Working Life
Plumbers work in a variety of locations including houses, industrial and commercial buildings.
Plumbers require many skills including:
- Working with technical specifications and drawings
- Ability to use a variety of hand and power tools including wrenches, spanners, saws, cutters and welding equipment
- Cutting, bending, joining and fixing materials such as lead, copper, aluminium, plastic, sinc and iron
- Installation of central heating systems and their controls and pipework, sanitary systems
- Drainage systems, guttering and rainwater systems, and large refrigeration systems for industry
- Testing systems to ensure they are working efficiently and safely
- Maintenance and repair work including routine servicing and emergency repairs
Aspects of work:
- Learning and developing new practical craft-related skills, knowledge and competence
- Working with and learning from experienced craftspersons
- Seeing a job through from start to finish
- Comply with Health and Safety requirements
- Working with technical drawings and diagrams
- Using tools or machinery to shape metal
- Being accurate with numbers in counting, measuring and arithmetic
- Being well organised and careful with practical tasks
- Working at heights
- Lifting or carrying heavy items
- Taking responsibility for own learning, including the allocation of study time
- Flexible working arrangements as emergency work may be involved
- Being physically active
- Passing all your phase exams (theory, practicals skills demonstration)
- Bending, kneeling and working in cramped and awkward spaces
- Earning as you learn
Qualities -
As a Plumber you will need to be physically active and to be able to work with your hands.
An awareness of health and safety and good housekeeping is essential as well as attention to detail and an eye for the aesthetic.
The Plumber must have the ability to:
- Plan, Organise and Communicate effectively
- Solve problems
- Work independently and as part of a team
- Show a positive attitude
- Recognise the need for good customer relations
- Demonstrate good work practices including time keeping, tidiness, responsibility, quality awareness and safety awareness
Note: A person wishing to become an apprentice Plumber must pass a colour–vision test approved by SOLAS.
Interests - Plumbing
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Entry / Progression - Plumbing
Pay & Salary - Plumbing
* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.
View Salary information from Indeed.ie
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