Plumbing apprenticeships are an excellent way to get the training that you need to become a qualified plumber. Through an apprenticeship, you will gain practical knowledge, on-the-job training and experience, and leads and references which will be invaluable in finding a job as a plumber. In fact, most companies gear their apprenticeships towards training potential future employees, and are thus more than happy to hire you at the end of your training period. Best of all, you get paid while you are being trained, and the cost of any plumbing courses you may take is covered by either your employer or the government! You may be wondering what a plumbing apprenticeship is like, and how to get one. This article will hopefully answer many of your questions.
Salary, Prerequisites, Work Expectations, and Outcomes
As mentioned above, apprenticeships actually get paid a wage during their training. This wage typically increases as an apprentice gains more experience, but can range between £3.00 and £10.00 per hour. It’s important to keep in mind that apprenticeships can be difficult to get, especially as you get older. Because of the way that governmental funding for vocational training works, companies are actually encouraged to take on young apprentices, particularly school leavers under the age of eighteen. However, employers still hire older apprentices, particularly if they can show that they have some plumbing experience or knowledge, gained from either taking a short classroom-based plumbing course such as the City & Guilds 6129 or working as a self-employed domestic plumber. If you are considering applying for an apprenticeship, keep in mind that potential employers want to see at least GCSE grades of C or higher in both English and Maths. If you do not have these grades, you will have to take an exam demonstrating basic reading and maths competency.
As an apprentice plumber, you will split your time between shadowing a more experienced plumber, in which you will learn fitting and maintenance procedures on-site, and taking classes, in which you will go over in great detail proper plumbing and technique. Classes can either take place at a local college or plumbing centre, or within the company itself depending on the apprenticeship. Often, larger companies with extensive apprenticeship programs will have their own certified instructors and classrooms, whereas smaller companies will outsource their teaching to a college. Apprenticeships can last anywhere from one to four years, depending on the company and the experience of the apprentice. You will be expected to spend at least 40 hours a week at your apprenticeship, as would be expected of any full-time job.
There are generally two types of apprenticeships, Basic and Advanced, which differ in the qualifications which they award. The basic apprenticeship will award a City & Guilds NVQ Level 2 or equivalent at its end, whereas an advanced apprenticeship will award an NVQ Level 3. In addition to these qualifications, companies may require you to obtain secondary certifications as part of your apprenticeship, which will enable you to work on more types of plumbing systems (usually ones which the company that sponsors the apprenticeship specializes in!). These certifications include, but are not limited to, the ACS Gas, Hot Water Systems and Safety, CSCS, Fabrication and Welding Competencies, and/or Refrigeration and Air Conditioning. These secondary certifications are extremely important, as they will differentiate you from your competitors in applying for plumbing jobs and often lead to higher salaries due to a lower supply of plumbers able to do these tasks.
Remember, at the end of your apprenticeship, it is very likely that you will be offered a position at the company at which completed your training. It is up to you whether or not to take this job, and it depends on the kind of work that you want to do and the salary you wish to be paid. Also keep in mind that an apprenticeship is not necessary to become a qualified plumber, as many colleges and training centres offer the NVQ Level 2 and other certifications as standalone plumbing courses. Keep an open mind, and check out some of the other content on our site for resources that will help you make an informed decision!
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