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<\/div>Asbestos Awareness Training<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
Working as a plumber means there is the possibility of disturbing ACMs (Asbestos-Containing Materials) in the course of your work. Our\u00a0Asbestos Awareness Course<\/a>\u00a0gives you the tools to go about your work safely and shows what to do if asbestos is encountered.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n A plumber is someone who instals, repairs and maintains water and heating systems in buildings. This might include installing new pipework, servicing old heating systems, finding and fixing faults, connecting dishwashers and washing machines and installing new toilets, baths and sinks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Plumbing has the possibility of being a green job<\/a> – a role that has a positive, direct impact on the environment. This is particularly important as we enter the future of work, where eco-credentials are becoming more and more desirable by customers and clients.<\/p>\n\n\n Plumbers work in a variety of buildings, including domestic properties for private clients, in commercial premises, in office buildings and on construction sites. You might be working 9 to 5 for an employer, be self-employed and set your own hours or work out of hours on emergency call-outs. Many plumbers work alone and have to travel regularly to and from private clients\u2019 homes. You\u2019re also likely to be required to work in small spaces, at height or outside from time to time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Key tasks a plumber does include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n To become a plumber, you\u2019ll need some sort of plumbing qualification, training or work experience, as well as an enthusiasm for the role. Different employers have different entry requirements, so take a look at plumber job listings to see what they ask for and also explore which training option best suits you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As someone new to plumbing, you\u2019re likely to start at an apprentice level. With qualifications and experience, however, you can progress through the levels to become a journeyperson or master, and have the potential of earning up to (or even more than) \u00a360,000 per year.<\/p>\n\n\n The qualification options for becoming a plumber include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A college course will give you both theoretical and practical plumbing knowledge, with a certificate at the end that you can use to find a trainee position in a company. Examples of relevant plumbing college courses are a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Plumbing and Domestic Heating or a T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction. For most college courses, you\u2019ll need at least 4 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An apprenticeship in plumbing allows you to work and earn money alongside your training. Normally, you\u2019re expected to work at least 30 hours a week, doing both on-the-job work and college lessons. Examples of relevant plumbing apprenticeships are Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technician, Building Services Engineering, Gas Engineering Operative or Low Carbon Heating Technician. For more advanced level apprenticeships, you\u2019ll need at least 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A fast track course in plumbing enables you to train as a plumber more quickly than doing an apprenticeship. The training given isn\u2019t usually as in-depth but covers the main topics and is recommended if you\u2019re unable to find an apprenticeship. An example of a fast track plumbing course is the City and Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing Studies, which takes just 8-10 weeks to complete.<\/p>\n\n\n Work experience is usually voluntary and often unpaid but it enables you to get some vital hands-on experience of the plumbing profession. You could do some work as a Plumber\u2019s Assistant or Plumber\u2019s Mate for a small wage whilst you gain valuable training from an experienced person in the industry. To work as a Plumber\u2019s Mate, you\u2019ll need at least two GCSEs in English and maths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you plan to work on domestic gas heating systems, including gas fireplaces, gas hobs and gas boilers, then you\u2019ll need to be on the Gas Safe Register<\/a>. To work or train as a plumber on a construction site,you’ll also need a valid Construction Skills Certification Scheme<\/a> (CSCS) card. If you want to go down this career path, then consider the time and costs associated with obtaining a card, as it can take some time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A good plumber prioritises safety and knows how to carry out the role whilst following all health and safety procedures, regulations and codes. Being able to follow regulations and having a good knowledge of plumbing safety measures will help you immensely when applying for a job role as a plumber for a large company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n High Speed Training has a wide range of health and safety awareness training that\u2019s ideal for both new and experienced plumbers. All the courses can be completed online, giving you a certificate to show employers at the end. Some of the awareness level courses on offer include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can access our full catalogue of online health and safety training courses here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n As well as being able to carry out practical plumbing tasks, like fitting pipes, installing water systems and fixing boilers (your \u2018hard skills<\/a>\u2019), plumbers also need a range of other interpersonal skills to be successful. These types of plumbing skills are known as \u2018soft skills<\/a>\u2019 and are an important part of the role if you want to be a highly-recommended plumber.<\/p>\n\n\n Examples of plumber soft skills are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the UK, plumbers are in high demand as many of the existing qualified plumbers are reaching retirement age and exiting the workforce. Not only does this mean there\u2019s a shortage of plumbers available to work, but it also provides a great opportunity for new trainee plumbers to enter the industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re new to plumbing, then take a look at the UK government\u2019s apprenticeships near you<\/a> or courses near you<\/a> websites to find some initial plumbing training. You can then use the find a job service<\/a> to look for permanent plumbing roles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s a good idea to join the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering<\/a> (CIPHE) to keep up-to-date with industry news, code changes and professional development opportunities. Being a member also looks good on your CV when you come to apply for a plumbing role within a company. If you need help writing your first CV as a plumber, then take a look at our guidance on How to Write Your First CV<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also take a look at our guide on careers in the construction industry<\/a> to explore other job options that you may be interested in alongside plumbing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019ve gained some experience and knowledge of working as a plumber, the career development opportunities are many. With experience, you could:<\/p>\n\n\n\n To become a plumber, you\u2019ll need to undertake relevant work experience or training to ensure you have both the hard and soft skills needed to perform the role successfully. Plumbers are always in demand in the UK, so pursuing plumbing as a career could be a lucrative opportunity, whether you choose to work in domestic properties or for a large construction firm. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Pursuing plumbing as a career could be a lucrative opportunity. Find guidance on the skills and qualifications you need to become a plumber here.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":76222,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[74,97],"class_list":["post-76164","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health-safety","tag-career-development","tag-training"],"acf":{"schema_disabled":false,"schema_properties_FAQPage_question_answer":null,"schema_properties_HowTo_howto_tools":null,"schema_properties_HowTo_howto_supplies":null,"schema_properties_HowTo_howto_steps":null,"schema_properties_WebPage_cssSelector":null,"schema_sameAs_repeater":null,"schema_custom_json_repeater":null,"schema_custom_json_override":false},"yoast_head":"\n
\n\n\n\nWhat Does a Plumber Do?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Plumber](\"https:\/\/www.highspeedtraining.co.uk\/hub\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/plumber-2.jpg\")
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\n\n\n\nWhat Qualifications Do You Need to Be a Plumber?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.highspeedtraining.co.uk\/hub\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/plumber-1.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nPlumbing College Courses<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Plumbing Apprenticeships<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Fast Track Plumber Courses<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nPlumbing Work Experience<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Other Plumbing-Related Certifications<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Plumber Health and Safety Awareness Training<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nWhat Skills Do You Need to Be a Plumber?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nHow to Get a Job as a Plumber<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nFurther Resources:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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