You can probably count the number of houses in the UK that won't ever need a plumber on the fingers of one hand. That's not to say the rest need a plumber all the time, but it's a rare house where nothing has gone wrong with the water and heating system. Commercial customers and construction companies need plumbers all the time, though, under contract. And contracts like that can be very lucrative. The government also requires plumbers to maintain and expand the National Grid. And even though there have been so many cuts recently, a government contract still pays enough to be worth while going after. So as long as buildings up and down the country are supplied with water, there will always be work for plumbers.
For someone with a technical mind and who's good with their hands, plumbing is an ideal trade. But like any trade, you need training first. A plumbing apprenticeship is the best way of learning how to install and maintain components and systems. You would learn basic skills, how to manage hot and cold water systems, how to install and maintain central heating systems and, of course, how to do it all safety. After your apprenticeship, you could go to work... or you could choose to continue with a more advanced apprenticeship that would teach you how to work with gas systems. These are much more complex, but the trade-off is that when you're working with gas, you're also earning more.
Plumbing apprenticeships can be well worth your while. Not only do you get the qualifications that you need, but you also get on-the-job training and experience and also get paid! As with all apprenticeships you will have the same kind of rights and benefits as any other employee, and the course fees are usually paid for, depending on your own situation. The main advantage though is the scope for the future. If you take on the higher qualifications, you could go on to work for a large company or even run your own. Being self-employed or even owning your own business could earn you quite a large amount!
Of course, footballers, actors and musicians will continue to rake in the money, and we're always going to hear about that. But if you sit down with a calculator you may just find that over the lifetime of your career as a plumber, you'll pull in more than a million pounds. Of course, that's not going to happen right away: like any successful business, you'll be starting small but as your reputation grows, so will the number of customers you'll be serving. And it may even be you could pick up a lucrative commercial or government contract or two, as well.
If all this is starting to make you think seriously about a plumbing career, there are many apprenticeship opportunities out there, offered by colleges, institutes and companies. It's just a matter of tracking down the one that suits you best and getting started!
For someone with a technical mind and who's good with their hands, plumbing is an ideal trade. But like any trade, you need training first. A plumbing apprenticeship is the best way of learning how to install and maintain components and systems. You would learn basic skills, how to manage hot and cold water systems, how to install and maintain central heating systems and, of course, how to do it all safety. After your apprenticeship, you could go to work... or you could choose to continue with a more advanced apprenticeship that would teach you how to work with gas systems. These are much more complex, but the trade-off is that when you're working with gas, you're also earning more.
Plumbing apprenticeships can be well worth your while. Not only do you get the qualifications that you need, but you also get on-the-job training and experience and also get paid! As with all apprenticeships you will have the same kind of rights and benefits as any other employee, and the course fees are usually paid for, depending on your own situation. The main advantage though is the scope for the future. If you take on the higher qualifications, you could go on to work for a large company or even run your own. Being self-employed or even owning your own business could earn you quite a large amount!
Of course, footballers, actors and musicians will continue to rake in the money, and we're always going to hear about that. But if you sit down with a calculator you may just find that over the lifetime of your career as a plumber, you'll pull in more than a million pounds. Of course, that's not going to happen right away: like any successful business, you'll be starting small but as your reputation grows, so will the number of customers you'll be serving. And it may even be you could pick up a lucrative commercial or government contract or two, as well.
If all this is starting to make you think seriously about a plumbing career, there are many apprenticeship opportunities out there, offered by colleges, institutes and companies. It's just a matter of tracking down the one that suits you best and getting started!
About the Author:
Thinking about taking a year out, or looking for various apprenticeship positions, jobs & offers: visit notgoingtouni.co.uk. Find details of how to get work experience. Also find information on distance learning.
