Career Pathways

Like it or loathe it, maths is an engrained part of a plumbing and heating engineer’s role. Whether you need number skills for measuring pipe runs, calculating heat loss or giving quotes for customers, you’ll need a sound head for numbers to work in the industry.

You will spend a vast amount of time problem solving. Your services will be most in demand when systems go wrong, so calm and rational thinking, combined with an analytical mind will take you far.

You will need to understand and follow detailed technical drawings and plans to scale. As your education and career develops you may also become involved in designing systems. The ability to take what is on a 2D piece of paper and apply it to real life is a skill you need to develop both quickly and effectively. Attention to detail is an absolute must!

You will need to master physical skills such as working with a range of tools and materials. A steady hand, dexterity and a good eye for detail will be crucial. Practice will always make perfect, so be prepared to put hard work and effort, over a number of years to truly master those skills.

If you are planning on working in the domestic sector, then good social skills are key. You are entering people’s homes so a friendly, open, polite and professional demeanour will make a huge difference to how a customer perceives your service. It’s vital to develop communication and diplomacy skills too – most complaints occur due to poor communication – so hone them from the start of your career and you’ll be on the right path to delivering outstanding customer care.

While we all like a laugh here and there, workplace injuries are an occupational hazard in the construction industry. You need to work safely and sensibly and not just for your own sake, but for the health and safety of your colleagues and clients too. Common sense and maturity will help your career go far.

It takes time and patience to learn all the skills you need and to understand the harder technical aspects of the trade. There will be times when tasks frustrate you, or when a particular theory just isn’t sticking in your head so you will need the ability to persevere. You will also need to develop a dedication to lifelong learning as the pace of technological and regulatory change in the industry can be swift. Expect to have to learn new techniques, technologies, regulations and standards throughout your career.

Being professional isn’t just about your experience and skills, or the qualifications you hold. It’s about your attitude to work, the industry and your clients. Professionals have a trusted air of authority and take pride in their work. They don’t cut corners. They don’t take risks. They work in line with Water and Building Regulations. They respect their client’s property. They communicate well. They strive for knowledge and keep their skills up-to-date.