Plumbers and heating
and ventilating engineers

Description

Jobholders in this unit group assemble, install, maintain and repair plumbing fixtures, heating and ventilating systems and pipes and pipeline systems in commercial, residential and industrial premises and public buildings.

Tasks

examines drawings and specifications to determine layout of system
measures and cuts required lengths of copper, lead, steel, iron, aluminium or plastic using hand or machine tools
installs fittings such as storage tanks, cookers, baths, toilets, taps and valves, refrigerators, boilers, radiators and fires
tests completed installation for leaks and makes any necessary adjustments
attaches fittings and joins piping by welding, soldering, cementing, fusing, screwing or other methods
repairs burst pipes and mechanical and combustion faults and replaces faulty taps, washers, valves, etc.

Educational Requirements

There are no formal academic requirements although GCSEs/S grades are advantageous. NVQs/SVQs in Mechanical Engineering Services are available at Levels 2 and 3. Apprenticeships are available for plumbing and lead to an NVQ/SVQ at Level 3.