Begin A Profitable New Career With Plumbing Qualifications

People will always need the services of qualified plumbers, in good times and bad. Construction sites may offer fewer opportunities, but domestic work is as buoyant as ever. Everybody knows of someone who's had difficulty getting hold of a plumber when they needed one. And then of course as people improve their homes, they need the services of a good plumber to fit the hot and cold water systems etc. So if it's time to make a change, a closer look at a plumbing career could offer everything you need.

Free In-Depth Information

No matter what skills you start off with, the right training and qualifications will quickly launch you into your new career. But to avoid any confusion about what you need or don't need to know, we recommend you go through our detailed FREE Plumbing Research Booklet.

As there are so many colleges and training courses out there, it will help to put things into perspective. Get your copy of the report first, and familiarise yourself with the details. Then get back onto this website and go to any of the retraining sites that appear on this page. You could put it in your Favourites file to make it easier to find again.

Become Your Own Boss

Something that appeals to many adult re-trainers is the concept of being their own boss. In fact almost all of those entering the industry beyond their mid twenties work independently in private houses. It stands to reason that this is the case because the jobs and the money never dry up for committed and diligent workers.

As time goes on, most of your work should come as a result of recommendations from others - always ask for referrals. You'll learn your industry skills through a training college, but it's equally important to learn how to deal with people. Getting along well with just one person may lead to many lucrative contracts. Remembering to treat other people and their homes with respect will pay dividends down the road.

As a rule, those working for commercial plumbers will put in around 37-40 hours, Mon-Fri only. However, plumbers working in the domestic market should expect to offer greater flexibility. Be prepared to work later to give householders quotations for home improvements - once they trust you they'll be willing to leave you in their home during the day.

You'll Always Be Able To Find Work...

Skilled plumbers with the right certifications are set for life - people will always need your services. It's fair to say that your days are filled with solving people's problems - if someone's had a burst pipe, or no water for hours, they'll welcome you like a long lost son! No two days are the same - you're not stuck in the same place day in day out, and if you don't want to take a job on, you don't have to!

If you're planning to run your own business, you'll need to get a feel for how to do good quotes. This means allowing for your expenses as well as your time. It sounds complicated, but it's quite straightforward really. Some of the more commercial plumbing courses will teach you about business practices.

How Can I Get Started?

Look for industry recognised City & Guilds courses. These are available from both technical colleges and private training companies.

Most young people entering the industry straight from school will opt for an apprenticeship style of training by blending on-the-job NVQ training with their FE studies. It's more common though for re-trainers to learn their trade part-time so they can still afford to pay their bills!

That's why so many private colleges have emerged, which cater for career changers who sometimes only need domestic training. Their fees will be higher, but in the long run they're more cost effective for the person looking to work for themselves in a predominantly domestic environment.

Extra Skill-Sets to Consider

With a basic qualification you'll be able to work on a range of plumbing jobs. You might also consider some ancillary extras so that when you're doing domestic jobs you can cover most things yourself without having to sub certain jobs out. Popular courses cover domestic electrical work, tiling and plastering, unvented hot water storage systems, kitchen fitting, bathroom fitting, energy efficiency, water regulations and of course gas.

If you have a broad ranging skill-set you'll be more in demand. You can service more clients' needs, and make more money each month. You'll avoid having to fit your work in with other trades people, and present a cleaner more streamlined result for the householder.

In conclusion, broad-based commercial plumbing courses are the quickest and most efficient route into the self-employed domestic market.