Plumbing
A plumbing job involves installing, repairing, and maintaining water, heating, and drainage systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings
Area
Detail
Pathway
Typically: GCSEs > Plumbing Apprenticeship (Level 2 & 3) > NVQ qualification. This combines on-the-job training with classroom learning.
Possible Alternative Pathways
Full-time vocational course at college (e.g., City & Guilds Level 2/3 Diploma). Starting as a plumber's mate/labourer. Transitioning from a related trade (e.g., heating engineer).
GCSE Grades Necessary
Minimum of Grade 4 (C) or above in Maths and English. Science can also be helpful.
A Level Grades Necessary
N/A — A Levels are not usually required.
Degree
No. It is a skilled trade relying on vocational qualifications and practical experience.
Helpful Degree(s)
N/A — though degrees in Building Services Engineering or Construction Management could support progression into supervisory or design roles.
Accreditations Needed
NVQ Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Plumbing and Domestic Heating (essential). Gas Safe Register (mandatory for gas work). WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme) certification (recommended).
Post-Qualification Courses
Short courses in Renewable technologies (solar thermal, heat pumps), Unvented hot water systems, or Gas/oil heating systems.
Prep Work to Do Now
Seek work experience with a local plumber/construction company. Learn basic tools and safety. Take pre-apprenticeship courses if available.
Day-to-Day Tasks/Roles
Installing, repairing, and maintaining pipes, taps, boilers, and heating systems. Diagnosing leaks and blockages. Working on new builds, renovations, or emergency repairs. Interacting with customers and suppliers.
Hours of Work & Flexibility
Usually 37–45 hours per week. High flexibility for self-employed, but emergency callouts/overtime are common.
Average Salary (Based on 5-Day Week)
Apprentice: £12,000 - £20,000. Qualified Plumber: £25,000–£40,000. Experienced/Self-Employed: £40,000–£60,000.
Free Time
Generally good work–life balance, though self-employed may work evenings/weekends.
Where to Learn More
Both Employed and Self-employed (many transition to self-employed once experienced).
Autonomy
High, especially for self-employed tradespeople.
Career Progression
Senior Plumber/Supervisor, Heating Engineer, Business Owner/Contractor, or Teaching/Training within the trade.
Respected Companies
British Gas, Pimlico Plumbers, Local Councils, Housing Associations, Construction firms (e.g., Balfour Beatty, Kier, Skanska), and Facilities Management companies.
Passive Income Prospects
Moderate (owning a business, training apprentices, creating online content/courses).
Future Role of AI/Tech
Smart home integration with plumbing/heating. Diagnostic tools using sensors and AI for leak detection. 3D modelling and digital planning tools.
Further Information
Offers strong job security, practical satisfaction, and potential for high earnings, especially due to demand for sustainable heating/water systems.
Where to Learn More
City & Guilds, Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE), National Careers Service, and Gas Safe Register.
Plumbing
A plumbing job involves installing, repairing, and maintaining water, heating, and drainage systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings
Area
Detail
Pathway
Typically: GCSEs > Plumbing Apprenticeship (Level 2 & 3) > NVQ qualification. This combines on-the-job training with classroom learning.
Possible Alternative Pathways
Full-time vocational course at college (e.g., City & Guilds Level 2/3 Diploma). Starting as a plumber's mate/labourer. Transitioning from a related trade (e.g., heating engineer).
GCSE Grades Necessary
Minimum of Grade 4 (C) or above in Maths and English. Science can also be helpful.
A Level Grades Necessary
N/A — A Levels are not usually required.
Degree
No. It is a skilled trade relying on vocational qualifications and practical experience.
Helpful Degree(s)
N/A — though degrees in Building Services Engineering or Construction Management could support progression into supervisory or design roles.
Accreditations Needed
NVQ Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Plumbing and Domestic Heating (essential). Gas Safe Register (mandatory for gas work). WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme) certification (recommended).
Post-Qualification Courses
Short courses in Renewable technologies (solar thermal, heat pumps), Unvented hot water systems, or Gas/oil heating systems.
Prep Work to Do Now
Seek work experience with a local plumber/construction company. Learn basic tools and safety. Take pre-apprenticeship courses if available.
Day-to-Day Tasks/Roles
Installing, repairing, and maintaining pipes, taps, boilers, and heating systems. Diagnosing leaks and blockages. Working on new builds, renovations, or emergency repairs. Interacting with customers and suppliers.
