a year. HOWEVER, out of this the self-employed plumber will have to deduct tax and overheads running into thousands of pounds (insurance, cost of running and maintaining a van, cost of parking at jobs, cost of training courses and if you work on gas, the cost of passing the ACS and becoming CORGI Registered, just to name a few expenses). The average plumber employed by a company will earn in the region of £25,000 after a couple of years experience.If you are self employed a lot of what you earn depends on how much time and effort you put in. If you are working 12 hour shifts six or seven days a week of course you will earn a lot more. On the other hand, plumbing is a very good trade to learn if you have commitments such as children - if you are a mother doing the school run, or have to be home at a certain time as your partner is still out working, you can fit jobs in around your lifestyle.
For more information please see the Institute's Frequently Asked Questions on a career in plumbing or contact the organisations at the top of this page.