All careers
Skilled trades
Plumber & Heating Engineer
Fit and repair water, heating and heat-pump systems.
Key skills
Hands-onReliabilityDiagnosisCustomer care
Ways in
ApprenticeshipVocational / T-levelSelf-employed
Typical prerequisites
- Level 2/3 apprenticeship
- Gas Safe registration for gas work
Alternative routes
- Electrician
- Building services engineer
Route milestones
- 1
Apprenticeship
Around year 0–3
- 2
Qualified + Gas Safe
Around year 3–4
- 3
Heat-pump specialist
Around year 4–6
- 4
Own firm with team
Around year 6+
Progression: Apprentice → engineer → specialist → employer.
Indicative pay bands
Starting out£18,000 – £25,000
Experienced£32,000 – £45,000
Senior / top end£45,000 – £75,000
Indicative example estimates compiled October 2026 for planning conversations only. Pay varies by region, employer, sector and hours. Always verify with official sources such as the National Careers Service.
Verify on National Careers ServiceContribution & impact
Warm, safe homes and the decarbonisation of heating.