How to become an apprentice plumber: a story

 Meet Sophie, 16, a pipes and also home heating pupil from Surrey. Part of our Bitesize globe of job collection.

Sophie at the workplace, alongside a central heating boiler.
" There are never ever 2 days the very same!"

What is your task?

Throughout the day I assist clients with a variety of various pipes jobs, such as transforming radiator shutoffs or soldering pipelines. The most effective part of my task is the reality that daily is various. On a daily basis you take on a various trouble. I likewise take pleasure in collaborating with various designers and also pupils, and also conference our consumers. Naturally, with pipes, there are lots of not specifically great tasks. Allow's simply claim you would not wish to be consuming your lunch after unblocking a kitchen sink! But it's all part of the challenge and they are far outweighed by the reward of customer satisfaction.

What skills do you use in your work?

You need to have good communication skills to be able to be inform customers of the job progress and also to be able to communicate with other employees within the business. You also need to be practical and be prepared to be faced with a different challenge every day.

Is this the job you always knew you wanted to do?

I've always been a very active person. I love practical learning and getting stuck into tasks. Plumbing had always stood out for me as it allows me to complete hands-on, practical work, whilst getting a sense of satisfaction. Also, you are able to help someone in need fix an issue-- whether that be fixing a leak or getting the customer's heating working again. Continuing with plumbing would also guarantee me a stable future as, with experience, the wages can be very high.

How did you get into your job?

When I was 16, I applied for work experience at Pimlico Plumbers. I worked in all departments to get a feel for the industry. I really enjoyed it and it was exactly what I imagined, confirming my passion to begin an apprenticeship, rather than applying to university. I was lucky enough to be offered an interview for an apprenticeship position, which was a success, and shortly after I began my role.
Sophie holding some copper pipe.
Top tips

I think an apprenticeship is the best route, by far, into any skilled trade. There's no amount of reading that could prepare you for the challenges you can face in plumbing-- it's all about the practical on-the-job experience
An apprenticeship offers you the chance to be equipped with all the skills you need for a successful career, as well as the chance to earn whilst you're gaining the experience
I do recommend gaining work experience in the field, and not being afraid to ask as many questions as you possibly can.

If you want to be a plumber, what to expect

She will be a fully qualified plumber when Sophie completes her four-year apprenticeship.

Plumber salary: ₤ 14,000 to ₤ 50,000 per year
Plumber working hours: 37 to 40 hours per week

What qualifications do you need to be a plumber?

This information is a guide (sources: LMI, National Careers Service).

For careers advice in all parts of the UK visit: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Tips and advice.
Help with interviews, writing a CV and all things work experience related.

• Typical entry requirements: You could do a Level 2 and 3 Diploma in Plumbing and Domestic Heating. This would teach you some of the skills needed for the job and help you when applying for a trainee position with a plumbing company (instalator sector 1). You can do an intermediate and advanced apprenticeship in Plumbing and Domestic Heating. You will need some GCSEs (or equivalent), usually including English and Maths, for an intermediate apprenticeship and five GCSEs (or equivalent) at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), usually including English and Maths, for an advanced apprenticeship. This can take up to four years. You could also start as a plumber's assistant or 'mate' and do training on the job to qualify. 

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