Plumbers install and repair water, heating and drainage systems in homes, businesses and construction projects.
Routes into plumbing
The National Careers Service lists college, apprenticeships, working towards the role and direct application from related qualified occupations. Some people begin as a plumber’s assistant or mate and train while working.
Gas work is different
Working on domestic gas heating systems requires Gas Safe registration. Do not treat a general plumbing qualification as automatic permission to undertake regulated gas work.
Progression
Further development can lead into heat pumps, ventilation and air conditioning, renewable heating, building services engineering, training or higher-level plumbing work.
Source
National Careers Service — Plumber job profile, accessed October 2026.
Plumbing is several kinds of work
A plumber may work on domestic repairs, new-build installation, commercial buildings, maintenance, heating or drainage. These jobs share useful basics, but the day-to-day tools, customer contact, call-out arrangements and training needs can differ. Read several adverts and note which type of work you actually want before choosing a course or applying.
Build a skills plan from job adverts
- Choose three local vacancies at your target level.
- List the requirements that appear in more than one advert.
- Separate required qualifications from “useful” experience.
- Ask a college, employer or training provider how each gap can be filled and what the total cost and time commitment will be.
When applying as an assistant or trainee, show practical skills you can evidence—such as using hand tools, measuring accurately, keeping a work area orderly, communicating with customers or following instructions. Do not present yourself as qualified for work you have not been trained and assessed to do.
Gas and heating work
General plumbing and gas work are not interchangeable. The role and work type determine the registrations and qualifications needed. Check the exact requirement with the employer and the relevant official scheme before accepting gas work or paying for training.
Questions worth asking
- How much of the work is installation, repair, maintenance or emergency call-out?
- What training and supervision are provided?
- Are travel time, vehicle, tools and materials covered?
- How are overtime and out-of-hours call-outs handled?
See the National Careers Service plumber profile for typical routes and the source of the indicative salary range on this page.