A career in the plumbing trade can prove to be both lucrative and rewarding. Skilled plumbers are always in high demand and as such qualified plumbers can enjoy a great earning potential as well as the flexibility of self-employment which means your career can fit around your life – not the other way around!
Plumbing courses are well catered for here in the UK. Whether you are looking for a part-time plumbing course to attend which fits around your current job, or are looking to become a qualified plumber as soon as possible with an intensive plumbing course, you can be certain that the ideal plumbing course is out there for you.
Typically most plumbing courses will get you started with a City & Guilds qualification which upon completion will demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the trade. By this stage you’ll know enough about the job to consider applying for work alongside a working plumber as an apprentice which, together with the plumbing course, can give you invaluable experience of the work outside of the classroom.
Before becoming a fully qualified plumber in your own right you will take a practical assessment under the watch of a City & Guild Examiner to demonstrate that you are able to apply the skills you have acquired effectively. Upon passing this test you will be awarded an NVQ Plumbing Diploma and can consider yourself a fully qualified plumber!
As with other trades, plumbing courses are widely available and you shouldn’t have a problem finding a course which suits your needs in your area. Local colleges and trade schools are the best places to get started and can often offer a range of course styles to fit your requirements. Most places will offer a standard full time Monday to Friday timetable which is really the ideal way to take the plumbing course as the various stages will be covered thoroughly and at a steady pace.
Intensive courses are also available which are ideal if you are looking to get into the trade quickly and don’t have other commitments. If you do take an intensive plumbing course it is advisable working alongside an experienced plumber for a while after becoming qualified to get a little experience under your belt before going it alone. If you are currently working and looking to change careers to plumbing then there are also part-time and distance learning plumbing courses which can fit around your free time so you can gain the necessary qualifications at your own pace.
Plumbing courses usually have low entry requirements, especially when you consider the value of the qualification that you’ll gain. All you need is a willingness to learn and a genuine desire and motivation to pass the course. With the wide variety of plumbing courses available and a rewarding career and income to look forward to once you’ve passed, it is a better time than ever to gain your accreditation as a qualified plumber.