Do you like working with your hands? Are you interested in a career that offers job security and a good salary? If so, then plumbing might be the perfect career for you!
It’s one of those age-old services that everyone needs at some point in their life, and plumbers are always in demand.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the top reasons to become a plumber and provide information on how to become a plumber and the job outlook for this field. So, if you are considering a career change, read on!
Learn & Earn
One of the best things about becoming a plumber is that you can learn on the job. Plumbers do not need a four-year degree, so this is a great career option if you want to start working right away.
While some people enjoy going to university, it’s no longer seen as a necessity. In fact, many would advise against going – unless you want to go into a specific career that requires a degree.
Plumbing is not one of those careers, and if you love getting your hands dirty but aren’t keen on academic study, it could be the best way to avoid student loan debt and start earning money sooner.
Job Security
Plumbers are in high demand – as always. If you become a professional plumber, you can pretty much guarantee that you’ll have steady work at the very least. According to British magazine Pham News, plumbers were more in demand than any other trades service in 2020.
The job outlook for plumbers is projected to grow by 16% from 2016 to 2026. So, if you are looking for stability in your career, then plumbing is one of the best options available.
Plenty Of Opportunities
As mentioned before, plumbers are in high demand. This means that there are plenty of opportunities for you to find work worldwide.
If you want to travel and see new places, then plumbing could be the perfect career. You can find work in any country, and with your skillset, you’ll be able to adapt quickly to new environments.
Also, you can become self-employed or even start your own business with other plumbers working under you.
Good Salary
One of the best things about being a plumber is earning a good salary. Apprentices earn a decent wage starting at £4.85 an hour for school leavers and increasing throughout the training.
Newly qualified plumbing professionals can earn £15,000 to £19,000 a year, but this figure goes up with more experience, and most earn between £25,000 to £30,000.#
If you become a Master Plumber, you can earn a lot more – depending on where you work, but some can make up to £60,000 per year. As self-employed plumbers set their rates, there’s no limit on how much you might take home.
No Sitting At A Desk
Plumbing is an active job that requires a lot of stamina and problem solving, which is ideal for people who love a challenge.
As a plumber, you’ll spend most of your time on your feet and won’t have to spend hours sitting at a desk in an office.
Another plus side – you’ll lift a lot and remain active throughout the day, so you can earn while you exercise!
Develop Creative & Technical Abilities
Plumbers have to use their technical skills to identify problems constantly, but there’s also a lot of creativity involved with the role. As you’ll be responsible for installing and maintaining plumbing systems in various settings, you’ll have to think on your feet.
While this might seem daunting, possessing both creative and technical skills will set you apart from others and could prove very useful in setting up your own business. Better still, you’ll notice we wrote develop instead of have – because anyone can learn these skills!
There are plenty of plumbing courses that cover out of the box thinking, and if you can demonstrate these skills to potential employers, you’re more likely to find a job with excellent prospects.
Respect From The Public
Plumbers are often seen as people who can help in a crisis, and the public has a great deal of respect for their skills. This is because plumbers are always in high demand and are the first to be called when something goes wrong.
As long as you support your customers and show your dedication, you’ll feel valued in your job, and people will appreciate your work – even if they don’t understand it!
A Chance To Learn New Things
As mentioned before, plumbing is an ever-changing industry. What was once common knowledge is now outdated, so plumbers have to constantly learn new things to keep up with the latest technologies.
The good thing about this is that you’ll never stop learning, making plumbing an exciting career. It’s one of those careers that only gets boring if you let it, and there will always be new techniques to learn – especially as we move towards smarter homes.
Becoming A Plumber
So, now you know why so many people want to become plumbers, it’s time to reveal how to get there.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are one of the best options for school leavers or young people because it’s a dedicated earn while you learn programme. Most apprenticeships take four years, but some people might be eligible for a fast track programme.
Plumbers Mate
Plumbers’ mates are essentially assistants, and they usually support plumbers with daily duties. While this can give you experience, it won’t provide any qualifications. However, if you have the necessary knowledge, you’ll be able to complete a course quickly and become qualified.
Take An Accredited Course
If you’re past the age to do an apprenticeship or need to train while working a day job, we offer part-time plumbing and heating courses at one of our dedicated training centres.
These courses are perfect if you want to learn and gain a qualification. Once you complete and pass the course, you can find work as a plumber.
If you enjoyed reading this post but would like to discuss your training options in more detail, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly customer service team.
