Training FAQ
Although the Institute isn't a training organisation, we do get enquiries from people wanting advice on which courses they should do and the qualifications they should aim for. Here are a sample of those questions and answers.- Do you recommend trainee plumbers to aim for a particular NVQ Level ?
- How long will it take to qualify ?
- The plumbing courses at my local technical college are full, what do you suggest ?
- Can you recommend an intensive plumbing course that I can do within a couple of months ?
- I've seen an advert which offers distance learning courses in plumbing. Will I be able to qualify as a plumber if I do this ?
- Is it difficult to get work experience ?
- How can I arrange my own work placement ?
- I’ve been told that I have to pass a test to get onto a plumbing course, will this be difficult ?
- I’m 35 and decided to change my career and become a plumber. Will my age go against me ?
- Where can I get information on Modern Apprenticeships ?
- What are the job prospects for qualified plumbers ?
- Are there any organisations I can join that will help my career ?
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Q: Do you recommend trainee plumbers to aim for a particular NVQ Level ?
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| Yes. The Institute recommends S/NVQ Level 3, to be fully competent. |
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Q: How long will it take to qualify ?
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| It can take around three years to reach S/NVQ level 3, but it can be achieved quicker than this, or it can take longer - it depends on the individual. |
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Q: The plumbing courses at my local technical college are full, what do you suggest ?
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| It is a big advantage to be multi-skilled in the job market. Why not consider doing a course in plastering or decorating, which will enhance your skills? In the mean time you can put your name down on the waiting list for the next plumbing course. |
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Q: Can you recommend an intensive plumbing course that I can do within a couple of months ?
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| We don't recommend this type of course as we believe learning has to be reinforced over a period of time, especially the practical side of things. |
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Q: I've seen an advert which offers distance learning courses in plumbing. Will I be able to qualify as a plumber if I do this ?
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| To be a fully qualified plumber you need an adequate amount of practical study to accompany the theoretical side. Part of the S/NVQ Level 2 plumbing courses taught at technical colleges includes mandatory work experience. |
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Q: Is it difficult to get work experience ?
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| It can be. A few technical colleges will try to arrange this with a local employer, but it would helpful if you arrange your own work placement. It is vital to have a comprehensive understanding of the Regulations, such as Water Regulations and Building Regulations etc before carrying out practical plumbing work. |
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Q: How can I arrange my own work placement ?
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| You will need to create a CV detailing your educational background and qualifications gained, along with any work experience. Books are available at your local library to show you how to give your CV a professional look. Send your CV with a short covering letter to the local plumbing businesses in your area along with a stamped SAE. |
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Q: I've been told that I have to pass a test to get onto a plumbing course, will this be difficult ?
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| This is usually a general test to gauge your ability in maths and problem solving. The reason this is set is because some people enrolled on plumbing courses find it difficult to get to grips with the calculations that arise in the course work. |
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Q: I'm 35 and decided to change my career and become a plumber. Will my age go against me ?
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| Unfortunately, there are problems that face a mature plumbing student. It is extremely difficult to get funding for people over the age of 24 and as a lot of people in their thirties already have financial commitments, such as mortgages, it can make it impossible to do a full time course without the help of an employer. Employers may be reluctant to take on someone in their thirties, or older, because they may feel they will have to pay them more. |
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Q: Where can I get information on Modern Apprenticeships ?
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| Contact SummitSkills or JTL (contact details below) for more information. |
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Q: What are the job prospects for qualified plumbers ?
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| Fantastic! There is a huge skills shortage in the plumbing industry and good plumbers are always in demand. In domestic plumbing, female plumbers are often preferred by elderly people or lone mothers. It is certainly a job with a future and can lead to you eventually running your own business. |
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Q: Are there any organisations I can join that will help my career ?
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| Plumbing students can apply for Trainee membership of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering. For just £18 per year they can enjoy the same advantages of membership as qualified plumbers, except they cannot use the logo or vote at AGMs. It also shows prospective employers that you have a professional attitude. Members receive the bi-monthly P&HE magazine which is full of industry news, updates on regulations and technical articles. For more information on joining the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering, please contact Lesley Challis on 01708 463108 or email lesleyc@ciphe.org.uk and ask for a Trainee membership pack. Useful Contacts: SummitSkills Ltd Vega House Opal Drive Fox Milne Milton Keynes MK15 0DF. Tel: 08000 688 336 Email: enquiries@summitSkills.org.uk Website: www.summitskills.org.uk JTL Stafford House, 120-122 High Street, Orpington, Kent, BR6 0JS. Tel: 0800 0852308 Website: www.jtlimited.co.uk |