Why Not Make The Change And Pursue Plumbing Training?

No matter what industries are declining or prospering, we can't do without plumbers. Work in the domestic field continues to thrive, despite the setbacks of recession. We're always hearing of people who've had challenges finding a professional to sort out their plumbing emergencies. There's also loads of work to be had putting in downstairs loos, new showers, en-suites etc. as people are moving less and up-grading more. All in all then, enrolling on a plumbing course can be a very smart career move.

FREE In-Depth Training and Career Report

Whether you're already quite handy, or it's all completely new to you, once you're trained and certified there's work to be had. To learn more about the various plumber training systems, read our independent review of the industry requirements - absolutely free of charge.

It will make sense of all the course features offered by the various plumbing trainers. Download the e-book first, and go through it when you've got some time to spare. And then read this feature again, and visit some of the college websites listed here. If you enter Ctrl d this page will automatically save in your Favourites file.

Control Your Destiny...

One of the most appealing things about retraining to become a plumber (or any other tradesperson for that matter) is the idea of being self-employed. It's true to say that just about all those who enter the industry as adults start working for themselves very quickly. It's a sensible direction to take as there's plenty of money and jobs available for the right people.

A lot of work will come from friends of people you've done a good job for. People like to recommend great service. Working for yourself means getting on well with everyone around you. Business can come in from anywhere and everywhere! Courtesy and respect can go an awful long way.

Trades-people who work on commercial projects are generally employed daytime hours, Monday to Friday. You'd be wise to open that up a little though if you plan to work for yourself in private housing. Many working people can't afford to take time off work, so plumbers who will visit outside working hours can often get much better business.

Rewarding Work For Years To Come...

The great thing about plumbing skills is they'll set you up for life. Whether a house is ten years old or a hundred years old, it still needs water and heating! The work's very fulfilling - you play an important role in people's day to day lives, so you're never just another number in a big organisation. Obviously you only need to take on the work you want to do, although it's not a good idea to be too picky at first!

Self-employed plumbers need to learn how to quote for jobs competitively and profitably. Which means covering all your overheads so you don't lose money. Although it can be a bit daunting at first, most plumbers get the hang of it pretty quickly. Business management is included in the coursework with some commercial trainers.

The Best Training For You

Both Further Education colleges and private training companies should feature basic plumber training in City & Guilds certifications. Students leaving school will typically go to college full-time followed by work experience and NVQ's.

But adult career movers usually keep their old jobs whilst they study evenings and weekends on the new one. So the more flexible courses offered by specialist companies tend to be more geared towards adult re-trainers.

Commercial trainers have higher fees than FE colleges, but students can progress more quickly if they purely concentrate on the skills needed for self-employed domestic work.

Supplementary Skills

Your basic training will cover aspects such as hot and cold water systems, sanitation, health and safety and central heating. It's also worth thinking about taking some extra courses so you can do more of a job yourself. If you take Part P for example you'll comply with the regulations for domestic electrical work.

It's a big positive to have several strings to your bow. Everything you take on will be more lucrative. Customers will be happier if they only have you to deal with - it's much more straightforward than trying to juggle several trades.

To sum up, if you're seeking a new career in a popular and well-paid sector, with job satisfaction and long-term security, you could just find your ideal work is plumbing.