Choosing Plumbing Courses

There are many routes available to study to become a plumber but you must choose the right plumbing courses for you.

Private training providers and further education colleges can both deliver accredited plumbing qualifications that will set you on your way to becoming a fully qualified tradesman.

A growing number of further education colleges have had to reduce the amount of plumbing courses they can provide due to budget cuts which have been forced as a result of the current economic climate.

As fewer plumbing courses are available at colleges, more people may opt for taking qualifications with private training providers and these institutes also offer greater flexibility.

Private training providers are more likely to offer training on evenings and weekends as they are independent so you can choose the weeks or weekends that you want to attend such plumbing courses.

Becoming a fully qualified plumber can take a number of years so potential trainees must be wary of institutes that promise a well paid career in the plumbing industry after only a few weeks learning.

There is a full sequence of qualifications to achieve before you can call yourself a plumber and this starts with the City & Guilds 6189 diploma in plumbing and heating, which is the current industry recognised route into the plumbing sector.

This qualification typically takes eight weeks to complete and can cost in the region of four thousands pounds, which is a considerable amount to consider when looking to start a new career.

As plumbing qualifications are expensive, it is important to research the reputation of the training provider that you wish to learn with as there are many examples of trainees being ripped off.

All private training providers must be accredited by recognised industry bodies such as City & Guilds, NVQ, Gas Safe and the Construction Awards Alliance as this demonstrates that can be trusted to offer quality teaching.

If you discover a training provider which is not associated with any of these organisations then I would advise not to enrol on plumbing courses as you may not be guaranteed an accredited qualification.

One way to research a training centre is to study internet forums as they will include the testimonials of former students who have completed courses and qualifications so you can discover how happy they were with specific training providers.

I would always recommend turning up unannounced a training centre to examine their facilities and this will also give you the opportunity to talk to current tutors and students.


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Able Skills provide training through renewable energy courses, plumbing courses and much more. Able Skills have opened an Energy Saving Training Centre to provide approved training on the installation of energy efficient forms of heating and lighting.