
CareerChangeJob.co.uk
De-Mystifying Career Change & Job Retraining...
When the possibility of career-change has got you concerned
- what options are there - and who do you trust?
Why not just sit back and let us do all the footwork? Our experienced career advisors have helped hundreds of career-changers over the last ten years.
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A Better Future With Plumbing Training
Retrain For A Rewarding Career As A Plumber
No matter what industries are declining or prospering, we can't do without plumbers. Construction sites may offer fewer opportunities, but domestic work is as buoyant as ever. We constantly hear how difficult it is to get someone to fix a leaking tap or sort out a bathroom toilet. Plus people change their bathrooms and kitchens more often than they used to, which provides a constant supply of work for certified plumbers. All of which means that re-training for a plumbing career could provide you with a very secure future.
Free In-Depth Information
Once you've learned the necessary skills and understand the systems you'll be working on, the sky's the limit! For a professional, unbiased understanding of the industry's requirements, you can download a free copy of our indispensable guide to plumbing certifications. With so many different companies providing varying standards of training and exams, you'll find the information invaluable.
Download the e-book first, and go through it when you've got some time to spare. Then get back onto this website and go to any of the retraining sites that appear on this page. It might be an idea to bookmark it now so it's easy to find again.
Convert To Self-Employment
A career change into the plumbing industry is often prompted by the desire to have a small self-run business. In fact almost all of those entering the industry beyond their mid twenties work independently in private houses. When you look at the kind of jobs that are around for anyone who's got a decent work ethic, it's a sensible move.
Most domestic tradesmen and women find customers through other people they've worked for. Your technical skills will be gained through study and practical application, but you might also need to polish up your people skills. Present yourself well, and work can come from surprising sources. Treating customers respectfully and courteously will always reap rewards.
As a rule, those working for commercial plumbers will put in around 37-40 hours, Mon-Fri only. But self-employed domestic plumbers have a different situation. If you're willing to work some evenings and weekends on emergency jobs and quotations, householders will soon get to know you can be trusted.
Varied and Satisfying Work
Skilled plumbers with the right certifications are set for life - people will always need your services. There's a lot of job satisfaction - as it's always good to see the end result of a job well done. No two days are the same - you're not stuck in the same place day in day out, and if you don't want to take a job on, you don't have to!
When you're working for yourself you have to know how to price jobs properly... You can either charge a daily rate, or a price for the job. Whichever you do, make sure you've included all your expenses. Although it can be a bit daunting at first, most plumbers get the hang of it pretty quickly. The best commercial colleges should include training on setting up in business.
Which Is Best For Me?
You can take City & Guilds training for various plumbing courses in both further education colleges and commercial colleges. Youngsters generally try to find a company to work with so they can complete NVQ qualifications alongside their C&G's.
But more mature career changers like to hang onto their old jobs whilst they study part-time. This is where the private training companies score best, as they offer flexible programmes with courses that will cover the needs of the domestic plumbing market.
Private colleges will cost more initially, but the student looking for domestic self-employed work will gain relevant skill-sets much faster, and start generating income within months, not years.
Extra Skill-Sets to Consider
Plumbing courses will cover the various skills that you'll need to work on water systems and central heating etc. If, like many plumbers you bolt-on a few extra skills, you'll be able to complete projects yourself without having to bring in other trades. Some plumbers can also do tiling, plastering and some electrical work. It's a big positive to have several strings to your bow. Everything you take on will be more lucrative. Customers will be happier if they only have you to deal with - it's much more straightforward than trying to juggle several trades.
If you're looking to change careers and want reliable, well-paid on-going work, this could well be the right choice for you.

