Plumber
Save water and reduce energy consumption as you fit and repair efficient water and heating systems.
About the job
A day in the life – Plumber
What it's like
Take the plunge into an exciting, hands-on career! As a plumber, you'll fit and repair water and heating systems and appliances in homes and businesses. When people are having new kitchens, bathrooms or radiators fitted – you'll play a key role in their installation.
People who are having problems with their water supply or heating will rely on you to get these systems up and running again as soon as possible. You'll also work with renewable technologies, like heat pumps or solar thermal systems.
You'll need to be good at following technical plans. You should also have a good understanding of safety rules. As an experienced plumber, you might specialise in sheet metal work for industrial, commercial or historical buildings.
Your tasks might include:
setting up and servicing water supplies, heating systems and drainage
using specialist tools and diagnostic equipment to find and repair faults in equipment
installing and fixing home appliances like showers, cookers, gas fires and washing machines
servicing air-conditioning and ventilation units
attending emergency call-outs to fix leaks, for example during cold weather
installing and repairing boilers, heating systems and heat pumps
Green job
In this job you'll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Hours
You'll work Monday to Friday, with the possibility of overtime.
Some employers offer a 24-hour call-out service, which means you may work unsocial hours (like evenings, weekends and public holidays).
As a self-employed plumber, you'd set your own working hours.
Environment
You'll spend time working indoors – this'll occasionally be in tight spaces.
Plumbers also work outdoors, so you should be prepared to face all weather conditions.
Some work may be carried out at height – for example, on scaffolding to repair guttering or leadwork on roofs.
Travel
You'll spend time travelling locally between jobs.
Some contracts may involve overnight stays away from home.
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Other careers that you might like
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Energy Construction and built environment
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- plumbing
- plumbing systems
- heating systems
- plumbing repair
- public liability
- plumbing codes
- shower and tub installation
- plumbing fixtures
- water distribution
- copper tubing
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- time management
- taking initiative
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- working with numbers
- problem solving
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Design and Manufacture
Engineering Science
Practical Craft Skills
Practical Metalwork
Skills for Work: Construction Craft
Skills for Work: Building Services Engineering
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in Plumbing and Heating.
Explore Modern Apprenticeships on Apprenticeships.scot.
Not got the grades you need to apply for an MA? Don't worry – you can study a Pre-Apprenticeship at college. You'll learn basic plumbing skills and put yourself in a strong position to apply for a Modern Apprenticeship at the end of it.
Qualifications and experience that show practical skills, such as Skills for Work Construction Crafts at SCQF Level 4 or 5, can be beneficial.
You usually have to pass an aptitude test before you can start training to become a plumber.
All plumbers must have a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card or equivalent to train and work on site.
To get your CSCS card, you'll need to pass a health and safety test.
You must hold a Gas Safe ID card before you can start work.
You'll need a driving licence for some jobs.
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