Sick of having to call plumbers out to sort out your pipes? Not to mention having to pay extortionate rates for the pleasure, even though it's just the simplest of repairs to your u-bend. It is possibly the most annoying thing ever.

If you're nodding along with us then maybe you should do a plumbing course.

Learning plumbing all for yourself would mean that you could do the job yourself. Or, if you're feeling shrewd, you could use your plumbing skills as a stepping-stone to cash-in on those extortionate rates in return for your fine plumbing services.

We've got a choice of 846 plumbing courses and plumbing training courses around the UK for you; from the basic every day Plumbing to a variety of complicated sounding (to our non-plumbing educated ears anyway) certificates. Dust off your spanner and give it a go!

Plumbing / Plumber Careers
Below are some of the main careers that can be found within Plumbing.

Job Description
Plumbers install, maintain and repair hot and cold water supplies, and sanitation and waste disposal systems in domestic, industrial and commercial premises. They also work with oil, gas and solid fuel appliances, and central heating systems. Certain jobs may involve working on the outsides of buildings, making and repairing weather-proof joints and flashings on roofs, chimneys and walls, and installing or clearing guttering and drainpipes.

In the industrial and commercial sector, plumbers may work on other piped infrastructure such as air-conditioning and extraction units. Plumbers can also be found in the chemical, ship and gas fitting industries.

Some plumbers specialise in sheet metal work, which is usually found on industrial, commercial or historical buildings. This type of work involves using a variety of materials, including plastics, aluminium, copper, lead and zinc.

Plumbers follow diagrams and plans when installing new systems. Repair and maintenance work involves diagnosing and rectifying faults. Completed work must be tested to ensure it complies with relevant Building Regulations.

Working Environment
Plumbers work 40 hours a week but overtime is common. Some plumbers offer a 24-hour call-out service.

Plumbers work both indoors, often in confined spaces, and outdoors in all weathers. Work on the outside of buildings will usually be at heights.

As plumbers travel from site to site, a driving licence is useful.


Related Skills
To be a plumber you should:

    * be able to read technical drawings and plans
    * have good practical and problem-solving skills
    * have a careful and methodical approach to work
    * be able to work at heights and in confined spaces
    * have normal colour vision for some work
    * be physically fit
    * be aware of safety issues and legal regulations
    * be able to work as part of a team and alone
    * have a polite manner for dealing with customers.

Career Opportunities for Plumbing
Prospects for qualified plumbers are excellent throughout the country due to the demand for skilled staff. Opportunities exist with plumbing or mechanical engineering services contractors, which range from small businesses to large companies, and also building contractors and public sector bodies such as local authorities.

With relevant skills and training, plumbers can transfer into the heating, ventilation, refrigeration, electrical and air-conditioning industries or run their own specialised sections in larger companies. There may be opportunities to work abroad on contracts.For plumbers working in gas fitting, there may be further options available. See Technician: Gas Service.

Progression routes depend on the size of the employer but could allow movement in to estimating, CAD design or contract/project management. Many plumbers opt for self-employment.


Find Plumbing courses in the UK
Plumbing evening classes
Plumbing Certificate courses
NVQ/SVQ Plumbing courses
Plumbing Installation courses
Plumbing training courses
Professional Plumbing courses
Boiler Installation training courses
CORGI training courses
Gas Plumbing training courses
and use our search form to find a plumbing courses which suites you

Examples of specialised Plumbing courses
With over 267 colleges running plumbing courses in our database, there is a diversity of Plumbing courses which you can choose from, for example
Plumbing for Beginners
Plumbing DIY
Plumbing courses for Women
Plumbing Apprenticeship courses
Plumbing City and Guilds

Examples of specialised Plumbing Colleges on Hotcourses
Plumbing & Construction College
Plumbing Academy Limited
Plumbing courses at Swindon College

Examples of reviews of Plumbing courses
Career Change in Plumbing @ The Plumbing Academy
I was the only woman on the Plumbing course but the lads made me feel at home... read more

Plumbing training @ Plumbing Training
Very good practical course. Will teach you everything you need to know to start out in plumbing with good follow-up support... read more

Plumbing & Heating @ Plumbing & Heating
Most informative course i have ever done. The course content was spot on. John is an inspiring teacher who brought an amazing depth of knowledge to the course.... read more


Short cut to other related courses
DIY Building Maintenance
DIY Building Work
Electrical
Electrician
Joinery
Welding

There's a Plumbing course which will suite you!