How to add to your skills as a plumber
A chance to upskill on existing plumbing skills
Even after you’ve completed your training as a plumber and have started working out in the field, there’s no reason why you can’t continue adding to your plumbing skills throughout your career.
The chance to expand on existing skills offers plumbers the opportunity to boost their earning potential and employability, and these additional courses can often be completed around your existing workload, meaning you don’t have to lose out while training.
Below, we’ve run through a few of the options that existing plumbers may want to explore, along with the benefits of each.
Qualified plumbers looking to expand their skillset
Naturally, the more tasks you’re qualified to carry out, the more favourable you’ll appear to potential employers and the more work you can take on if you go down the route of starting your own business.
There are a number of courses that are perfect for complementing any plumber’s skillset.
Water Regulations Course (WRAS)
A Water Regulations (WRAS) course is ideal for anyone wanting to work with a water company and join the WIAPS (Water Industry Approved Plumbers Scheme, a UK accreditation scheme), allowing them to carry out work freely without having to be approved by local water companies.
Energy Efficiency Course
The Energy Efficiency course has become increasingly important for experienced installers of gas, oil, or solid fuel domestic central heating systems as customers seek better energy efficiency and advice about their systems.. It teaches the best way to install a system to comply with Part L of the Building Regulations.
Domestic Hot Water Storage Systems Course
Completing a Domestic Hot Water Storage Systems (G3) course allows experienced installers to gain a certificate in installing Domestic Hot Water Storage Systems and to join a Competent Persons’ Scheme, which in turn allows for self-certification of hot water storage system installations.
Experienced plumbers who need an NVQ
Throughout the years, we’ve seen plumbing rules and regulations frequently change, meaning that despite someone having an abundance of experience in the field, they may not have all the relevant certifications.
NVQ Level in Plumbing
The NVQ Level 2 Plumbing Assessment is aimed at those already working as a plumber and who hold a level 2 Plumbing Certificate or Diploma (C&G 6035-02 or 6129-22) but have never achieved a Plumbing NVQ. Rather than completing a full training course, Able Skills will organise for a qualified assessor to visit you at your place of work, establish your competence and give guidance on portfolio completion.
Becoming Gas Safe registered
Unsurprisingly, it’s common for qualified plumbers to add gas work to their capabilities, allowing them to offer a more complete service.
Gas training courses for plumbers
Anyone wanting to legally and safely carry out gas work must be a member of the Gas Safe Register. Able Skills offers a range of gas courses to suit all levels of experience that will ensure you’re up to the standard needed for Gas Safe registration.
Looking for new ways to add to your skills as a plumber?
Able Skills has a wide variety of training courses that are perfect for any plumber wanting to add new services to their offering. To find the course that’s perfect for you, we recommend popping into our training centre for a chat. If you can’t make it in, feel free to give us a call on 01322 280 202.
Editor's note: This post was originally published 28 April 2022. Updated 25 June 2025.
Plumbing