CONTENTS

1) What is plumbing?

The dictionary defines a plumber as....

'...A person who installs and repairs pipes, fixtures, etc..., for water, drainage, and gas.'

The Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering (IPHE) describes the role of plumbing as...

'... work associated with the provision of water supply pipework including, without limitation, that used for fire fighting; sanitary appliances; discharge pipework and drainage; the weathering of structures and buildings; all forms of water and space heating by any energy source.'

Whether you want to train as a plumber or just learn something new, our accredited providers offer a range of courses depending upon what you want to achieve.

2) Which ODL QC Providers have Plumbing Courses?

Our accredited providers offer a range of courses relating to plumbing from basic theory through to courses leading to NVQs.

• ICS
  ICS Provider Page
  
  
• Open Learning Centre International
  OLCI Provider Page
  
  
• Plumbing Skills (Aspire Training Solutions)
  Plumbing Skills Provider Page
  

3) Apprenticeships

If you are aged 16-24 you could be eligible for a government funded apprenticeship which takes between 2-3 years to complete.

Foundation and Advanced Modern Apprenticeships combine a technical certificate, an NVQ and Key Skills qualifications.

Contact details and advice on apprenticeships, specific for each UK region, are listed below. Click on the names to link to the appropriate website:

• For England
  Apprenticeships
  Young Apprenticeships, Pre-Apprenticeships, Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships.
  Telephone 08000 150 600
  
  
• For Northern Ireland
  Modern Apprenticeships
  Telephone: 0800 100 900
  
  
• For Scotland
  Skillseekers
  Telephone: 0845 8502 502
  
  
• For Wales
  Foundation and Modern Apprenticeships
  Telephone: 02920 906 801
  
  
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4) What types of Qualifications are there?

If you want to do a course to enter into a career or progress in one then it is worth doing some additional research within the industry itself.

Contact potential employers or speak to friends/family who are currently in the industry to see what types of qualifications are recognised.

For a plumbing career you will require specialist skills and the leading qualification within England, Wales and Northern Ireland is City & Guilds NVQ.    For Scotland it is the SVQ (Scottish Vocational Qualification).

To view further information from City and Guilds about their plumbing qualifications, and in particular the PDF file 'A learners guide to a career in plumbing', visit:

• www.city-and-guilds.co.uk

Below are some types of qualification which you might find discussed when researching a career in plumbing. Click on them to find out more:

• Certificate
• Diploma
• NVQs

5) Further information

The following are trade organisations.    It's worth having a look at their websites to see the latest industry news.    Click on their names to link to their website.

• Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (IPHE)
  "The IPHE is the UK's professional and technical body for all plumbing and heating professionals."
  
  
• Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors (APHC)
  "APHC is the leading employers trade association for the plumbing and heating industry in England and Wales."
  
  

6) Career Information & Advice

The following organisations have useful profiles on plumbing as a career.    They provide information on Job Descriptions, Qualifications and Career Opportunities.    Click on their name to link to their website:

• Summit Skills
  Telephone: 08000 688 336
  Government sponsored Skills Council with the overall responsibility for the Building Services Engineering sector.
  
  
• bConstructive
  "ConstructionSkills is the Sector Skills Council for construction.    Representing every part of the construction industry, from architects to bricklayers, in every part of the UK."
  
  
• Learndirect
  Telephone: 0800 101 900
  "Developed by Ufi (University for industry) learndirect Advice provides information and advice on learning and careers."
  
  
• Connexions Direct
  "13-19? Living in England? If you want information and advice designed just for you, or just someone to talk to, then Connexions has it all."
  
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