How can I become a plumber in Scotland?

Trainee plumbers in Scotland can take the four-year Modern Apprenticeship in Domestic Plumbing & Heating Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) Level 3.

This is an employer-led scheme and managed by SNIPEF (The Scottish & Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation). To get onto the course you must be in employment and your employer must agree to recruit you as an ‘employee status plumbing apprentice’. They will then guide you through the four-year apprenticeship programme.

You are expected to have a minimum of 4 National 4 Qualifications at general level and must be able to demonstrate a number of attributes such as:

• Have good practical, problem solving and communication skills.
• Be smart, reliable, polite, punctual and able to listen
• Have a proven ability to achieve
• Be willing to learn
• Have good positive attitude.

You must also pass the industry approved BPEC Aptitude & Selection Test, which will be carried out by your employer.

SNIPEF Training Services Ltd is the Industry training provider for plumbing apprenticeships in Scotland and receives government funding from Skills Development Scotland (SDS) for the programme.

On the scheme, you will have a dedicated regional advisor to monitor your progress who will meet regularly with you, your employer, and college or training centre.

For more information look at the SNIPEF website at becomeaplumber.com or call 0131 524 1245.