Is it a bad time to train to be a Plumber?

[Guest123]

System - I don't mean to be rude but reading between your words it seems your real issue seems to be that the job has become less skilled to the point that almost anyone can do it these days?

Almost anyone with reasonable diy skills can attempt plumbing these days, without having any experience of copper pipe, soldering and with a little knowledge rand a "How To" guide from B&Q many homeowners are tackling jobs that they would have automatically called a plumber in to do for them a few years back.

Whether or not a diy/novice person makes a pigs ear of it, with the advent of plastic and flexies etc, they will attempt it first before even considering getting a pro in to do it.

In my opinion botched jobs by novices using plastic is what gives it a bad name. Used properly and in the correct conditions, it's ok.
It's biggest downfall is that it's subject to rodent attack and the damage it causes. Rodents are present in most households at some time or another and you'd hardly even know they're there. Even in the cleanest of houses, mice will be there. That's one of the reasons I hesitate in installing plastic under a new bath. I've seen many times the damage caused by mice eating through pipes.

Compression is a lot more difficult for a novice than pushfit mate. Even in the hands of a pro, pushfit is far easier to assemble.

And I do welcome progress and new materials and systems, wetrooms being a good example, but in my opinion, not all progress is good.

As for lead, a lead roof properly installed will easily outlast ANY modern material.

 

[Ivor Bates]

Yep, I'm forever changing half eaten washing machine, dishwasher and shower pump hoses cos of all them hungry mice.....hahaha

 

[tamz]

Rubber tastes like shyt to mice!

 

[RichardLopez]

I agree with one of the comments above concerning having s think about your aptitudes and commitment and considering an apprenticeship. I run an apprenticeship site where I advise young trainee plumbers to get the best qualifications they can and really take advantage of the apprenticeship scheme as the best way to get started. College courses will not give you the extended skills and experience and workplace competence that an apprenticeship will. Make a serious decision and look to the long term, good luck hope this helps.

 

[jase158]

I find being on this forum can sometimes get you in the mood that everybody is doing it themselves these days, had 2 calls last week,

"i have tried to fix my toilet but failed and now need a plumber"

and one this week, let people try and good on them for failing and giving me the work.

To all those tr who are training up and becoming plumbers, good on them for doing something with their lives and as for me, I'm making a living for myself, so good on me.

Life goes on.

 

[Noxer]

I dont mind people doing a apprenticeship. But it just confuses me how people become gas safe... but dont actually have no experience on the tools... how are they getting signed off?

 

[jase158]

fast track, they pay people to take them with them and sign them off, there are people out there making money from the training centres.
I got offered all the onsite experience for gas for an extra £1000.