Plumber
The profession of a plumber is broad and versatile, but what exactly do they do? On this page you’ll find everything you need to know about working as a plumber, the training you can get and the job openings we have.
What is a plumber?
A plumber is a professional who specializes in installing, maintaining and repairing plumbing, water, sewer and heating systems.
Nowadays it is often referred to as an installation technician, but in the past a plumber really worked with lead Now it is more often technical installations that a plumber installs. The profession has become much broader, for example, you may be installing all the plumbing in a home and the next day you are connecting a heat recovery system. The work also includes the installation of gas lines, such as a gas line in the kitchen. All piping and connection work is done by a plumber.
What does a plumber do?
- Plumbing installation, maintenance, repair
- Connecting pipes for such things as water and gas
- Connecting the sewage system
- Installing heating such as a central heating system or underfloor heating
- Installation of mechanical ventilation
- Discovering and repairing leaks
- Connecting rainwater drainage systems
- Heat recovery systems (WTW systems)
Apprentice plumber
An apprentice plumber is an aspiring professional in training who, under supervision, performs work such as installing plumbing, laying pipework and installing systems for gas, water, air and heat.
As an apprentice plumber or installation technician, you will install both simple and complex mechanical systems or parts thereof. Consider gas installation, sewers with aeration, storm water drainage systems, heat recovery systems (WTW systems), central heating systems, heating and air conditioning systems and plumbing fixtures. Then you make those installations ready for use. You will set up control programs and adjust installations. You will work in homes, new construction, apartments and utility buildings such as hospitals, office buildings and schools.
ZZP plumber
A ZZP plumber is a self-employed professional in the construction and engineering industry specializing in the installation, repair and maintenance of plumbing, heating, water and sewer systems. A ZZP is expected to be able to work independently and possess a wide range of skills, including knowledge of plumbing techniques and various systems.
A ZZP plumber is responsible for his own business operations, including soliciting jobs, preparing quotes, scheduling work and making sure he has the necessary materials and tools. They must also keep their own records and ensure compliance with laws and regulations, such as tax returns and insurance. Flexibility, good communication skills and the ability to work independently are important as a ZZP plumber.
Did you know that about 30% of plumbers work as self-employed or have their own installation company?
What does a plumber earn?
- A junior plumber earns €1,800 to €2,200 gross per month
- A medior plumber earns €2,200 to €2,800 gross per month
- A senior plumber earns €2,800 to €3,200 gross per month
Salary plumber ZZP
The hourly wage for a ZZP plumber is approximately between €40,- and €70,- .
Experienced and specialized ZZP plumbers charge higher rates than novice plumbers. Rates in different regions of the Netherlands vary, with rates in urban areas typically being higher than in rural areas.
What is required of a plumber?
In a job posting for a plumber, we see the following skills and attributes in high demand. That usually starts with a completed degree in installation engineering. Good knowledge of plumbing and piping, this includes understanding complex systems, technical drawings and working with various tools and materials.
A plumber must also have problem-solving skills, as he is often called upon to quickly fix leaks, blockages and faulty systems. Accuracy is of utmost importance, as small errors can cause big problems.
You must also have good communication skills, be flexible, be able to work safely, work independently and/or as part of a team. Having a driver’s license is also helpful.
How do you become a plumber?
If you want to become a plumber then you begin by completing a degree in installation engineering. You can get a good start for this at VMBO with practice toward engineering/installation technology.
After VMBO, you can choose an MBO (intermediate vocational education) course in installation technology. There are different levels within the MBO that you can take, depending on your previous education and ambitions. A level 2 course trains you to become a basic installation technician, while a level 3 course trains you to become a self-employed installation technician. For those who want to grow further, there is Level 4, which trains as a first mechanic or technical manager.
At the MBO, there are several learning paths available. The BOL (BeroepsOpleidende Leerweg) is a daytime course in which you spend most of your time at school and also complete internships. BBL (BeroepsBegeleidende Leerweg) is more hands-on: you then work at an apprenticeship company and go to school one or two days a week for theory. Both learning paths offer practical experience and theoretical knowledge, but the BBL route is often more appealing to those who like to learn on the job and gain direct experience in the field. After successfully completing an MBO degree in installation technology, you are qualified to work as a plumber.
Future prospects for plumbers
No profession has been transformed like the plumbing profession. While it used to be a lot with copper and pipes, now it’s also various technical systems that you work with. The increasing demand for renewable energy is creating a growing demand for specialty plumbers. For example, you cannot install a new, ordinary central heating boiler after 2025; it must be a hybrid heat pump, for example. And so there are more new technologies a plumber has to deal with.
In addition, with the continued development of new homes and renovation of existing buildings, there remains a constant need for experienced plumbers. Also, many older professionals are retiring in the coming years. This will provide additional work and opportunities for entry-level workers in installation technology. Choosing the plumbing profession is a good choice for the future.
Employment agency for plumbers
We are an employment agency also specializing in plumber and installers. As a staffing agency, we make sure they can work on great projects in the area. We see a high demand for professionals who specialize in systems for preservation. In addition, we provide everything a plumber needs such as work clothes, tools and transportation. We also work with ZZP plumbers. We provide them with new orders and relieve them of billing issues.
Benefits of working as a plumber with Jobxion
Working with Jobxion has benefits for you plumber. We list them:
- A good salary, paid weekly
- You build up a pension
- Choose projects that suit you
- Own transportation that allows you to drive privately
- Choose permanence or flexibility
- Top tools you get in usable one
- We arrange work clothing and protective equipment
Curious about your options?
Check out the job openings or make an open application!
Frequently asked questions about plumber
The duties of a plumber are:
- Plumbing installation, maintenance, repair
- Connecting pipes for such things as water and gas
- Connecting the sewage system
- Installing heating such as a central heating system or underfloor heating
- Installing mechanical ventilation
- Discovering and repairing leaks
- Connecting rainwater drainage systems
- Heat recovery systems (WTW systems)
On average, a plumber with experience earns about €2,800 gross per month. This amount is higher or lower depending on experience.
If you want to become a plumber then you need to complete a degree in installation engineering. You can get a good start for this at VMBO with practice toward engineering/installation technology. Then you will take a MBO course in installation technology, possibly followed by specific courses.
Apply by clicking on the “apply” button. Then fill in your details and submit your application. We’ll get back to you soon after that.
If you have a question, please contact Sabine. Send a whatsapp or call: 06 52 53 29 18 or send an email to sabine@jobxion.nl