Plumber Training Courses - The Intensive Route
Almost anyone can enroll on an intensive plumbing course as there are no formal entry requirements, other than a willingness to learn your chosen profession.
Approximate time to complete a course varies, but if your thinking of becoming a qualified plumber you will want to choose the City & Guilds 6129 plumbing course and this can last from six to eight weeks, depending on your course provider.
The training courses aim to train students to be able to enter the workplace as a fully-qualified plumber, however it is important to check the training provider is accredited.
The most well known accredited courses are those with City and Guilds instructors.
Intensive Plumbing Courses - Short but Sweet!
Intensive plumber training courses covers all aspects of domestic plumbing, fault finding and maintenance.
Even though it only lasts a month or two you'll be learning everything that a 2 year apprentice would learn only quicker, normally 9am - 5pm, Monday - Friday.
The courses are usually split into two parts theory training on plumbing tools and systems, and the practical hands on training.
The theory part of the courses will usually cover the following modules:
- Health and Safety
- Plumbing Processes
- Cold Water
- Hot Water
- Sanitation/Drainage
- Hot Water Heating
- Basic Electrics
- Fault Finding and Maintenance
- Water Regulations
Practical Plumbing Training - Getting your hands dirty:
The following are some of the practical things you will be doing yourself during the practical training course.
By the time you have completed your plumbing course you will have full confidence in your ability to manage any plumbing job that may come your way.
Some common jobs that you'll face once you have become a plumber:
- Pipe bending and jointing skills for copper tube to City and Guild requirements
- Installing and testing sanitary ware and waste pipe work to City and Guilds requirements
- Installing and commissioning bathroom suites
- Use of Plastic push fit plumbing systems
- Install and commission hot water cylinders and cold water cisterns
- Install/replace Immersion heaters
- Install/replace electric showers
- Install mixer type showers
- Install and commission radiators
- Install outside taps
- Install washing machine
- Install thermostatic radiator valves
- Replace kitchen, washbasin and bath taps
Finding an intensive plumbing course provider.
Similarly to distance learning courses, it is important to find out which intensive courses are accredited. Some courses may cost several thousand pound yet the qualification you gain may not stand up when it comes to getting a job.
Ask the provider if the course is accredited by 'City and Guilds', the most common NVQ training provider.
Costs of a plumber training course
Plumbing courses usually cost between £4000 - £6000.
Find a plumbing training centre near you on our interactive map!
Plumber's Job Profile
Plumber's can earn:
- Starting around £16,500 - £21,000 per year
- Rising to £30,000 per year or more with experience
Hours Worked
- up to 39 per week Monday to Friday
You may be required to work weekends and evenings for emergency callouts or in order to meet a customer's deadline.
If you are self employed the more you work the more you can make.
Due to the nature of this job you will be working indoors and outdoors, the work can be physical demanding.
Information on Plumbing Apprenticeship Schemes
The Forums
Visit the forum to get advice and tips from other would be plumbers!
Plumbing Books
You can get a headstart learning plumbing by reading some of these great plumbing training books, that are used to teach trainee plumbers.
