Career FAQ
Although the Institute isn't a training organisation, we do get enquiries from people wanting to become plumbers, but are not sure how to go about it. We hope the following basic information will help to answer some of those questions.Useful Contacts:
| The Learning & Skills Council Cheylesmore House Quinton Road Coventry CV1 2WT Tel: 0845 0194170 www.lsc.gov.uk |
SummitSkills Ltd Vega House Opal Drive Fox Milne Milton Keynes MK15 0DF Tel: 08000 688 336 Fax: 0870 951 4621 www.summitskills.org.uk/careers/23 |
- What qualities do you need to be a good plumber ?
- How do I become a plumber ?
- How long will it take to qualify ?
- Are there many women plumbers ?
- Can I get a grant to help towards the cost of training ?
- Is it difficult to get work experience ?
- How do I get work experience ?
- 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: What qualities do you need to be a good plumber ?
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| You need to be a practical sort of person that gets satisfaction from doing a job to the best of your ability. Maths, engineering and science are important factors in plumbing work, so it would be beneficial to have an A-C GCSE pass in these subjects. |
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Q: How do I become a plumber ?
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| You will need to complete a plumbing course aimed at N/SVQ level 2/3 qualification, or similar. These courses are usually run by training providers usually called Technical Colleges. The Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering recommends that you should aim for Level 3. |
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Q: How long will it take to qualify ?
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| It can take around three years to reach N/SVQ level 3. |
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Q: Are there many women plumbers ?
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| Compared with men the answer is no. However, more women are training to become plumbers and hopefully there will be a substantial increase in years to come. |
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Q: Can I get a grant to help towards the cost of training ?
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| Age has a bearing on this. If you are aged between 16 - 24, you will most likely qualify for financial help. For more information, visit the SummitSkills Limited website www.summitskills.org.uk/careers/23 where you will find a list of people to contact for your area. Alternatively ring 08000 688 336 |
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Q: Is it difficult to get work experience ?
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| Unfortunately it can be. Most Technical Colleges will try to arrange this with a local plumbing employer, but it would helpful if you arrange your own work placement. |
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Q: How do I get work experience ?
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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. |
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Q: Where can I get information on Modern Apprenticeships ?
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| Contact SummitSkills Limited or Sector Skills Development Agency (contact details at the top of this page). |
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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 Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering. For just £15 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. |