Which plumbing training course is right for you?
If you’re considering becoming a plumber as your next career move, you’ll be confronted with a few different course options, so how do you know which plumbing training course is right for you?
A beginner's or introduction to plumbing course can be a great way to spend a few days learning core skills and doing plumbing work to find out if it’s a trade that would suit you. Also, a great option if you just want to learn for DIY plumbing,
If you’re serious about becoming a plumber, actually doing it for your career, then consider an industry-standard, recognised qualification. Something like a Level 2 plumbing diploma, and possibly a Level 2 NVQ in plumbing, depending on your end goal. We’ll go into that more in a minute.
If you’re new to plumbing, then an introduction to plumbing course will give you basic skills and insight into the trade. Level 2 diploma courses, on the other hand, are also suitable plumbing courses for beginners, but they’re designed to build the skills to enter the profession.
| Type of training | Who is it for? | What does it do? |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner/taster | Complete beginners, DIYers or people considering plumbing as a career | Introduces basic plumbing skills and gives you practical experience to see if plumbing is right for you |
| Level 2 plumbing diploma | Beginners and career changers who want to enter the trade | Builds the practical skills and technical knowledge needed to start working towards a career in plumbing |
| NVQ Level 2 plumbing | People already working in plumbing who need to demonstrate workplace competence | Assesses your ability to carry out plumbing work to the required standard in a real working environment |
| Specialist/upskilling | Existing plumbers who want to extend their skills or work in specific areas | Adds specialist knowledge or competence, such as Water Regulations (WRAS), G3 unvented hot water systems, energy efficiency or gas training |
Plumbing qualifications
In terms of the qualifications that a plumber needs, this can be a tricky question to answer as there are many very proficient plumbers working in the industry who don’t have formal qualifications. They’ve learnt through on-the-job experience. Ultimately, it depends on where you want to go and what type of work you want to do, and also what avenues you have available to start learning.
A Level 2 diploma in plumbing is regarded as an industry standard route of learning and will provide you with the skills and technical knowledge to enter the trade. If you then add an NVQ Level 2 in plumbing qualification, you open up more possibilities for site work as a Skilled Worker. Add a Water Regulations course (WRAS Certificate), you’re covering one of the requirements for becoming an Approved Plumber. Add a G3 course, and you widen your skills in vented and unvented hot water systems.
Plumbing courses for adults
As an adult retraining to become a plumber, learning on-the-job or through an apprenticeship isn’t usually feasible. A Level 2 plumbing course that you can do either full-time, part-time, part time or through blended home-study and in-centre training gives you different options to retrain as a plumber around existing work or family commitments. The full-time option can be as little as six weeks to get your Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing (City & Guilds 6035-02). This plumbing training course is suitable even if you don’t have any plumbing experience yet.
Plumbing diploma versus plumbing NVQ
There are two different types of Level 2 plumbing qualifications: A Level 2 Diploma (such as the City & Guilds 6035-02) and the NVQ Level 2 (such as the City & Guilds 6189).
The difference between them is that a diploma is where you learn how to do the plumbing – it’s where you learn the technical skills, gain knowledge, and practical proficiency in plumbing – in the classroom setting. The NVQ is a work-based competence assessment – it proves you can do the work in the real world.
You don’t always need an NVQ to work as a plumber, though it can be beneficial for employment opportunities, earning potential, and insurance, as it demonstrates that workplace competence.
Practical plumbing training
With plumbing being a very practical trade, it’s imperative that any plumbing training courses have a necessary element of hands-on learning.
While online learning is great for theoretical and technical knowledge, or even a quick reminder of how to do something (hello, YouTube!), there is no replacement for learning in a practical workshop setting where you first watch an instructor do the demonstration and explain the process before doing it yourself under their guidance.
You immediately apply what you’ve learnt in a way that reinforces it and making mistakes, asking questions, getting real-time feedback is all part of the process.
Flexible plumbing training courses
A blended course that includes a home-study element combined with in-centre practicals and assessments is a good option if you need more flexibility with a course schedule. This allows you to fit studying around a full-time job or around family, or both, so retraining as a plumber becomes more achievable regardless of age and circumstances. Similarly, weekend plumbing courses offer an alternative way to structure the learning.
Upskilling in plumbing
Once you’ve done the Level 2 diploma, other plumbing courses to consider are Water Regulations to get a WRAS certificate, do a G3 course to learn more about vented and unvented hot water systems, or one on energy efficiency. You could also consider training as a gas engineer or pursuing an NVQ Level 2 in plumbing.
Pursuing an NVQ in plumbing
As an NVQ is a qualification based on workplace competence, you need to be working in plumbing before you can pursue that qualification. If you already have considerable experience as a plumber but don’t hold the Level 2 diploma, there’s still the possibility of pursuing an NVQ. In that instance, the City & Guilds Level 2 NVQ for Experienced Plumbers provides a fast-track assessment process, subject to entry requirements and experience.
Plumbing and AI proof jobs
Routine plumbing maintenance, emergency repairs, new bathroom installations, new builds and renovations all need the services of a plumber at some stage! We can’t see the demand for plumbing reducing any time soon.
It’s also one of those jobs safe from AI. It’s not only fairly resilient to the threat of AI, but could also actually be seeing an increase in demand because of AI, due to the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure and data-centre development. AI data centres routinely use water for cooling, so pipefitters and plumbers are needed to install and maintain systems and ensure correct water management.
FAQs about plumbing training courses
What plumbing qualifications are recognised in the UK?
Both the Level 2 diploma and Level 2 NVQ are recognised plumbing qualifications, but they serve different purposes. A Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing shows that you have the underpinning knowledge. An NVQ Level 2 in Plumbing demonstrates that you can do the work to an industry standard. A WRAS certificate is also recognised in the UK
What are the main plumbing courses in the UK?
The plumber training courses that are offered in the UK do vary. But if you want to become a plumber the Level 2 diploma in plumbing is a recognised course to get started.
What plumbing courses are good for career changers?
The recommended plumbing courses for career changers are Level 2. These will provide someone new to the industry with the knowledge and technical skills in domestic plumbing. They can be done as full-time courses, part-time weekend courses or home-study plumbing courses, making it easier to retrain as a plumber.
How long does it take to retrain as a plumber?
This will vary depending on whether you study full-time, at weekends or as home-study. The Able Skills City & Guilds Level 2 Plumbing course can be completed in 6 weeks as a full-time course.
Getting started: Plumbing training courses at Able Skills
City & Guilds plumbing courses, professional plumbing course, NVQs and specialist skills: we are your professional training partner for your whole plumbing career.
“For me, it was the home study option, and the facilities at Able Skills that appealed. As a parent, having the flexibility to study in my own time and do the practical side of the course more or less when it suited me and my family was really important.” – Find out how Peter retrained as a plumber after 18 years working in accounting.
Visit our plumbing courses to find out more or contact our team today by phone or email.
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