Plumber

Plumbers are responsible for installing and maintaining sanitation, heating, and hot and cold water systems. Some plumbers may also work on sheet lead weathering systems used on the roofs of buildings.

The work may include:

• fitting pipework to baths, toilets, sinks, central heating boilers, water pumps, hot water storage cylinders and cold water storage cisterns
• emergency repair work
• fitting and jointing rainwater, soil and drainage pipes
• maintenance work, for example routine servicing on boilers and other appliances
• sheet leadwork, which involves making and fitting flashings or roof weatherings, to make joints between roof tiles or slates, chimneys and dormer windows.

Plumbers' working hours are normally around 37.5 hours, Monday to Friday. However, they have to be flexible and hours worked will depend on the project, priorities and deadlines. Self-employed plumbers, in particular, may have to work additional hours. Plumbers work both inside and outside, often in cramped and uncomfortable positions.

Salaries may range from around £10,000 for first-year apprentices to over £30,000 a year for experienced plumbers.

Plumbers should be:

• interested in practical work and possess good hand skills
• able to follow technical drawings, building plans, and other instructions
• careful, methodical and work safely at all times
• good at problem solving
• reasonably fit and have normal colour vision (for some work).

There are approximately 20,000 plumbing businesses in the UK. The main employers are general building contractors with large contracts for housing estates and office buildings, and smaller contractors who undertake work for building contractors and private clients. Many plumbers are self-employed.

To be considered for an Apprenticeship, individuals need at least three GCSEs (A*-C), or the Higher Diploma in construction and the built environment or engineering. Applicants also have to pass a colour vision test and a selection test.

Apprentices train on the job, spending time working alongside an experienced plumber. This is combined with off-the-job training, in the form of a day- or block-release course at college. Apprenticeships typically take between two and four years to complete. Apprentices are likely to work towards NVQ Level 2 or 3 in plumbing.

Plumbers can progress to technician- or supervisory-level jobs, or specialise in a specific area of work such as heating, ventilation, refrigeration or air conditioning. Some plumbers progress into design consultancy, teaching and management. Self-employed plumbers may run their own firms.

Further details