Plumbing Apprenticeships
A plumbing apprenticeship could be your perfect match if you're practical, enjoy solving problems, and want a career that's always in demand.
With the government investing £600 million to train up to 60,000 skilled construction workers for 1.5 million new homes across the UK, the opportunity to become a plumber has never been better. This massive construction initiative means there's going to be a huge demand for new plumbers like you to join the workforce.
As a skilled plumber, you’ll solve different challenges every day, work across the UK or even the world, get plenty of opportunities to climb the career ladder quickly and possibly even start your own plumbing business one day.
DURATION: One to four years | FOR: School leavers (age 16+) | AVG SALARY: Between £10,000 and £20,000 | WHEN TO APPLY: All year round
What do you do in a plumbing apprenticeship?
Plumbing connects pipes, tanks and systems for water supplies, heating and sanitation in buildings; and as an apprentice you'll learn to master all of it.
Your working week will be full-time with at least 30 hours. Your day could typically run from around 7am to 7 pm. You could also be called out to help with emergency repairs outside your normal working hours.
Plumbing apprenticeships start at Levels 2 and 3 for those aged 16 and over. At Level 2, you'll learn the basics while working under supervision. Level 3? That's where you'll gain more independence. During your apprenticeship, you'll develop skills like:
Installing and fixing plumbing systems
Working with water networks and boilers
Tracking down and repairing leaks
Managing jobs through digital devices
Changing fittings and fixtures.
The best part? No two days will ever be the same. You’ll be out on the road visiting various parts of the UK, whether that’s a big city or a job in a building on the coast.
It’ll take around two to four years to become a fully qualified plumber, but you’ll get stuck in straight away and potentially start taking on certain tasks by yourself once you’ve got enough experience.
Here's what this plumbing apprentice had to say about his studying and training:
“I enjoyed the programme. I found it straight-forward, clear and easy to get on with, and whenever I had a question this was swiftly answered by my tutor. I received great support from my employer and was allowed to take control of my apprenticeship, and plan and organise the time needed in cohesion with our work calendar and commitments.” Plumbing & Heating Expert, Travis Perkins Plc
What qualifications do you need for a plumbing apprenticeship?
Plumbing apprenticeships are designed specifically for school leavers like you to kickstart your career. You can start a plumbing apprenticeship at age 16. It's a brilliant alternative to traditional education while earning qualifications and getting paid.
Entry requirements vary by level:
LEVEL 2:
Two or more GCSEs at grades 9-3 (A*-D)
LEVEL 3:
Five GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*-C)
Don't worry if you didn't get these grades! Especially for a Level 2 apprenticeship, many employers will hire based on your skills and passion for the trade. These skills are called soft skills, and there’s a high chance that you’ll already have many of them. Here are some skills that will help you stand out:
Attention to detail
Problem solving
Good communication
Customer service ability
Taking initiative
Working well with your hands and tools.
And If you didn’t get a maths and english GCSE, it’s all good. You’ll work towards these during your apprenticeship alongside your plumbing studies.
Please note: some jobs might also require you to have a full driver’s license, especially for those aged 18 and over.
Where can I do a plumbing apprenticeship?
Wondering where to kickstart your plumbing career? You've got plenty of options. Plumbing apprenticeships are offered by all sorts of businesses. Whether it’s a huge company or a local provider, here are some top-tier companies where you could begin your journey.
Meet Robert, an apprentice at Celsius Heating & Plumbing in Scotland. Here’s what he gets up to during a typical day as a plumbing apprentice:
Here’s what another plumbing apprentice had to say about their time with Pimlico Plumbing:
“My experience as a plumber has allowed me to advance and acquire new abilities. Reading blueprints, welding, soldering, and pipefitting are skills that I've gotten better at. As a result of the unique issues that arise in every plumbing job and the necessity for creative solutions, I have also honed my problem-solving abilities. I have also improved my communication skills by successfully collaborating with clients and working with other professionals in the construction industry.” Level 3 Plumber, Pimlico Plumbing
How much do you get paid?
As a plumbing apprentice, you'll earn at least the National Minimum Wage for apprentices. However, employers tend to pay above this, so it’s worth having a look when you start your search.
Here’s what you can expect to be paid per year:
There are plumbing opportunities everywhere, and different companies offer different wage packages, so it's worth exploring your options to find what works best for you.
Once qualified and you have a few years of experience under your utility belt, you could earn up to £40,000 per year. Adulting never looked so good.
If you decide to start your own plumbing business, you could charge up to £95 per hour for regular call-outs and £100+ per hour for emergencies and more complex jobs.
What can I do after a plumbing apprenticeship?
Your plumbing apprenticeship will open doors to multiple career paths. Here's where your journey could take you:
Pipe laying
Put your pipe knowledge to work by specialising in laying piping systems for water, sewage and gas. You’ll be an expert in digging the trenches and ensuring systems flow well.
Gas service technician
Many plumbers become gas-certified, allowing you to install and maintain gas systems throughout a building or site. You’ll be the go-to person for all repairs and replacements, ensuring everything runs safely
Building services engineer
These engineers are responsible for ensuring a building is safe and comfortable for people by designing air conditioning units, distributing water and electrical supplies, and installing heating systems.
A Business owner
Imagine having your name on the side of a van. Plenty of successful plumbing companies started with apprentices just like you. Pimlico Plumbers was founded by an apprentice in the 1970s and is now one of London’s most recognised plumbing businesses.
A plumbing apprenticeship will give you real skills, real pay and a real opportunity to secure a job for life.
Ready to get started with a career in plumbing?
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