Plumbing is practical, creative, and surprisingly people-focused. Whether you’re fixing a leak, installing a bathroom, or fitting eco-friendly systems, it’s work that keeps the country running — and it pays well.

Yet fewer than 2 percent of plumbers in the UK are women, meaning the industry is missing out on thousands of talented tradeswomen.

If you’ve ever thought about training as a plumber, this guide walks you through everything — from the courses and qualifications to confidence, funding, and how TaskHer can help you find real jobs and join a thriving network of over 750 tradeswomen across the UK.
‍

 What a Plumber Actually Does

Plumbing covers far more than leaky taps. It involves:

• Installing bathrooms, showers, and pipework
  
  
• Fitting and maintaining heating and drainage systems
  
  
• Repairing leaks, blockages, and water damage
  
  
• Testing systems for safety and efficiency
  
  
• Working with renewable technologies like heat pumps or solar water heating
  
  

It’s varied, problem-solving work that suits people who enjoy using their hands and brains together.
‍

Why Women Are Turning to Plumbing

Reliable Pay and Long-Term Demand

According to the National Careers Service, plumbers typically earn:

• Newly qualified: around £24,000 per year
  
  
• Experienced: £35,000–£46,000
  
  
• Self-employed: £50,000+ depending on region and specialism
  
  

Through TaskHer, plumbers earn £71.25 per hour for booked jobs, with no commission or platform fees. It’s one of the most transparent and fair ways for tradeswomen to build their business.

Independence and Flexibility

Plumbing is ideal for anyone who values independence. Once you’re qualified, you can choose between employment, contracting, or self-employment — taking control of your schedule and income.

Customers Want Female Plumbers

Many homeowners now search specifically for “female plumber near me.” Customers appreciate professionalism, reliability, and the comfort that comes with hiring a tradeswoman — and TaskHer helps make that connection happen.

‍

A Growing Industry That Needs More Women

The UK plumbing sector is expanding fast thanks to housing growth and sustainability targets.

• The Times reported that TaskHer’s network saw a 208 percent increase in customer enquiries, with tradeswomen often “swamped” with work.
  
  
• Another Times feature showed that more customers are switching to tradeswomen for safety and respect.
  
  
• Despite this surge in demand, women still make up only a tiny fraction of qualified plumbers.
  
  

That imbalance means there’s space — and real opportunity — for more women to join the trade.

‍

How To Train as a Plumber in the UK

There are several routes to becoming qualified, depending on your age and circumstances.

Apprenticeships (Earn While You Learn)

• Combine paid work with college study
  
  
• Work towards the Level 3 Plumbing & Domestic Heating qualification
  
  
• Usually takes 3–4 years
  
  
• Funded by your employer and the government
  
  

College or Private Courses

A flexible option for adults and career changers.

You’ll complete:

1. Level 2 and 3 Diplomas in Plumbing & Domestic Heating
   
   
2. An NVQ portfolio through real-world placements
   
   
3. Practical and theory assessments on installation, safety, and maintenance
   
   

Courses can be full-time, part-time, or weekend-based to fit your schedule.

Experienced Worker Route

If you’ve already gained plumbing experience, you can achieve your NVQ Level 3 faster through workplace assessment and evidence.
‍

Training Providers Worth Exploring

Make sure any course is City & Guilds or EAL accredited.

Some excellent UK options include:

• Able Skills – Full-time and weekend plumbing qualifications.
  
  
• Choice Training Ltd – “Women Into Plumbing” scheme with mentoring and flexible support.
  
  
• The Builders Training Centre – Practical courses for beginners and improvers.
  
  
• London Plumbing School – Accredited Level 2 and 3 qualifications.
  
  
• PGL Training – Adult apprenticeship and fast-track options.
  
  

How Long It Takes

‍

Costs, Funding, and Tools

• Apprenticeships: Fully funded; you earn a wage.
  
  
• Private courses: £5,000–£9,000 on average.
  
  
• Funding: Apply for an Advanced Learner Loan.
  
  
• Equipment: Starter toolkits and PPE usually cost £300–£500.
  
  
• Women-specific support: Choice Training and other providers offer bursaries for women entering the trade.
  
  

Confidence, Imposter Syndrome, and Support

It’s normal to feel uncertain when joining a trade where women are still the minority. Many new plumbers experience imposter syndrome, worrying about being “the only woman on site.”

Hands-On Experience Builds Confidence

Every installation, fix, and call-out helps you gain self-belief. The more you do, the more natural it feels.

Shadowing Other Tradeswomen

Within TaskHer’s network, new plumbers often shadow experienced tradeswomen. It’s a safe, empowering way to learn how to manage customers, tools, and confidence.

Feeling Comfortable in Homes

Many women worry about entering unfamiliar homes. TaskHer’s community shares advice on safety, communication, and professionalism so you feel prepared and respected on every job.

‍

The TaskHer Community: 750+ Tradeswomen UK-Wide

TaskHer is more than a booking platform — it’s a movement. A national network of over 750 female trades professionals supporting each other through training, jobs, and shared experience.

Community and Mentorship

Tradeswomen connect online and at events to share advice on pricing, tools, work-life balance, and confidence.

Fair Pay for Real Work

Plumbers who take jobs through TaskHer are paid £71.25 per hour, and the platform is completely free to use. No hidden costs, no deductions — just fair pay for skilled work.

Visibility and Representation

TaskHer’s mission is to make women visible in every corner of the trades. With national coverage in The Times and BBC Radio London, the platform is driving genuine change across the industry.

Join TaskHer’s community of tradeswomen today →

‍

Retraining Later in Life

It’s never too late to learn. Many TaskHer plumbers started in their 30s, 40s, or 50s after careers in education, administration, or care.

Retraining gives you:

• A practical, people-focused career
  
  
• High earning potential and independence
  
  
• The chance to work flexibly around family or lifestyle
  
  

With accessible training and a growing network of women in the trade, it’s a realistic and rewarding career change.

‍

Step-by-Step Roadmap

1. Decide which training route suits you best.
   
   
2. Research accredited training providers nearby.
   
   
3. Secure funding or an apprenticeship.
   
   
4. Complete your Level 2 and 3 qualifications.
   
   
5. Build on-site experience for your NVQ.
   
   
6. Shadow another tradeswoman to build confidence.
   
   
7. Join TaskHer for access to paid work and professional support.
   
   

FAQs

Do plumbers need to be physically strong?
No. Proper tools and technique do most of the work.

Can I retrain as a plumber at 40 or older?
Absolutely. Many women do, and succeed.

How much do TaskHer plumbers earn?
TaskHer pays £71.25 per hour, with no commission or subscription fees.

Is plumbing a good career for women?
Yes. The demand is high, the pay is fair, and the support network is growing rapidly.

‍

Your Next Step

Plumbing is one of the UK’s most consistent, respected trades — and there’s never been a better time for women to join it. With training routes for every age, supportive communities, and strong demand, you can build a career that’s flexible, independent, and rewarding.

Join TaskHer’s 750+ community of tradeswomen today to find jobs, build confidence, and earn £71.25 per hour doing meaningful work.