What is the best way to go about finding experience?

go round all your local plumbing merchants,ask if you can put up a notice looking for some one who may take you on,other than that you will have to start taking on small jobs until you gain experience,its a strange world all the firms do not do apprenticeships but are always looking for experienced plumbers.

It is a very tough situation to be in Gary, I too did the same after university. However, I was lucky to find a self-employed plumbing and heating engineer, who was able to take me on for 4 years to teach me the trade. My best advice would be to contact as many plumbing companies as you can and see what sticks. I would definitely think about doing a Gas qualification as this makes you more versatile to a company who might take you on, they may even offer to pay for your training. British gas may take you on, in there home cover division with a level 2 diploma. Bathroom companies could also be interested in a guy with a level 2 diploma, to aid with installs. Unfortunately, there is no really solid answer I can give you. Keep asking questions, promote yourself as much as possible, have a decent mode of transport (preferably a van but a large estate car can be just as effective).Hope this helps. Jo

it's good. that you have some knowledge in plumbing. I have taken on 3 trainee plumbers 2 male and 1 one lady plumber..most of the work i do is not taught in the classrooms,you can only learn in live households .you will learn a lot from doing emergency call outs that will help in your day to day jobs.try to look out for maintenance firms who do multi trade.

Hi Gary. Go self-employed... keep it simple... taps and traps etc... find you feet. Do this whilst working part-time if someone will take you on. When confidence kicks nothing will be difficult. Many a good plumber started this way. Good luck. Bob.