Having a career as a plumber without NVQ level 3

[Mgrant]

Hey are there many plumbers on here that are just qualified to NVQ level 2? Can you manage with just this qualification without doing level 3.

 

[Stanios]

Hey are there many plumbers on here that are just qualified to NVQ level 2? Can you manage with just this qualification without doing level 3.

You can easily have a career as a self-employed or employed plumber with just level 2. I worked with plenty of guys who have been plumbing all their life and have no NVQ at all. Your work will speak for itself, although its alot harder to convince employers if you arent qualified..

 

[Mgrant]

Thanks, is just work is wanting to put my through my gas, I was pushing to do it through the NVQ level 3. However it looks like I will be going to Leeds college of building on a 4-6 week course.

 

[Mgrant]

I must admit after seeing a gas safe inspector visit site a few weeks back. He did kind of put the worries up me with regards to doing the gas course

 

[Stanios]

If you feel competent there is little point of spending your time and money, because unfortunatelly gas and water regs are very relaxed as to who can carry out work and even more relaxed about enforcing those rules.

 

[Mgrant]

There strict on gas though.

 

[Stanios]

There strict on gas though.

Not when doing domestic jobs. Recently heard of a whole company registering boilers under ex-employees gas safe name and number for two years.
The only thing they are strict on is fees taxes!

 

[AWheating]

What a level 3 will mainly give you is more technical knowledge and a slight advantage over somebody without it in an interview especially if the job is more technical based. In the real world on the tools it won't increase your wage or stature. The biggest thing in any trade is experience and most employers will value this above any paperwork.