Plumbing Training - Why It Is Vital To Get Qualifications-00-4267

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Most people who have a practical aptitude can be successful enough to make a very good living in the industry; for those who have a bit more entrepreneurial flair, there is always the opportunity to build their own empire. It's just a matter of where you set your sights.

Only a few years ago the principal route into the industry was as an apprentice but nowadays it is far more common to enter as a ‘mature career changer' or in other words as someone who is beyond apprenticeship age. Even if you are into your sixties there is nothing to stop you if you have the drive and enthusiasm to give it a go.

Over recent years plumbing installations have become far more sophisticated than ever before, particularly as manufacturers strive endlessly to produce ever more energy efficient equipment to deliver hot water on demand and maximise the efficiency of boilers, radiators and all of the other items that are an integral part of modern systems.

Do not kid yourself that you are a good plumber just because you installed your mate's bathroom - unless you have been properly trained in modern methods and systems you ...
... will almost certainly have cost him money and will continue to do so for the entire life of his installation!

The traditional system of boiler, radiators, indirect cylinder with immersion and an expansion tank in the loft is as old hat as VHS tapes or the Sony Walkman!

What qualifications do I need?

Everything you can get! The better qualified you are the more work opportunities you will have whether you are employed or self-employed.

You absolutely need the City & Guilds 6129 Technical Certificate because it is the basis of modern plumbing and is the same qualification that plumbing apprentices graduate with after their 4 year apprenticeship.

Ideally you will also need the Unvented Hot Water Storage Systems qualification because almost every new home or apartment that has been built over the last 10 years will have an Unvented system. You have got to know what you are doing to work on these systems because they are both sealed and pressurised. Someone working on them without the knowledge that comes with being qualified can easily do themselves or someone else serious harm.

You also should have the Water Supply Regulations qualification simply because it is a legal requirement if you are going to work on the water supply.

No plumber worth his salt would be unable to legally install an Electric Shower or a host of other equipment that a plumber routinely encounters in his day to day job. So you need to get your electrician's Domestic Installer Certificate. This will enable you to be Part P Certified to carry out and certify this work without calling in another tradesman; to have to do so would be embarrassing and expensive!

There are other qualifications that would be nice to have such as Gas Safe Registration (what was CORGI for many years) or Solar Hot Water qualification although if you don't have either it will not stop you from getting out into the market and making a good living.

How do I get into the Trade?

Easy, just find a well established and accredited training provider who is able to offer all the qualifications you need including Gas Safe Registration.

Try to choose a training provider that is open about what they provide. Many training providers will not tell you anything about what they offer unless you agree to one of their representatives visiting your home i.e. the ‘Double Glazing' sales approach.

Finally, do some research on the internet in plumbing training forums. Realistically, there will always be some negative feedback about individual providers but you will soon see if there is the kind of overwhelming negativity which signals that you should avoid them!

If you follow these few simple guidelines you will certainly avoid many of the usual pitfalls.

About the Author:

If you are interested in http://www.tradequalified.co.uk/ or http://www.tradequalified.co.uk/, it is vital to gain your qualifications through a reputable provider. Trade Qualified is a City and Guilds Approved Centre, offering a wide variety of plumbing courses.