Im currently on an NVQ2 plumbing course and am self employed. I DO however work alongside my father, a qalified plumber.
At my college, a number of the lads have not got work placements yet but the college has connections with a number of large plumbing firms and is confident if finding them placements once their technical certificate is complete.
urrent qualifications recognised as being a qualified plumber are the C&G 6089 and 6129. I believe this comprises of the technical certificate and the nvq2.
I think There is no legal requirement for qualifications/registrations at present to work in the industry apart from the Part P for electric work, ACS and corgi for gas work and OFTEC for oil work.
It is possible however to be prosecuted if you the installer go against the water regulations (water fittings) act thingy.
More info can be found on
The Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering
Alarmingly, people need to be aware of te governments plansto introduce anti cowboy schemes. They aresaying something along the lines of tradesmen will need a card similar to a CSCS card to work in the industry and you need an NVQ2 to get one or a lot of years work experience which will be inspected.
My advice i give all my friends is to contact your local college about NVQs in plumbing. If you have already done a course, your more likely to get on as you show aptitude and enthusiasm for the trade.
Hope that kinda helped mate
Nick