Student in Able Skills plumbing centre completing their plumbing training. Student is holding a copper pipe, standing next to an open tool bag in a bathroom area.

The career of a plumber boasts a long list of benefits, from surging job demand and high earning potential to the very achievable opportunity of setting up your own business and creating a healthy work-life balance. 

No matter where you are in your plumbing journey, Able Skills has a range of courses designed and taught by experienced plumbers that will help take you to the next stage. 

What does a plumber do?

The life of a plumber often requires a high level of problem-solving and brings a good amount of variety in day-to-day tasks. Some of the most common jobs you’ll likely face include: 

  • Speaking to customers to figure out what the problem is
  • Providing time and cost estimates for jobs
  • Installing water drainage and heating systems
  • Cutting, shaping and joining pipes and fittings
  • Finding and fixing faults
  • Installing or repairing domestic appliances like showers, washing machines and dishwashers
  • Responding to emergency call-outs like boiler breakdowns and burst pipes

Why are training and qualifications important to the trade?

Due to the materials and environments plumbers handle and work within, health and safety must be at the forefront of your training to protect both yourself and your potential clients. 

Completing your training under the guidance of experienced tradespeople is also vital when it comes to upholding high standards in your work going forward. 

For plumbers who want to work on-site, you’ll need to hold a CSCS Card. To register for this you’ll need to pass a health, safety and environment test (HS&E). 

Plumbing courses at Able Skills

Introduction to Plumbing: A short intensive course for those who want to learn basic plumbing skills or anyone contemplating pursuing further training. 

City & Guilds Level 2 Plumbing Course: Aimed at anyone wanting to take their first steps towards becoming a qualified plumber. Participants will form a basic knowledge of all domestic plumbing, and open the door for more advanced training upon completion.

City & Guilds Level 2 Plumbing Course for Experienced Plumbers: If you have been working as a plumber for a minimum of three years but have never achieved a plumbing qualification, then this fast-track 6035 assessment process is the ideal choice.

City & Guilds Level 2 Plumbing NVQ for Experienced Plumbers: If you have been working full-time as a plumber for over three years but do not hold any qualifications and now find yourself needing an NVQ, this fast-track assessment will streamline that process.

Home Study Level 2 Plumbing Course: If you can’t commit to structured patterns of learning on-site, then the Home Study course allows you to complete your theory-based learning from home at your own pace.

NVQ Level 2 Plumbing Assessments: If you are already working as a Plumber and hold a level 2 Plumbing Certificate or Diploma but have never achieved a Plumbing NVQ then Able Skills can arrange for an assessor to visit your place of work and give guidance on portfolio completion.

Testimonials

“A fantastic experience from booking to accommodation and of course the great learning experience. I can’t praise the team at Able Skills enough. The range of skills that we covered within the 5 days was beyond my expectations and delivered in a very professional and practical environment.”

Rob, Introduction to Plumbing

“I have just completed the Introduction to Plumbing course at Able Skills, and already have other courses lined up. I can thoroughly recommend the centre, the course itself and Mo as an instructor, as he made things easy to learn within an enjoyable atmosphere, as well as being happy to answer questions or go over something even if asked a few times. As such I am now considering taking this further to a C&G Level 2 diploma. I’d also like to mention that everybody that I have spoken to so far at Able Skills has been open and honest, especially when discussing booking further courses and my ambitions etc.”

James, Introduction to Plumbing

Flexible plumbing training

We understand that traditional trade training doesn’t suit everyone, and people with prior commitments might struggle to complete typically structured courses. That’s why many of our plumbing courses can be completed on a part-time, flexible basis and paid for as you go along to meet your schedule. For anyone travelling from afar, we also offer affordable accommodation to use while you complete your training.