Why should I study plumbing?
As a plumber, you’ll be working your body and mind constantly! Analysing problems, developing solutions, and handling day-to-day business transactions will keep your mind sharp, and the physical requirements of the job can keep your body active and healthy.
Becoming a plumber doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be fixing toilets all day (unless you want to) there are many options across multiple industries you can work in from designing plumbing systems for new buildings, deciding how to manage, repair and expand city water systems or even developing new plumbing technologies. The opportunities are endless! It also helps that plumbing contractors are one of the highest paid contractors!
What skills and knowledge will I need to work in the industry?
You'll need the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools, knowledge of building and construction, to be thorough and pay attention to detail, knowledge of maths, the ability to work well with others, the ability to use your initiative, the ability to work well with your hands, customer service skills, to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device.
Are there any other career paths and progression routes available after I study plumbing?
Plenty! You can develop your skills by taking further training in areas like heating, ventilation and air-conditioning, and renewable energy technologies like solar powered heating. You can also join the Gas Safe Register or get certified with the Oil Firing Technical Association (OFTEC). These would show you're qualified to work on gas or oil-fired appliances. You could go on to study for a higher national diploma or degree and become an engineer. This could lead to career options in building services engineering, estimating and contract management.
How much do plumbers get paid? (as at March 2023)
Newly trained plumbers can earn something in the region of £19,000 – £25,000 a year. If you become a Master Plumber, you can earn a lot more – depending on where you work, but some can make up to £60,000 per year.
What other benefits are there to becoming a plumber?
-Be your own boss! Once you have finished your course and spent a few years in the industry gaining experience you’ll have the expertise required to start your own business. You’ll decided your going rate, your hours and who you work with.
-It’s a sociable job- you get to interact with lots of people evert day
-It’s an excellent time to enter this profession, a licensed plumber will never be out of work and plumbing can be considered a recession-proof profession that offers great security.
So why wait? Start your plumbing career here.