Looking to become a plumber

[beginner]

Hi there my names Jonathan i live and work in Birmingham and i'm currently a Financial Advisor. I have been in that role for 3yrs and feel it what a huge mistake as i wanted to become a plumber / Heating Engineer back then and was talked out of it by friends and family. I have now decided that i should do what i should of done 3yrs ago and become a qualified Plumber. I am looking for help and advice on the best route to take and the qualifications you actually need as looking on the net there seems several different qualifications all of which dismiss the other. I am 35yrs old and a very quick learner i am good with my hands and think logically.

Please Help

Many Thanks

Jonathan

 

[Blake]

Hi Jonathan,

If you want to work for yourself, then you don't actually need any qualifications believe or not. You can go buy a van, get plumber written on it and away you go (not advisable though!)

The most sensible would be to attempt to gain employment with another plumber whilst studying part time, that way you get practical experience along with theory. Although it may be hard to find someone to take you on in the current economic climate.

You will probably find that many on here will think you are crazy for wanting to give up a job to go into plumbing as the market is going through tough times, although winter is our busiest time. It has been a difficult summer for many of us and I personally wonder what effect the VAT increase will have on folks and there spending.

That said, if it's what you really want to do, best of luck to you but think carefully and talk to plumbers in your area to ascertain what work is around etc.

 

[beginner]

Thank you bronzino for your kind reply. The financial industry is at it's record low even worse than the late 80's early 90's i now earn in a month what i used to in less than a week and that was the only think that kept me going as i have never truly enjoyed the job from the start. This is why i am now seriously looking at a new career path. I very much enjoy hands on work and meeting new people my other option was to train as an electrician but i think plumbing / Heating is more my thing i worked for a plumber 20yrs ago then he retired and i loved the job. I will definatley speak to plumbers in my area and see whats about i am also trying to find what the cost of getting qualified is and if there is any help from the government for grants etc. Any ideas????

Once again thanks for your help bronzino any more advice or help i would love to hear from you

Jonathan

 

[Centralheatking]

I think that you need to focus on exactly what you want to do. The industry apart from us older ones is firmly divided into plumbers, heating engineers and gas fitters. As above anyone can become a plumber the others carry legal obligations. What you should do is go and work for a small outfit and see if it suits you - maybe management might be better.

If you really want to join us GO FOR IT I DID IN 1982 - on balance its been good and I would do it again.

centralheatking