Lifelong Careers
People working together toward the goal
Skilled Trades

Plumber

Family · Skilled TradesEntry level · School leaver / varied routes
Download brief (PDF)

Performs core professional/technical/service tasks characteristic of plumber, within the relevant organizational and regulatory context.

06 · Qualifications & training you need

There are no formal entry requirements. To work with oil and gas appliances, plumbers need to be certified and registered.

Where people train for this

03 · Education pathway

Vocational/apprenticeship training plus supervised practical experience; licensing varies by trade and jurisdiction.

04 · Lifestyle

Working hours are fairly regular although plumbers may need to work evenings or weekends, or remain on call in case of emergency repairs.

04 · Location

Travel between customers is essential – plumbers work in a variety of locations, such as customers’ offices, homes, factories, and shops.

21 · The realities

Being self-employed requires hard work and determination. Some work is carried out at unsociable hours, or in wet or cold conditions.

05 · Interests that fit this career

EngineeringMathematicsPhysicsDesign technologyInformation Technology (IT)

09 · Core skills

technical drawing/interpretationtool usediagnosticssafetyquality

09 · Core competencies

problem solvingcommunicationprofessional judgementcollaborationdigital literacyethical practice
Next in the libraryCarpenter