Plumber
Install, maintain, and repair the water, heating, and drainage systems that homes and buildings depend on every day.
High
Moderate
2–4 years via apprenticeship; 1–2 years via college + on-site experience
Level 2 or 3 NVQ/SVQ
typical
What you do
Plumbers install and maintain water supply systems, central heating, bathrooms, and drainage. Work ranges from fitting a new bathroom for a renovation to replacing a boiler, repairing a burst pipe, or connecting a new kitchen. Many plumbers work for builders or maintenance contractors; others are self-employed and run their own local business. Gas-qualified plumbers (with a Gas Safe Register licence) also service and repair gas appliances and can command significantly higher rates.
Why this career is resilient
Plumbing is inherently physical and site-specific — pipes are installed in awkward spaces inside real buildings and cannot be maintained remotely. Demand for skilled plumbers consistently exceeds supply in most UK regions. The ageing UK housing stock requires constant maintenance. The green energy transition (heat pumps, solar thermal) is creating new demand for plumbers with renewable energy skills.
A typical day
A typical day might start with a materials collection from the merchant, followed by a morning job installing a bathroom suite, a quick emergency call-out for a leaking pipe, and an afternoon spent roughing in pipework on a new build.
Routes in
Apprenticeship
Earn while you learn: work with an employer and study part-time, leading to a nationally recognised qualification. Typically funded by the government and your employer.
Full-time college course
Study full-time at a further education college, usually for 1–2 years. You will need to fund yourself or apply for a student loan (available for Level 4+ courses).
Pay and costs
Earning potential: Employed plumbers earn £28,000–£40,000. Self-employed plumbers with Gas Safe accreditation typically earn £40,000–£60,000+, with higher rates in London and the South East.
Training costs: Apprenticeship routes cost nothing upfront. College routes may cost £1,500–£3,000 for a Level 2–3 plumbing diploma. Tools represent a significant investment (£1,000–£3,000+ for a basic set).