What qualifications do I need to be a plumber?

What GCSEs do you need to become a plumber in the UK?
The answer is none!  Although it’s desirable to have a GCSE in maths, it’s not essential. What you do need is a good grasp of English and a personality that’s suited to the job. That and a plumbing qualification to show employers you know what you’re doing!

Let’s start with the personality traits that will help you get along in the trade.

Some of the skills needed to be a plumber are:

• Good at problem solving – you need to be able to think for yourself
• A good communicator – you’ll often be working as part of a team
• Friendly – to get on with your colleagues and clients
• Fit and healthy – it can be physically demanding work
• Good with your hands – plumbing requires a high level of manual dexterity
• Able to work to deadlines – so you need to be good under pressure

How to get your plumbing accreditation:
There are various routes to becoming a plumber, depending on your age and experience. For example, you can find a company that will take you on as an apprentice and learn partly in college, partly on the job. A plumbing apprenticeship usually takes between three and four years, and is best suited to school or college leavers.

At the end of the plumbing apprenticeship you’ll come away with an NVQ Diploma, at Level 2, 3 or even 4, depending on how long you trained for and whether you moved into other areas, like gas.

Other training courses
Anyone can start their plumbing career at any point in life. We’re finding that many of our learners these days are career changers, looking for a new challenge and job prospects that are stable and well paid.

Plumbing is the starting point to all types of heating, including renewables, making it a future proof choice.

If you are interested in becoming a plumber, Logic4training’s range of plumbing courses have been designed specifically for those with no previous experience with options for everyone. The most basic Bronze package awards successful candidates with a Level 2 Diploma in the Installation and Maintenance of Plumbing and Heating Systems – an entry level qualification. This course takes just six weeks.

There are also Silver, Gold and Platinum packages, which equip learners with increasing levels of skill and/or real-world experience, using the Level 2 Diploma as a basis. Add-on elements include an NVQ – necessary for installers who need a CSCS card – and specialist training in WRAS regulations and health & safety.

The Gold and Platinum packages culminate in Gas Safe registration, allowing successful candidates to work as a heating engineer as well as a plumber. Take a look, or give us a call.