CareerChangeOptions.co.uk

A Future With Plumbing Certificates & Training

Begin A Profitable New Career As A Plumber

Whatever the state of the national economy, people need good plumbers. Work in the domestic field continues to thrive, despite the setbacks of recession. How many times do you hear about the number of calls someone had to make to find a plumber who was free to stop their shower from leaking? And with bargain kitchen units and bathroom suites from the likes of B&Q, householders are always on the lookout for decent trades-people to fit them. All of which means that re-training for a plumbing career could provide you with a very secure future.

FREE In-Depth Training and Career Report

Whether you're already quite handy, or it's all completely new to you, once you're trained and certified there's work to be had. For a professional, unbiased understanding of the industry's requirements, you can download a free copy of our indispensable guide to plumbing certifications. The information in it will help you to compare what's on offer from the different training colleges.

We recommend you download the book first and take time to get to grips with its contents. Then log on to this webpage again and request information from any of the colleges listed here. (By typing in 'Ctrl D' you can Bookmark this page for easy reference.)

Convert To Self-Employment

One of the most appealing things about retraining to become a plumber (or any other tradesperson for that matter) is the idea of being self-employed. Most people training today will take on small domestic contracts in their local area. It's a sensible direction to take as there's plenty of money and jobs available for the right people. Try to build a good rapport with your clients - they're more likely to speak well of you to others if you do.

Instructors will fill you in on all your plumbing requirements, but make sure you pay attention to your attitude to everyone. Business can come in from anywhere and everywhere! Remembering to treat other people and their homes with respect will pay dividends down the road.

Commercial plumbers will usually work on weekdays only, typically 8am to 5pm. But self-employed domestic plumbers have a different situation. Many working people can't afford to take time off work, so plumbers who will visit outside working hours can often get much better business.

You'll Always Be Able To Find Work...

Skilled plumbers with the right certifications are set for life - people will always need your services. You'll find the work rewarding - people are always grateful when you fix their problems or make life easier for them. No two days are the same - you're not stuck in the same place day in day out, and if you don't want to take a job on, you don't have to!

If you're going to set yourself up as a business, you'll also have to learn a thing or two about costing out jobs. Which means covering all your overheads so you don't lose money. You might like to work out a system to account for all your fixed costs. Some of the commercial training centres will give guidance on this.

What's The Next Step?

You can take City & Guilds training for various plumbing courses in both further education colleges and commercial colleges. Youngsters generally try to find a company to work with so they can complete NVQ qualifications alongside their C&G's. However, those who are a little older usually prefer to do their training part-time alongside their current job. This is where the private training companies score best, as they offer flexible programmes with courses that will cover the needs of the domestic plumbing market. Mature students then will generally pay more up front for commercial training courses, but fine-tune their training to suit the work they'll get into.

Ancillary Training

Any decent training programme will equip you for plumbing work in domestic properties. Most colleges also offer additional skills training which you could consider if you want to offer a bigger package to your customers.

Some plumbers can also do tiling, plastering and some electrical work. It's a big positive to have several strings to your bow. You can service more clients' needs, and make more money each month. There'll be no waiting around for bathroom fitters or tilers if you can do the work yourself - and the customer will be much less inconvenienced.

In conclusion, broad-based commercial plumbing courses are the quickest and most efficient route into the self-employed domestic market.