CareerChangeUK.co.uk

A Better Future Through Plumbing Qualifications

Why Not Make The Change And Develop A Plumbing Career?

Whatever the state of the national economy, people need good plumbers. It's true to say we've seen a temporary lull in construction, but the demand for domestic plumbers still exceeds supply. How often do we hear about the trouble someone had finding a plumber to mend their heating system? And with bargain kitchen units and bathroom suites from the likes of B&Q, householders are always on the lookout for decent trades-people to fit them. Consequently if you're considering a career change, you might well find that becoming a professional plumber fits the bill!

Comprehensive Free E-Book

You can quickly get into profit once you've mastered the skills and passed your exams. We've put together a very comprehensive free E-Book that will tell you everything you need to know about the different training routes into industry. As there are so many colleges and training courses out there, it will help to put things into perspective. Give yourself enough time to get up to date with all the facts in the book.

Then come back to this site and take a look at a number of the training colleges featured on the page. If you enter Ctrl d this page will automatically save in your Favourites file.

Run Your Own Business

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. The majority of newly qualified plumbers over the age of twenty five choose to work for themselves in the domestic market. It's a sensible direction to take as there's plenty of money and jobs available for the right people.

Try to build a good rapport with your clients - they're more likely to speak well of you to others if you do. Your technical skills will be gained through study and practical application, but you might also need to polish up your people skills. You just don't know where the next job's coming from... When you're in someone's home, try not to invade their privacy too much.

More often than not, plumbers in the commercial environment are employed to work a maximum forty hour week. However, plumbers working in the domestic market should expect to offer greater flexibility. Be prepared to work later to give householders quotations for home improvements - once they trust you they'll be willing to leave you in their home during the day.

A Good and Secure Income

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! It's fair to say that your days are filled with solving people's problems - if someone's had a burst pipe, or no water for hours, they'll welcome you like a long lost son! 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. As well as your time, you have to include your overheads and any materials that will be needed. Once you've done a few, it will all become very routine. Some of the commercial training centres will give guidance on this.

Which Is Best For Me?

City & Guilds certification courses can be studied in both private colleges and state ones. Those looking to train straight from school usually find apprenticeship work where they can take NVQ's as well as City & Guilds.

But adult career movers usually keep their old jobs whilst they study evenings and weekends on the new one. That's why so many private colleges have emerged, which cater for career changers who sometimes only need domestic training.

Even though students in commercial colleges train part-time, they can gain knowledge quickly by focusing on the level of training needed for the domestic work they'll be doing.

Useful Add-Ons

Whichever course you decide on, you should emerge with at least basic plumbing skills in sanitation systems, hot and cold water systems and more. Most colleges also offer additional skills training which you could consider if you want to offer a bigger package to your customers. It's very useful to know more about kitchen or bathroom fitting, or have expertise in gas.

You'll find it easier to build your reputation if you provide some extra bolt-ons. Each job will be more cost effective, and leave more money in your pocket. Customers will be happier if they only have you to deal with - it's much more straightforward than trying to juggle several trades.

Ultimately, if you're an adult looking to retrain for a new plumbing career, your best route is probably via a multi-skill set of courses with a private training company.