Plumber
How to become a Plumber
What does a Plumber do?
Plumbers fit and maintain water and central heating systems in buildings.
This includes toilets, baths, showers and plumbed appliances such as washing machines or dishwashers as well as installing new pipework, service older systems and quickly identify and fix faults.
They can also work on central heating systems but must undergo additional qualifications to become gas safe to work with gas boilers/appliances.
What are Useful Skills to have?
Skilled in hands-on tasks
Ability to use tools
Attention to detail
Communication
Problem solving
Numeracy
What are the Salary Expectations?
Apprentice: £ Minimum Wage
Entry 1-3 Years: Around £29k
Experienced: Up to £45k
Self Employed: Set your own rates
Correct as of November 2025
What could I be doing?
Installations: Hot & cold water systems, sanitation and drainage as well as central heating systems and domestic fuel burning appliances
Designing & Planning: Designing water and heating systems or Following detailed M&E plans when working on large commercial projects
Preparation: Cutting and joining pipes and fittings
Servicing: Ensuring systems are working and fixing faults
Estimates: Giving potential customers a cost estimate for works they require
Staying on top of changing technologies is key to being a great plumber.
Once qualified, you could also specialise in a specific area of plumbing such as sanitation, air conditioning or ventilation.
What are the Education Routes?
There is a diverse range of training options available throughout Northern Ireland to kickstart your career in plumbing.
To pursue an apprenticeship, you must first secure a position as a plumbing apprentice with a local employer in Northern Ireland, and meet the minimum GCSE grade requirements.
For detailed entry criteria, visit your local college or training providers website.
Level 1
SWC Omagh / Enniskillen: Plumbing Studies (2 Years)
Level 2 (Traineeship)
Traineeships are an alternate route for those unable to secure an apprenticeship, providing essential skills for a career in plumbing.
Belfast Met College (Millfield): Plumbing & Heating - 2 Years Full time
Northern Regional College (Newtownabbey): Plumbing - 2 Years Full time
North West Regional College (Springtown): Plumbing Skills - 2 Years Full time
South East Regional College (Downpatrick/Lisburn/Newtownards): Plumbing - 2 Years
South West College (Omagh/Enniskillen): Plumbing & Heating
OR
Level 2 (Apprenticeship)
Belfast Met College (Millfield): Plumbing & Heating - 2 Years, full time
Northern Regional College (Ballymena/Newtownabbey): Plumbing - 2 Years, full time
North West Regional College (Springtown): Plumbing - 2 Years, full time
Southern Regional College (Greenbank/Portadown): Plumbing & Heating - 2 Years, full time
South East Regional College (Downpatrick/Lisburn/Newtownards): Plumbing - 2 Years, full time
South West College (Omagh/Enniskillen): Plumbing & Heating - 2 Years, full time
Level 3 (Apprenticeship)
Northern Regional College (Ballymena/Newtownabbey): Plumbing - 2 Years, full time
North West Regional College (Springtown): Plumbing - 2 Years, full time
Southern Regional College (Greenbank): Domestic Plumbing & Heating - 2 Years, full time
South East Regional College (Downpatrick/Lisburn/Newtownards): Plumbing - 2 Years, full time
South West College (Omagh/Enniskillen): Plumbing & Heating - 2 Years, full time
