Plumber

How to become a plumber

There are several routes to becoming a plumber. You can gain the qualifications you need by doing a college course or an apprenticeship. If you already have relevant experience you may be able to apply directly to an employer or train on the job.

You should explore these routes to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options will list qualification requirements many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

College/training provider

There is strong competition for places on plumbing courses. You could do a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Plumbing and Domestic Heating. Afterwards, you could apply for a trainee position with a plumbing company.

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

• Find a course near you
• Funding advice
• Equivalent entry requirements explained

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship with a construction firm is a good way into the industry. Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.

 An intermediate plumbing apprenticeship takes two to four years to complete. 

Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.

• Find an apprenticeship near you
• Guide to apprenticeships 

Work

If you have GCSEs (or equivalent) including English and maths, along with good practical skills, you might be able to get a job as a plumber’s mate, trainee or assistant. Your employer may then help to provide training so you can qualify.

If you have qualifications or experience in building services or heating and ventilation engineering you may be able to apply directly to an employer.

Work experience

Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works in construction. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV. 

• Find out more about work experience

Skills

Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a plumber include:

• Able to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• Knowledge of building and construction
• Be thorough and pay attention to detail
• Knowledge of maths
• Able to work well with others
• Able to use your initiative
• Able to work well with your hands
• Customer service skills
• Able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Qualifications

What does a plumber do?

As a plumber you will be responsible for ensuring the movement of water or drainage in a property is functioning correctly. This could involve installing new systems, or repairing issues on existing pipes or systems.

The job role of a plumber involves the following duties:

• Installing hot and cold water, sanitation and drainage
• Setting up rainwater harvesters and lead soakers
• Installing central heating systems and domestic fuel-burning appliances using gas, oil or solid fuel
• Designing water and heating systems
• Cutting and joining pipes and fittings
• Measuring or assessing sites to provide clients with an estimate
• Servicing systems and fixing faults
• Responding to emergency call-outs such as floods or boiler breakdowns
• Working at a client’s home or business, often at height or in cramped conditions.

How much could you earn as a plumber?

The expected salary for a plumber varies as you become more experienced. 

• Newly trained plumbers can earn in the region of £19,000 - £25,000
• Trained with experience plumbers can earn in the region of £25,000 - £30,000
• Senior/master crafts plumbers can earn in the region of £30,000 - £60,000
• Self-employed plumbers set their own pay rates*

Hours and salaries depend on location, employer and any overtime you may do. 

* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources

Check out the latest plumber vacancies:

• Indeed
• Totaljobs

As these are external websites, the number of vacancies related to your preferred role may vary. New opportunities will be posted as they come up.

Career path and progression

Plumbers deal with rapidly changing technologies, so you will need to keep training to stay up-to-date.

You could specialise in one area of plumbing such as sanitation, air conditioning or ventilation. 

If you work as part of a larger team, you could become an estimator, or progress to be a team leader or senior manager.

You could study for a Higher National Diploma (HND) or a degree to become an engineer. This would open up careers in building services engineering and other construction jobs with a higher average salary.

Some plumbers become instructors or tutors at local colleges, to pass on their skills. You could also become self-employed and work as a subcontractor.