More interest in plumbing courses

01/07/2008
There could be an increase in the number of people able to fix the UK's kitchen sinks and taps, as a training provider reveals more trainees are signing up to plumbing courses.

According to the Daily Express, Building Trade Skills Centres has seen a 30 per cent increase in interest in its plumber training programme, partly due to the fact the profession is seen as more recession-proof than other careers.

Head of the organisation, Allen Jackson, told the newspaper there will always be a demand for plumbers, as "pipes and taps will all eventually leak".

Despite the increase in interest in the courses, the UK is still in the middle of a skills shortage.

Mr Jackson commented: "We know that the UK still has a skills gap for qualified plumbers, with estimates predicting that we will need 4,500 newly-trained plumbers each year from now until 2012 just to keep up with demand."

The publication notes the average plumber's salary stands at £25,500, although experienced tradesmen who run their own firm can make around £40,000 a year.

In addition to standard training, Building Trade Skills Centres offers a master plumber course, which allows individuals to gain some of the highest qualifications in the industry.