If you are looking for a job role that offers flexibility, security and the opportunity to work wherever you want with a decent salary then consider plumbing as your career choice. Plus, if you enjoy working with your hands and solving problems, you already have qualities that can set you apart in this field.

While often associated with tasks like fixing toilets, plumbing is a versatile profession that can lead to a highly rewarding and lucrative career over time.

Plumbing is one of the highest-paid trades, with the average salary in the UK being £35,843 per year. Newly qualified plumbers can earn £21,000 a year, while more experienced professionals can make up to £40,000 annually.

For self-employed plumbers, the earning potential is even greater, with the flexibility to set their own rates and hours leading to earnings of up to £60,000 per year.

According to Weston College ‘the average daily rate for a plumber is between £150 and £200, which could work out to you earning £1,000 a week.’

Due to the high demand for skilled plumbers, they can charge competitive rates, earning salaries well above the minimum wage.

Anyone can become a plumber

Anyone can become a plumber, but there are certain paths to take to enter the plumbing industry:

● Taking a fast-track access course

● Joining a trade school (college)

● Starting a plumbing apprenticeship

Becoming a plumber does not require formal qualifications, but you will need an industry-recognised qualification (level 2 or 3) to become a qualified plumber.

Everyday looks different

If you're not a fan of the typical office job and prefer hands-on work, plumbing could be the right career for you, with each day offering new challenges to resolve.

Plus, you’ll be working most of your hours on your feet so you will be getting your steps in. But don’t worry, no plumber looks the same and you don’t have to be fit or sporty to become a plumber as you will build your strength and endurance over time.

Working as a plumber is a secure profession, as you will be in high demand. Commercial and residential buildings will always need plumbers to maintain their indoor plumbing systems. You could work across the country, or you can choose to work as a local plumber, servicing the community that you live in, which might suit clients who prefer to hire local tradespeople.

We at Able Group, are always looking for contractors with 1-2 years of experience, so if you are looking for work, feel free to contact us and regularly visit our website for our vacancies.

Plumbing could be a highly rewarding career choice if you enjoy fixing problems and helping people. As a plumber, you will be constantly problem-solving and helping people who are in distress, being their trusted go-to expert who solves issues that others struggle to fix.

But as a plumber, you are not just working for the emergency call-out situations. Your role extends to promoting good health and safety practices, including but not limited to: educating your clients on how to conserve water, avoid blockages, prevent leaks, and control moisture levels in bathrooms to avoid mould growth, all to help reduce the risk of illness and disease.

As a plumber, your opportunities are not limited to where you live, as it is a skilled trade, you can look for opportunities abroad. You might have to requalify to meet the requirements of the country you are looking to move to as many countries have their own licensing requirements. However, there will be countries that will accept foreign qualifications but this often comes with taking additional exams and doing further training. For many countries you will have to obtain a work visa, however as it is a skilled trade, your application is likely to be prioritised.

You can explore international opportunities through large construction companies, international job boards, and recruitment agencies, which will be able to advise and provide you with valuable job finding information. Consider attending networking events, and regularly checking job sites like Indeed and LinkedIn, for more overseas plumbing work.

A career in plumbing can offer several opportunities for progression. Whether you decide to start your own business or to expand your trade skills, there are pathways that you can take to set yourself up and make you stand out from other plumbers.

The benefit of starting your own business and becoming a self-employed plumber is that you have the flexibility to set your own hours, choosing where and when you work. As a business owner, you might decide to pursue additional qualifications, such as a gas engineer certification or business management courses, which can widen your career prospects.

You might also decide to invest in ‘green plumbing’, where you can specialise in conserving water and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. With the growing demand for energy-efficient solutions and the rising cost of high water usage, there is an increasing need for professionals who can provide effective water-efficient solutions.

So, you can choose to invest in training to work as a green plumber, enabling you to advise your clients on how to be more water-efficient and recommend suitable water-efficient appliances. This sets you apart from other plumbers, as it’s a niche sector that meets the growing demand for environmentally friendly plumbing services.

Final thoughts

Becoming a plumber could be the right choice for you, especially if you thrive on hard yet fulfilling work. You are offered flexibility, so you are never tied to a 9-5, the ability to work anywhere and at any time.

As a plumber, every day brings something new. You get the opportunity to meet new people every day, never live the same day twice, solve problems, have little to no debt, and make a good amount of money. The opportunities are almost endless, you can start your own business, or you can look for work abroad.

An added bonus? Plumbing keeps you active from being on your feet and far from the monotony of office life.

The decision is yours. Start a plumbing career today and join Able Group tomorrow.