Hours of Work & Flexibility
Usually 37–45 hours per week. High flexibility for self-employed, but emergency callouts/overtime are common.
Average Salary (Based on 5-Day Week)
Apprentice: £12,000 - £20,000. Qualified Plumber: £25,000–£40,000. Experienced/Self-Employed: £40,000–£60,000.
Free Time
Generally good work–life balance, though self-employed may work evenings/weekends.
Where to Learn More
Both Employed and Self-employed (many transition to self-employed once experienced).
Autonomy
High, especially for self-employed tradespeople.
Career Progression
Senior Plumber/Supervisor, Heating Engineer, Business Owner/Contractor, or Teaching/Training within the trade.
Respected Companies
British Gas, Pimlico Plumbers, Local Councils, Housing Associations, Construction firms (e.g., Balfour Beatty, Kier, Skanska), and Facilities Management companies.
Passive Income Prospects
Moderate (owning a business, training apprentices, creating online content/courses).
Future Role of AI/Tech
Smart home integration with plumbing/heating. Diagnostic tools using sensors and AI for leak detection. 3D modelling and digital planning tools.
Further Information
Offers strong job security, practical satisfaction, and potential for high earnings, especially due to demand for sustainable heating/water systems.
Where to Learn More
City & Guilds, Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE), National Careers Service, and Gas Safe Register.
Plumbing
A plumbing job involves installing, repairing, and maintaining water, heating, and drainage systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings
Area
Detail
Pathway
Typically: GCSEs > Plumbing Apprenticeship (Level 2 & 3) > NVQ qualification. This combines on-the-job training with classroom learning.
Possible Alternative Pathways
Full-time vocational course at college (e.g., City & Guilds Level 2/3 Diploma). Starting as a plumber's mate/labourer. Transitioning from a related trade (e.g., heating engineer).
GCSE Grades Necessary
Minimum of Grade 4 (C) or above in Maths and English. Science can also be helpful.
A Level Grades Necessary
N/A — A Levels are not usually required.
Degree
No. It is a skilled trade relying on vocational qualifications and practical experience.
Helpful Degree(s)
N/A — though degrees in Building Services Engineering or Construction Management could support progression into supervisory or design roles.
Accreditations Needed
NVQ Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Plumbing and Domestic Heating (essential). Gas Safe Register (mandatory for gas work). WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme) certification (recommended).
Post-Qualification Courses
Short courses in Renewable technologies (solar thermal, heat pumps), Unvented hot water systems, or Gas/oil heating systems.
Prep Work to Do Now
Seek work experience with a local plumber/construction company. Learn basic tools and safety. Take pre-apprenticeship courses if available.
Day-to-Day Tasks/Roles
Installing, repairing, and maintaining pipes, taps, boilers, and heating systems. Diagnosing leaks and blockages. Working on new builds, renovations, or emergency repairs. Interacting with customers and suppliers.
Hours of Work & Flexibility
Usually 37–45 hours per week. High flexibility for self-employed, but emergency callouts/overtime are common.
Average Salary (Based on 5-Day Week)
Apprentice: £12,000 - £20,000. Qualified Plumber: £25,000–£40,000. Experienced/Self-Employed: £40,000–£60,000.
Free Time
Generally good work–life balance, though self-employed may work evenings/weekends.
Employment Status
Both Employed and Self-employed (many transition to self-employed once experienced).
Autonomy
High, especially for self-employed tradespeople.
Career Progression
Senior Plumber/Supervisor, Heating Engineer, Business Owner/Contractor, or Teaching/Training within the trade.
Respected Companies
British Gas, Pimlico Plumbers, Local Councils, Housing Associations, Construction firms (e.g., Balfour Beatty, Kier, Skanska), and Facilities Management companies.
Passive Income Prospects
Moderate (owning a business, training apprentices, creating online content/courses).
Future Role of AI/Tech
Smart home integration with plumbing/heating. Diagnostic tools using sensors and AI for leak detection. 3D modelling and digital planning tools.
Further Information
Offers strong job security, practical satisfaction, and potential for high earnings, especially due to demand for sustainable heating/water systems.
Where to Learn More
City & Guilds, Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE), National Careers Service, and Gas Safe Register.