Advice needed

[BrizzleJordan]

Hi,

Just need a bit of advice regarding plumbing qualifications.


I'm 19 and have been offered the chance to go on a level 2 NVQ in Plumbing & Heating Course and work with a Plumber.


Would the level 2 NVQ be enough for me to be able to carry out work on site or work for myself, or would I need the Level 3 NVQ for this?


Also is there any other qualifications required to be a qualified plumber and go self employed or work on site?


I have spent more than 3 grand on tools as I've done a lot of general building for the last few years but now I want to settle down as a qualified Plumber and Heating engineer.



Any advice is appreciated, Thanks

 

[Killy Bing]

If you can go with a plumber and get your foot in the door then go for it.
do that and see where that takes you, you might be happy just doing site work

 

[BrizzleJordan]

Would a level 2 NVQ and being Gas Registered be enough for me to work on site though or go self employed after experience?


As I see alot of plumbers are out there with their own company having a Level 2 NVQ and being gas registered

 

[glenno1]

Sadly you dont need any qualifications to be a self employed plumber as many out there arnt,but an nvq will give you the qualification

 

[BrizzleJordan]

Sadly you dont need any qualifications to be a self employed plumber as many out there arnt,but an nvq will give you the qualification

True but who would hire you if they know you haven't got any qualifications.

 

[Killy Bing]

Personally all i have atm is oftec, unvented and waiting on my apprenticeship to be awarded to register gas safe, i have been doing my own stuff for a year.

however I've been taught by good engineers.
don't try to run before you walk, mistakes in this industry cost hugely!

Get in with that plumber and do the level 2, then the 3 and build from there with what you need. Just because you'll have the piece of paper doesn't mean you'll be good enough at that point in time to go solo.

 

[Killy Bing]

True but who would hire you if they know you haven't got any qualifications.

People will hire you if you have the qualifications and just as quickly boot you off site when you can't do the job!

qualifications arn't everything. In gas yes, plumbing not so much.

it's the ability and skills to do the job that count more than a piece of paper.

 

[BrizzleJordan]

Personally all i have atm is oftec, unvented and waiting on my apprenticeship to be awarded to register gas safe, i have been doing my own stuff for a year.

however I've been taught by good engineers.
don't try to run before you walk, mistakes in this industry cost hugely!

Get in with that plumber and do the level 2, then the 3 and build from there with what you need. Just because you'll have the piece of paper doesn't mean you'll be good enough at that point in time to go solo.

what's oftec and unvented?

Yeah I think if I had the level 2 i'd find full-time work for building up some experience.

Do you know if the Level 2 teaches you alot or just the very basics?

 

[glenno1]

Not many businesses but you mentioned you were going self employed

 

[BrizzleJordan]

People will hire you if you have the qualifications and just as quickly boot you off site when you can't do the job!

qualifications arn't everything. In gas yes, plumbing not so much.

it's the ability and skills to do the job that count more than a piece of paper.

But surely the whole point in a qualification is make you able to carry out 99% of the jobs.

If not then atleast know the problem and work out a way to solve it.

 

[BrizzleJordan]

Not many businesses but you mentioned you were going self employed

It's ridiculously hard to get work on site these days hence the reason why I'd much rather be a self-employed tradesman.

 

[glenno1]

The level 2 is the basics

 

[BrizzleJordan]

The level 2 is the basics

So what would you learn on level 3? Most level 3 courses are more theory based. Is this not?

 

[glenno1]

Level 3 as i remember includes system design which can be useful

 

[Killy Bing]

But surely the whole point in a qualification is make you able to carry out 99% of the jobs.

If not then atleast know the problem and work out a way to solve it.

Thats years of experience, hard work and learning, not just getting a qualification

with gas you legally need a qualifications to work on different appliances and as such is law.

unvented is pressurised hot water cylinders.
oftec is installation, service and commissioning of oil appliances and storage

Most of your learning would be on the job rather than on the course.

Go with the guy and get experience, you seem extremely green.
what made you decide on being a plumber and gas engineer?

 

[BrizzleJordan]

Thats years of experience, hard work and learning, not just getting a qualification

with gas you legally need a qualifications to work on different appliances and as such is law.

unvented is pressurised hot water cylinders.
oftec is installation, service and commissioning of oil appliances and storage

Most of your learning would be on the job rather than on the course.

Go with the guy and get experience, you seem extremely green.
what made you decide on being a plumber and gas engineer?

I decided to be a plumber and gas engineer due to what I think would suit me.

I've done Carpentry and Joinery for 3 years and can comfortably hang doors, kitchen worktops, make shelves, wardrobes, tables, fit skirting boards and other small jobs but it's a trade I don't see myself in long term so I think Plumbing would be well worth trying.


I've always wanted to be self employed in a trade as the whole running your own business idea excites me. I hope to get there one day.

 

[deandive]

Im not a qualified plumber, but I am gas safe reg and run my own business, you only need the nvq to work on sites, working in someones home you dont need any qualifications to work on the water side, so long as you are competant. Im working in a house at the moment that had been worked on by a qualified plumber, rough is not the word. Qualifications mean nothing without ability to do the job, If you dont get the NVQ , you wont get work on sites though as you cant get a CSCS card for plumbing without it.