Careers in plumbing and gas engineering

Plumbers in the UK work on anything from sanitation to central heating systems. The industry has received much media attention over recent years due to the huge demand for plumbers and their limited supply. This demand is still high, with the construction industry set to require 5,300 fully qualified (NVQ Level 2) plumbers a year, every year, until 2010. The predicted skills shortage over the next 10 years will lead to a shortfall of qualified plumbers, second only to that of electricians by 2010, and overtaking them by 2015.

Competent persons schemes have been developed throughout the industry in response to unqualified trades people setting up as plumbers and gas engineers, and giving the industry a bad name through mistakes and time-wasting. The schemes only allow membership to people with at least Level 3 qualifications including local authority approval through the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) and Building Regulations (Part G3) to install and certify unvented hot water systems for plumbers, and CORGI registration for gas engineers.

Competent person schemes are also relevant for future government legislation under which all building work will have to be signed off by a qualified professional or the local authority building control department, involving a fee. However, registered competent persons will be able to sign off their own work, passing the saving to their customers.

The NVQ/SNVQ Level 2 qualification consists of plumbing theory supported by a portfolio of practical experience usually gained on a managed work placement. This provides a good foundation and a satisfactory level of ability for domestic work. However, NVQ Level 3 develops the individual professionally and ensures eligibility to become a competent person. Level 3 generally deals with domestic, commercial and industrial plumbing incorporating some aspects of gas. Extra modules include Unvented Hot Water and Water Regulations providing a comprehensive understanding of the industry.

The City & Guilds 6132 qualification allows gas engineers to attain the Level 3 Accredited Certification Scheme (ACS) qualification and trains them to an acceptable level for CORGI registration. The course includes gas theory modules, and the installation of gas central heating and pipe work systems. At Level 2 it covers the commissioning, decommissioning and servicing of gas fires, whilst Level 3 deals with ACS assessments and Energy Efficiency Part L, with managed work placements to develop experience.

Plumbing and gas can be very attractive to MoD Service leavers because the industry allows them a great deal of freedom to pursue careers within it.

Following a 16-year Army career, Ian Beveridge wanted to change direction. Realising that he would have to develop a new range of skills, he enrolled on an NVQ Level 2 Plumbing course. As the programme was modular, he undertook a two-week work placement with an approved employer, which led to a permanent position. ‘I heard about the course through some friends,’ he said. I knew I needed some qualifications and I’m hoping to enrol on further courses soon so that I can excel in my current position.’

Paul Hill, General Manager of Gas Maintenance & Training (GMT) Ltd, Rotherham said: ‘We particularly like Service leavers, as they have a very positive "can do" attitude. They bring discipline and enthusiasm to the business.’

You should train at centres approved by industry accreditation bodies such as CORGI and the British Plumbing Employers Council, to ensure that the programme meets industry standards and provides the right qualifications for competent persons schemes.

Further information

To find out more, contact Faye Leo or Cathy Glover at MET-UK, freephone 0800 542 72 01, email faye.l@met-uk.com, cathy.g@met-uk.com, or visit the website at www.met-uk.com