Have
you ever considered becoming a plumber? It certainly has a reputation as
rewarding profession, and if you are a practical rather than an academic
person, it could be the perfect role for you. However, before commencing on
this career path, you will doubtless need to familiarise yourself with the
skills, experience and qualifications that are required or desirable, not to
mention some of the most important plumbing tools, as
are stocked by ourselves here at K&S Metals (http://www.ksmetals.net).
Plumbers
work across homes and businesses, fitting, servicing and repairing the water
pipes and heating systems that are so important to a wide range of clients on a
day-to-day basis. A professional in plumbing needs to be careful and
well-ordered in their approach to work, possessing the ability to follow
technical drawings and plans. Good customer care skills are also required for
the great amount of time that you will spend conversing with people with
particular plumbing requirements, in what can sometimes be very industrial
settings.
Capable
plumbers put the hand
tools and other equipment that are associated with their profession to good
use. Their role could include, but may not be limited to, the installation and
repair of water supplies, drainage and heating systems, the servicing of gas
and oil-fired central heating systems, radiators and boilers and the
installation and fixing of domestic appliances like washing machines and
showers. They may also be called to fit weather-proof materials, flashings and
joints to roofs, chimneys and walls, or even service ventilation and
air-conditioning units.
However,
it takes someone with very real practical expertise to make adequate use of
vital plumbing tools like tap
reseaters and tube
spanners, which is why a Level 2 or 3 plumbing qualification is required
for those wishing to become qualified plumbers in the UK - depending on their
experience. Those that have spent several years working in the industry may
find that a Level 2 qualification is sufficient, although they would still be
urged to follow through their training to Level 3. An Apprenticeship is another
possible route into the profession.
Plumbers
that have good qualifications like those above, as well as that have more
extensive industry experience, might end up involved in sheet metal work for
historical, industrial or commercial buildings. Hours tend to be around 40
hours a week with the possibility of overtime. The 24-hour-call-out services
offered by some employers raise the possibility of fairly unsociable working
hours - although self-employment is also an option for those that would prefer greater
control over when they work.
All
in all, plumbing could be the ideal line of work for those with an interest in
the field and who combine good practical and problem-solving skills with a
reasonable level of fitness and the ability to work as part of a team, as well
as alone. What’s more, once you're qualified, you can turn to K&S Metals (http://www.ksmetals.net) for some of
those all-important plumbing tools, like drain test plugs
and box spanners.
Editor’s
Note: K&S Metals (http://www.ksmetals.net) are
represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists
Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959
/ +34 952 783 637.
