| Plumbers should not be undervalued as they play an | | | | An aptitude for math will be necessary as you will be |
| essential role in our day to day lives. They are the | | | | dealing with numbers and you need to be good with |
| first point of call if we are having problems with hot | | | | using your hands. Of course as with any job there will |
| water or our central heating. There is no doubt in | | | | be some drawbacks, as in plumbing you will need to |
| mind that everyone at some point or another has | | | | be prepared to work in cramped conditions at times, |
| needed to call a plumber into their homes. If you wish | | | | and have the stamina to do physical work day after |
| to be part of a rewarding industry and want to | | | | day. You will have to be a quick learner as you will be |
| contribute to the comfortable and safe environments | | | | using tools and other forms of equipment on a daily |
| we live in, then this could be the right career path for | | | | basis. As well as having the essential physical skills, |
| you. | | | | you will need to have good people skills too, as your |
| A person considering plumbing as a career choice | | | | profession requires you to be communicating with |
| needs to have particular attributes in order to | | | | people on a regular basis. You will have to be |
| succeed. For example, you should enjoy working with | | | | respectful of other people's properties and uphold |
| your hands, and not mind getting dirty. Plumbing is an | | | | good standards of work. All of this will lead to |
| industry that pays well and offers great long term | | | | incredible job satisfaction and rewarding long-term |
| prospects. You should also bear in mind, that unlike | | | | prospects for your future career. |
| some other industry areas, there is little risk in some | | | | What qualifications do you need? |
| form of technology taking over the role of a | | | | It is advisable that you follow the National Vocational |
| plumber. A plumber plays an essential role in any | | | | Qualification (NVQ) route or the (SNVQ in Scotland). |
| house and is vital to ensuring the well being of our | | | | This route will mostly involve theory and practical |
| basic domestic needs. | | | | work in the classroom/purpose built training facility |
| There are numerous tasks that you will be involved in | | | | and work based experience with a working plumber. |
| as a plumber. The following are just some of the | | | | Most colleges will help students organise work |
| many you will be doing:repairing hot and cold water | | | | placements, although many students organise it |
| systemsfitting tanks and pipeworkbeing involved in | | | | themselves. |
| installing and maintaining gas, oil and solid fuel | | | | There are a range of programs out there for your |
| appliancesinstalling and repairing domestic appliances | | | | offering, and it is up to you to decide which course |
| such as showers | | | | will be most suited to you. You may simply wish to |
| The types of qualities and attributes a plumber will | | | | take a short plumbing course to learn some skills. On |
| need | | | | the other hand, you may be interested in making a |
| You need to be prepared to get your hands dirty, | | | | long term career out of it, therefore a longer |
| and have the attitude of wanting to do the job right. | | | | program would suit you more. |