DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

Folks,
I'm considering a change of career and I'm interested in plumbing.
Before the comments start let me give you some background.
I'm 44, multiskilled and trained as an electrical engineer specialising in industrial machines but getting very brassed off with the job I'm in. Too much stress and not enough hands on.
I consider myself a competent DIYer and I've experience with pipework through my work.
I've seen some courses advertised which sound quite interesting but I'd appreciate some (hopefully) constructive comments from experienced people. I'm under no illusions, a plumbing course won't make me a plumber, but if I did it, what else do I need to do?
Cheers

Hi Hightower,

I currently work in construction and I'm in a similar situation to you with regards to an interest in re-training as a Plumber. I have been thinking about doing the City and Guilds Plumbing Course 6129 level 2 offered by able skills (link deleted) the thing that appeals to me is that it can be done over 19 weekends spread over 38 weeks followed by two 7 day block courses at the end. This would allow me to continue working and hopefully enter the industry at a slightly hihger level than a Plumbers mate. The course is not cheap at about £5k but is flexible if you are already working and the cost can be spread throughout the length of the course

I am unsure about the view of such a course within the profession but having spoken to a Plumber regarding this he seems to think it may be a viable option to gain entry level skills and then top up with NVQ 2&3 in night school while I'm working.

I would also appreciate others opinions on this course and whether or not people would take me seriously within the industry with a C&G 6129 qualification.

Any advice greatly appreciated!!!!

MANY OF THE ANSWERS TO YOUR POSTS CAN BE FOUND, WITH DIAGRAMS, IN THE DIYDOCTOR PROJECTS SECTION. CLICK HERE www.diydoctor.org.uk/projects.htm

hi i recently completed a course at a place in yorkshire called Met - UK and the training was exceptional (I'm not on comission!) after completing the course, i had gained City and guilds 6129, unvented hot water, solar heating, water regs, enrgy efficiency and a site safety card. i have also done training at able skills so i can compare the two from experience. Met UK is much much much more equipped and more modern, although able skills were also very good. after completion of my course, i went to get listed by the council due to my energy efficiency and unvented and solar heating certificates and was offered a job instantly, so to answer your question, from my experience, YES PEOPLE WILL TAKE YOU SERIOUSLY (if you are good at what you do!) i did my course in three separate blocks at the centre, 3 weeks in october, 2 weeks in january and 4 weeks in febtuary, in between these, i had a work placement to fill in my NVQ folder which is not yet complete! run a search on the web for MET UK and visit their site, having been there, i would definitely recommend them, similar price to able skills, but they offered a lot more and included accomodation as i live in the south of england. any more questions abuot this, give me a shout

Best of luck with everything

Stephen

thanks stephen.s, your blog has gave me a light at the end of the tunnel.

I'm now near the end of my plumbing 6219 course at derby, i'm currently sending letters and have recieved two replys so far "we will keep you file on our record"

my next step will be to contact the council, fingers crossed. Your solar heating and energy efficiency certificates are a good bonus as derby does not offer these within my course.