England and Wales
To qualify as a plumber you need:
* City & Guilds (6089) NVQ Level 2 and 3 in Mechanical Engineering Services (MES): Plumbing (Domestic) and
* City & Guilds (6129) Technical Certificate Level 2 Basic Plumbing Studies and Level 3 Plumbing Studies.
If you are not employed in the industry, you can start the Level 2 and Level 3 Technical Certificates at a college or training centre. These are open to all ages but there is a lot of competition for places. They cover the theory, underpinning knowledge and some practical skills required to move on to the NVQ qualifications outlined in the Training section below. Colleges and training centres set their own entry requirements, which are likely to include an aptitude test.
Modules covered by the certificates include:
* hot and cold water systems
* sanitation systems
* central heating pipework
* health and safety.
Some organisations offer technical certificates on an intensive or home study basis. To be industry recognised, City & Guilds (C&G) must accredit them. You should check that C&G validate any qualifications offered in this way. You can do this by contacting your regional C&G office with the course and training provider's details. You can find regional contacts on the national C&G website in Further Information.
Note: Technical certificates alone do not prove occupational competence as a plumber, only the full NVQ qualification can do this. It is strongly recommended that you try to gain a placement or employment with a plumbing firm as soon as possible after starting the technical certificates in order to complete the NVQ. Your training provider may help with this but you can also contact plumbing firms directly.
Apprenticeships
A common route for young people is to train as a plumbing apprentice. Most apprentices start at 16 to 19, but entry may be possible up to 24, depending on availability of places (see Training section for contacts). You will need four GCSEs (A-D)/S grades (1-4), in subjects such as maths, English, science, engineering, design and technology or appropriate equivalents.
Due to health and safety regulations, applicants who are colour blind might not be able to start plumbing training. You should check with the training provider about restrictions and whether they offer a colour vision assessment test.
Adult apprenticeships
There is currently very little provision in England for this option. There are limited pilot schemes in Wales and Scotland. For details, check with local employers, colleges and training centres.
For information about entry routes into plumbing, training providers and qualifications, contact SummitSkills in Further Information.