Plumbing NVQ Courses

What is plumbing?
Plumbing is work related with the pipe work of water or fuel supply. This includes hot and cold water supply for kitchens and bathrooms, gas installation and central heating systems, sanitary appliances and drainage systems.  In addition, plumbing also entails carrying out repairs and maintenance. Weathering of the exterior of buildings is also encompassed under the umbrella of plumbing duties.

Some plumbers in the trade, work only as what is known as 'wet only plumbers'.  These types of plumbers deal with piping systems for water such as installing bathrooms and radiators. Other plumbers choose to carry out further training and venture into working with gas.  To work with gas and install central heating systems you have to become CORGI registered by law.  CORGI stands for the Council of Registered Gas Installers.
There is rarely a shortage of work available for plumbers and the pay is nearly always very good.

What Plumbers do and the Qualities needed to be successful

· Plumbers must be able to Plan the required job and or figure out what repairs are required
· A plumber must be capable of following technical instructions such as plans and drawings
· A Plumber should be able to fit baths, sinks and radiators
· A Plumber must be able of Measuring distances
· Cut and bend pipe to necessary specifications
· As a plumber, you must be able to join piping correctly to avoid leaking
· Plumbers should be able to work as part of a team with other tradesman such as electricians.

Plumbing is a physical type of work and you must be ready to use many different tools in a safe manner.  As a plumber you must be ready to work in confined spaces.  You will also need excellent social skills. This is because as a plumber you will often work with co-workers and have to deal face-to-face with your customers.

How much money can a plumber make?
The average salary for an employed plumber is just over £25,000 based on 2 years experience.  Self-employed plumbers on average earn between £35-45 per annum + overtime. For some Self-employed plumbers it is not uncommon to charge in excess of £90 per hour.

If you want to become a plumber you should take an NVQ plumbing course.  NVQ stands for National Vocational Qualification. These types of qualifications consist of both theory and practical work with a working plumber.

NVQ Plumbing courses are popular so training centres are keen to make sure they enrol those individuals who are capable of completing the plumbing training course., rather than  You may have to take an entrance to test in order to gauge your ability or potential.  

There are 3 levels in a Plumbing NVQs course.  Level 1 provides you with the basics to get a trainee placement.  Plumbing NVQ Level 2 provides you with a basis for a career in plumbing and teaches you home plumbing techniques. NVQ Level 3 plumbing covers domestic, commercial and industrial plumbing along with aspects such as gas.  To set up your very own plumbing business you should have obtained a plumbing NVQ level 3.