How to Become a Plumber in the UK: A Complete Guide for 2025
Plumbing is one of the most in-demand trades in the UK, with great earning potential, job security, and the freedom to work for a company or go self-employed.
In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to become a plumber in the UK, step by step.
Why Choose a Career in Plumbing?
Plumbing is more than just fixing leaks. Plumbers are responsible for installing and maintaining heating systems, water supplies, drainage, and sometimes even gas appliances. It’s a skilled trade that plays a vital role in modern life.
Some benefits of becoming a plumber include:
- Strong job prospects across the UK
- Good pay, especially as you gain experience
- Opportunities for self-employment
- Hands-on, practical work
Step-by-Step: How to Become a Plumber in the UK
- Start with the Right Qualifications
There are a few different paths to becoming a plumber, so choose the one that fits your situation:
Option A: Plumbing Apprenticeship
- Ideal for school leavers or those wanting to learn on the job
- You’ll work with a real plumbing company and attend your training separately, part-time, either at a college or through a training provider
- Takes 2-4 years to complete
- Leads to an NVQ Level 2 or Level 3 in Plumbing and Domestic Heating
Option B: College Courses
- Great if you’re not yet working in the industry
- Full-time plumbing courses available at most local colleges
- Courses include the Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Plumbing Studies
- You’ll still need hands-on experience to become fully qualified
Option C: Private Training Providers
- Intensive, fast-track courses often aimed at adult learners
- Higher cost, but flexible options for career changers
- Make sure the course is City & Guilds or NVQ-certified
- Get On-the-Job Experience
Practical experience is essential. Whether you’re doing an apprenticeship or studying at college, getting on-site experience will help you:
- Build your skills
- Boost your confidence
- Make you more employable
Even volunteering or shadowing a local plumber can help get your foot in the door.
- Get Certified
Depending on the type of plumbing work you want to do, you may need additional certification.
These courses give you the knowledge, and legal clearance, for specific kinds of plumbing tasks:
- Gas Safe Register – required by law if you’re working with gas appliances.
- Unvented Hot Water Systems Certificate – this certificate allows you to install and service unvented hot water cylinders, which are increasingly common in UK homes.
Our Hot Water Systems and Safety (Unvented) training course covers safety, installation, and maintenance, which is ideal for expanding your plumbing qualifications.
- Water Regulations Certificate – this course covers UK Water Regulations and is important for nearly all domestic plumbing jobs.
Our Water Regulations course provides you with a recognised qualification that ensures you understand how to legally and safely install plumbing systems.
These certifications help you stand out and expand the range of work you can legally carry out.
- Go Self-Employed
Once you’re qualified and confident, many plumbers choose to work for themselves. It’s a popular choice for many qualified plumbers. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Register as a sole trader or limited company
- Get public liability insurance
- Build a website or use local advertising to get jobs
- Consider joining trade platforms like Checkatrade, Rated People, or MyBuilder
Self-employment offers more flexibility, and often higher earnings, but comes with added and increased responsibilities.
- Stay Updated with Industry Changes
Technology and regulations in plumbing are always evolving. Keep learning with short courses and certifications. You might also consider joining trade bodies like:
- CIPHE (Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering)
- APHC (Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors)
They offer training, support, and networking opportunities.
Becoming a plumber in the UK takes time, training, and hands-on experience, but it’s achievable for anyone willing to put in the work.
Whether you’re a school leaver or a vastly experienced tradesman looking to change career, it’s never too late to start.
If you’re serious about learning a valuable trade and building a solid career, plumbing could be the perfect path.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Looking to boost your skills or add to your plumbing qualifications? Ask us about our Hot Water Systems, Water Regulations, and other plumbing courses trusted by professionals across the UK.