Placement Overview

This plumbers work is both within domestic and contract environments. The work involves all aspects of plumbing and includes sub-contract management for tilers and other suppliers.

Generic Job Description for a Plumber

Plumbers work with water systems in residential and commercial buildings including heating systems, sanitation and sheet lead weathering on buildings. They maintain and service existing systems and install new systems.

They use a variety of skills, tools and materials and sometimes specialise in a specific aspect of plumbing such as the installation and maintenance of household appliances.

A Plumbers responsibilities might include installing heating systems and appliances, fitting pipe work, fitting and joining outside drainage pipes, carrying our emergency repair work, designing and installing plumbed systems for new buildings.

Skills:

• Good practical skills
• Physical fitness
• The ability to understand technical drawings and plans
• Good knowledge of Health and Safety regulations
• Ability to measure accurate
• Good communication skills
• Ability to work alone or as part of a team
• Willingness to work at height or in confined spaces 

Pay:

• Approx £6,000 for first year apprentices
• £18,000 once qualified
• £30,000 or more for experienced Plumbers

Please not that salary figures are a guide only. Actual salaries may vary depending on the organisation and geographical location

Hours:

• Typically 9-5 Monday-Friday
• Many Plumbers are on 24-hour call out
• Self-employed Plumbers commonly work longer hours

Environment:

• Inside or outside in all conditions
• Conditions may be cramped and uncomfortable
• Travel is common to each project or call-out

Qualifications:

• Apprenticeships are common
• Most Apprenticeships require four GCSE passes grades A-C including Maths, English and Science
• Full and part-time courses are available at colleges across the UK 

Training:

• Training is usually on-the-job through an Apprenticeship
• Training can take up to four years
• Various NVQ qualifications are available for further professional development

Opportunities:

• There are around 20,000 plumbing businesses in the UK, of which 80 per cent are sole traders
• Opportunities exist with services contractors, building contractors, the public sector and chemical and gas industries
• Many Plumbers are self-employed

Links:

www.iphe.org.uk - The Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering

www.aphc.co.uk - Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors

www.summitskills.org.uk - The Sector Skills Council for Building Services Engineering