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Meet Sophie, 16, a plumbing and heating apprentice from Surrey. Part of our Bitesize world of work series.

There are never two days the same!

What is your job?

Throughout the day I help customers with a range of different plumbing tasks, such as changing radiator valves or soldering pipes. The best part of my job is the fact that every day is different. Every day you tackle a different problem. I also enjoy working with different engineers and apprentices, and meeting our customers. Of course, with plumbing, there are plenty of not particularly nice jobs. Let’s just say you wouldn’t want to be eating your lunch after unblocking a kitchen sink! But it’s all part of the challenge and they are far outweighed by the reward of customer satisfaction.

What skills do you use in your work?

You need to have good communication skills to be able to be inform customers of the job progress and also to be able to communicate with other employees within the business. You also need to be practical and be prepared to be faced with a different challenge every day.

Is this the job you always knew you wanted to do?

I’ve always been a very active person. I love practical learning and getting stuck into tasks. Plumbing had always stood out for me as it allows me to complete hands-on, practical work, whilst getting a sense of satisfaction. Also, you are able to help someone in need fix an issue – whether that be fixing a leak or getting the customer's heating working again. Continuing with plumbing would also guarantee me a stable future as, with experience, the wages can be very high.

How did you get into your job?

I applied for work experience at Pimlico Plumbers when I was 16. I worked in all departments to get a feel for the industry. I really enjoyed it and it was exactly what I imagined, confirming my passion to begin an apprenticeship, rather than applying to university. I was lucky enough to be offered an interview for an apprenticeship position, which was a success, and shortly after I began my role.

Top tips

• I think an apprenticeship is the best route, by far, into any skilled trade. There’s no amount of reading that could prepare you for the challenges you can face in plumbing – it's all about the practical on-the-job experience
• An apprenticeship offers you the chance to be equipped with all the skills you need for a successful career, as well as the chance to earn whilst you’re gaining the experience
• I do recommend gaining work experience in the field, and not being afraid to ask as many questions as you possibly can.

What to expect if you want to be a plumber

• Plumber average salary: £15,000 to £40,000 per year
• Plumber typical working hours: 37 to 40 hours per week

What qualifications do you need to be a plumber?

You could get into this role via a college course (such as a Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma, or a T-level in Building Services Engineering for Construction - England-only) and an apprenticeship. You could also work towards this role as a plumber's assistant and do training on the job to qualify. You'll usually need some GCSEs, including English and Maths, along with good practical skills. You can also apply directly if you have relevant experience.

Sources: LMI for All, National Careers Service,

This information is a guide and is constantly changing. Please check the for the latest information and all the qualifications needed and the for more on T-levels.

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Tips and advice
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