1. Apprenticeship
2. City & Guilds Plumbing Courses
3. Access to Plumbing NVQ
4. Scottish Vocational Qualification in Plumbing
5. The Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (IPHE) Approved Training Scheme
6. NVQ in Plumbing Studies from a Technical College
7. Plumbing Course at a College Instead of an Apprenticeship
8. Apply for a membership at the CIPHE for training and assistance.
9. Work Experience
10. On-the-job Training.
Becoming a plumber in the United Kingdom requires completing an approved training program. There are many ways to become a plumber, but most involve completing an apprenticeship, taking plumbing courses at a college or technical institute, or working with a Registered Plumber to get on-the-job training. Plumbers in the UK must also be registered with the Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (IPHE) in order to work legally.
1. Apprenticeship: One of the most common ways to become a plumber in the United Kingdom is to complete an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships typically last for three to four years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Plumbing apprenticeships are sponsored by employers, so it is important to find a sponsoring employer before applying for an apprenticeship program.
2. City & Guilds Plumbing Courses: Another way to become a plumber in the UK is to take plumbing courses at a college or technical institute. The City & Guilds offers several different plumbing courses, which can be taken as standalone qualifications or as part of an apprenticeship program.
3. Access to Plumbing NVQ: In order to work as a plumber in the UK, you must have an NVQ in Plumbing Studies from a Technical College. The NVQ is a nationally recognized qualification that demonstrates your skills and knowledge in the plumbing trade.
4. Scottish Vocational Qualification in Plumbing: Plumbers who want to work in Scotland must obtain a Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) in Plumbing. The SVQ is similar to the NVQ, but is specific to Scotland.
5. The Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (IPHE) Approved Training Scheme: The IPHE Approved Training Scheme is a way to become a plumber through on-the-job training. This program is only available to those who are already employed by a plumbing or heating contractor.
6. NVQ in Plumbing Studies from a Technical College: Another way to become a plumber is to take an NVQ in Plumbing Studies from a technical college. The NVQ is a nationally recognized qualification that demonstrates your skills and knowledge in the plumbing trade.
7. Plumbing Course at a College Instead of an Apprenticeship: You can also become a plumber by taking a plumbing course at a college instead of an apprenticeship. Plumbing courses typically last for one or two years and include both classroom instruction and hands-on training.
8. Apply for a membership at the CIPHE for training and assistance: The CIPHE is a professional body for plumbing and heating engineers in the UK. membership with the CIPHE provides access to training courses, Plumbing qualifications, professional development opportunities, and networking events.
9. Work Experience: Another way to become a plumber is to gain work experience in the Plumbing trade. This can be done by working with a Registered Plumber or by completing an approved work experience program.
10. On-the-job Training: Finally, another way to become a plumber is to get on-the-job training from a Registered Plumber. This type of training typically lasts for one or two years and includes both classroom instruction and hands-on training.
