CareerAlternatives.co.uk

Adult Careers & Plumber Apprenticeships

Begin A Profitable New Career As A Plumber

There will always be a nationwide demand for qualified plumbers and heating engineers. The building industry has clearly slowed down, but work in domestic properties is flourishing. We all know a neighbour or friend of a friend who couldn't get an emergency plumber for weeks! There's also loads of work to be had putting in downstairs loos, new showers, en-suites etc. as people are moving less and up-grading more. So if you're looking for adult retraining, a plumbing course could be just the thing for you.

Grab Your Free Plumbing Research Document...

The money will soon start coming in once you've undergone specialised training and built your knowledge. To get you off to the best start, we've prepared an in-depth downloadable training report that we're making available to you free of charge. It will make sense of all the course features offered by the various plumbing trainers. Get your copy of the report first, and familiarise yourself with the details.

And then return to this page to refer to any of the training companies offering plumbing courses. (By typing in 'Ctrl D' you can Bookmark this page for easy reference.)

Build A Business Of Your Own

Something that appeals to many adult re-trainers is the concept of being their own boss. It's true to say that just about all those who enter the industry as adults start working for themselves very quickly. Obviously this makes sense when you think of the level of demand in just about every town in the country.

A lot of work will come from friends of people you've done a good job for. People like to recommend great service. Your training will give you the technical know-how, but it's also important to use good people skills whenever you're around others. Business sometimes comes in from the most unlikely people. Remembering to treat other people and their homes with respect will pay dividends down the road.

More often than not, plumbers in the commercial environment are employed to work a maximum forty hour week. Domestic plumbers are best not to restrict themselves too rigidly though. Many working people can't afford to take time off work, so plumbers who will visit outside working hours can often get much better business.

You'll Always Be Able To Find Work...

There's always work available for plumbers and heating engineers. Once you've got yourself trained and certified, you need to get good at promoting yourself.

Emergency work makes you a hero, and everybody loves a new bathroom or kitchen so each job can be really satisfying. Obviously you only need to take on the work you want to do, although it's not a good idea to be too picky at first!

If you're planning to run your own business, you'll need to get a feel for how to do good quotes. This means allowing for your expenses as well as your time. It's often a bit hit and miss at first, but you'll quickly learn by any mistakes! Some of the more commercial plumbing courses will teach you about business practices.

How Can I Get Started?

Look for industry recognised City & Guilds courses. These are available from both technical colleges and private training companies. Teenagers straight out of school usually aim to combine a technical college course with commercial employment to complete NVQ certifications.

However, those who are a little older usually prefer to do their training part-time alongside their current job. It's the private training companies that tend to attract mature entrants, because they service their needs better.

Their fees will be higher, but in the long run they're more cost effective for the person looking to work for themselves in a predominantly domestic environment.

Useful Add-Ons

Whichever course you decide on, you should emerge with at least basic plumbing skills in sanitation systems, hot and cold water systems and more. But if you increase your skill-set you can take on many more roles. If you take Part P for example you'll comply with the regulations for domestic electrical work. If you have a broad ranging skill-set you'll be more in demand. Each job will be more cost effective, and leave more money in your pocket. Householders much prefer taking on tradesmen and women with a multitude of skills.

Ultimately, if you're an adult looking to retrain for a new plumbing career, your best route is probably via a multi-skill set of courses with a private training company.