A traditional apprenticeship will take up to four years, whilst a fast track plumbing course can last anywhere between 4 – 16 weeks. Training to become a plumber can vary depending on the options that you take. How long does it take to become a plumber?

You won’t reach your true earning potential.

Gain useful on-site plumbing experience.

This route isn’t normally recommended as this won’t allow you to get qualified but can be a good way to start your career in plumbing. If you know someone in the industry, you could start as a plumber’s assistant or ‘mate’ and do training on the job.

You will not be trained to work on gas.

The course will not be as in-depth as a traditional apprenticeship.

You need to pay to complete the training.

The training will put you in good stead for upskilling at a later stage, such as becoming Gas Safe Registered.

Anyone aged 16 or above can complete the course.

The training only takes 8-10 weeks to complete, so you can start earning faster.

The training is accredited, so it teaches you the essentials to get you qualified.

The City and Guilds Accredited Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing Studies is the most popular option for fast track plumbing courses and takes 8-10 weeks to complete. Generally, this is the best option for those who cannot find an apprenticeship. These courses won’t be as in-depth as the traditional apprenticeships but will cover the main components required to get you started in your plumbing career. There are a variety of fast track plumber courses available for students who are looking to train as a plumber quickly.

Some of the curriculum covered is not always necessary, for example, lead work.

Opportunities are normally only available for students aged 16 – 21.

There aren’t many companies who can afford to employ apprentices anymore.

It will take you four years to qualify which means you earning potential will take longer to achieve.

You’ll earn a small income while you train.

Lots of on-site experience working with a tradesman.

You have a long period to study and gain your qualification.

The training is sponsored, so it won’t cost you anything.

The final year of your apprenticeship is all about gaining work experience, which after successfully finishing, will make you ‘time served’. Usually, on the third year of your apprenticeship, you’ll undertake training on domestic heating systems which will allow you to become Gas Safe Registered at the end of your apprenticeship. The apprenticeship is usually completed on a block release basis over the four years, with one week spent completing theory and practical training and two weeks working alongside a plumber repeated over this four-year programme. To do this, you’ll need to be employed by a plumbing company that will give you access to on-site work experience. The traditional entry route is completing a traditional plumbing apprenticeship lasting four years.

Completing a fast track plumbing course.

Completing a traditional apprenticeship.

Can you Become a Plumber Without an Apprenticeship? Whether you’re a school leaver looking to take up an apprenticeship or an adult who is looking to retrain as a plumber, we’ll explain the various options you have in this article.

There are numerous options for you to train as a plumber in the UK.

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