Has the new year sparked your desire for a job change? With plumbing set to be one of the most in-demand trades for 2024, this could be the perfect time to make the switch and begin training towards a career in the industry.
Research conducted by Metals4U (shared by PHAM News) used job vacancy data from various major recruitment platforms to predict which trades will see particularly high skills shortages over the next 12 months, with plumbing expected to be the sixth most in-demand construction profession.
Like any trade, there are various ways to approach your training and qualifications, with apprenticeships and private providers common routes for getting started.
Plumbing apprenticeships
A plumbing apprenticeship can be an effective choice for anyone who wants the ability to earn while they learn. The trade-off, however, is that this form of training requires a significant commitment in terms of time, with plumbing apprenticeships often taking up to four years to fully complete. Plus, wages are typically low, meaning the apprenticeship route might not be viable for everyone.
Training with a private provider
For those looking for a more efficient way of switching to a career in the plumbing industry, a private plumbing course provider usually presents a much faster pathway for completing your learning and gaining qualifications.
While this option does come with an upfront cost, you can expect to begin working in the industry and earning a full plumber wage rather than an apprenticeship wage in a matter of weeks.
This kind of training can also offer a greater level of flexibility if you choose options for home-study or part-time weekend plumbing courses. Similarly, payments can also be made on a flexible basis, making the cost of training more manageable.
At Able Skills, all of our plumbing training is delivered in state-of-the-art facilities built specifically to replicate real on-the-job situations, and all of our tutors are highly-experienced time-served professionals who understand exactly what is required to succeed in the industry.
How long does the training take?
The total length of your training will depend on a variety of factors, including previous experience and the level of qualifications you'd like to gain. However, using the City & Guilds Level 2 Plumbing course as an example, you can expect to go from complete beginner to being in a position to seek employment in just six weeks.
Once your training course is completed and you have started work, Able Skills can also arrange your on-site NVQ Level 2 assessment. Not only is this accreditation a great way of helping you stand out to potential employers and customers, but it also means you’ll be able to work beyond domestic settings by applying for your CSCS card.
You can find more information about all Able Skills plumbing courses online here. If you’d like any more information or advice, feel free to give us a call on 01322 280 202.