What GCSEs should I take to be a plumber? 

There are no specific GCSE subjects that you should study if you are interested in becoming a plumber. However, you will need at least two GCSE passes at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D) to be accepted on the Level 2 plumbing apprenticeship. The Level 3 apprenticeship usually asks for those passes to be in English and Maths. 4-5 GCSE passes at grades 9 to 3 are required for Level 3.   

Plumbing apprenticeships 

NVQ Level 2 Plumbing and Heating  

The Level 2 plumbing apprenticeship provides all the training a basic domestic heating and plumbing engineer would need to start to develop their career. Intermediate apprentices take this course, which covers the following areas:   

  • Understanding and carrying out safe practices in building services engineering  
  • Understanding and applying domestic hot water system installation and maintenance  
  • Understanding and applying domestic above ground drainage system installation and maintenance techniques  
  • Installing and maintaining domestic heating systems.   

NVQ Level 3 Plumbing and Heating  

An experienced plumber, advanced apprentice or someone who has achieved Level 2 can take the NVQ Level 3 qualification. Level 3 provides a pathway for plumbers to become Gas-safe registered. The mandatory units of a Level 3 plumbing apprenticeship include:  

  • Understanding and carrying out electrical work on domestic plumbing and heating systems and components  
  • Servicing and maintaining domestic oil firing pressure jet appliances  
  • Installing, commissioning and handover of ‘active’ solar thermal hot water systems  
  • Knowing the requirements to install, commission and handover rainwater harvesting and greywater reuse systems.   

Are there any other qualifications plumbers need? 

Plumbers and heating engineers working on construction sites will also need to have a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card.  

How long is a plumbing apprenticeship?  

Plumbing apprenticeships usually take up to 4 years to complete and lead to the advanced Level 3 qualification. Level 3 also provides a pathway for plumbers to become Gas Safe registered.   

How much can you earn as a plumbing apprentice? 

Salaries vary, but you could earn up to £20,000 as a plumbing apprentice. Salaries can rise to £60,000 once you’re fully qualified and experienced.  

What will you be doing day-to-day?  

You will be learning all the key plumbing skills involved in working in the trade. This could involve installing new central heating systems or repairing issues on existing pipes and systems.  

You could be doing any of the following things as you train to be a qualified plumber:  

  • Installing hot and cold water systems, sanitation and drainage  
  • Installing domestic fuel-burning appliances using gas, oil or solid fuel  
  • Cutting and joining pipes and fittings  
  • Measuring or assessing sites to provide clients with an estimate  
  • Servicing domestic plumbing systems and fixing faults  
  • Responding to emergency callouts such as floods or boiler breakdowns.  

 Future prospects and career 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. 

How to apply for a plumbing apprenticeship 

If you are interested in applying for a plumbing apprenticeship one of the best things to do is look for vacancies being offered by local companies. Do some searches on job websites like Talentview and use the government’s apprenticeship service. If you've had some previous work experience at a company, ask if they are taking on any new apprentices. You will have to apply for any apprenticeship role, so will need to produce a CV, write a covering letter and attend an interview.