How To Write A Plumber CV (with Tips, Templates and Examples)

In many job environments, a CV plays an important role, and plumbing is no different. A plumber with the right skills for the job can effectively demonstrate them in a CV, improving their image as candidates. A CV that shows you understand a plumber's role can help you impress an employer as well. In this article, we list what to include on a CV, provide a CV template and examples and list tips to help create a quality CV.

What skills should you include on your plumber CV?

Like most other jobs, plumbers can benefit from having a well-designed plumber CV. A plumber is a tradesperson that maintains, installs and repairs pipe systems. These pipe systems supply water and gas and carry waste away from buildings and properties, both commercial and residential. Plumbers work with the systems used for potable water, sewage and drainage and have some of the following tasks and duties that can all be included on your CV:

• installs pipes and plumbing fixtures in homes or businesses

• installs systems that provide water and gas

• maintains systems that provide water and gas

• removes waste from residential homes or business properties

• selects the materials to work effectively with

• installs plumbing systems

• tests pipe systems

• repairs leaks

• clears blockages from drains and plumbing systems

• locates plumbing issues and determines how to fix these

• budgets to cover plumbing supplies and equipment

• estimate costs of plumbing instalments and repairs

• offers advice to customers

Related: Plumber Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

What to include in your CV

To create a brilliant CV, you can include the right information, skills and attributes. It's important to remember to format your CV correctly, too. Here's what to include:

Name and contact information

Clearly state your full name at the top of a CV and include a working email address, telephone number, town and county. This gives recruiters a way to contact you if they have questions or wish to schedule an interview. It also gives recruiters a way to verify your credentials and experience.

Related: Plumber cover letter (with steps, template and example)

CV objective

Below the name and contact information, write a CV objective that shows recruiters the main motivation for applying for the role. A CV objective introduces you to an employer and normally consists of two punchy sentences. It can state the position you applied for and your specific career goals. Employers often use this to assess how your objectives align with their own organisation.

Example: A trained plumber and former apprentice with 10 years of experience in the trade. Looking to make a positive difference to a Blue Chip company's profit margins and provide outstanding customer service to clients in residential homes or business properties. Comes with a full driving license and own plumbing equipment.

Education, training and certification

Plumber training is very important to list on a CV and often outweighs any plumber qualifications. Many plumbers do an apprenticeship, providing them with both academic learning and professional training.

Your CV can include all the relevant education you've received, too, along with any professional affiliations or union memberships. This can help show that you've retained information and skills learned while training to excel in the present day. Start with either the most recent qualifications or the highest.

Related: How to become a boiler engineer in 5 steps (plus key skills)

Work experience

It is crucial to include a section that highlights relevant work experience as a plumber. Do this effectively by listing former job titles and companies worked for. Add locations, the dates worked there and specific duties at each job and any achievements performed while working there. Keep in mind that it helps to use specific keywords used in the job posting to detail skills and job duties for each of the previous positions.

For example:

Plumber

Smiths and Sons

Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire

July 2018-present

• Unblocking sewage systems in residential homes

• Installing sinks for homes and businesses

• Working to the company's budget

• Working well independently

Plumbing skills

Plumber CVs can include a skills section that highlights qualifications and experience in the plumbing field. Always review job advertisements for every job applied for and include the keywords each role mentions. Skills can clearly highlight your strengths as they relate to the skills and duties of a plumber. Here are some standard plumber skills to include on the perfect CV:

• Knowledge of plumbing practices

• Knowledge of plumbing codes

• Ability to troubleshoot complex plumbing systems

• Able to complete plumbing orders

• Able to follow instructions from supervisors

• Familiarity with industrial and commercial plumbing practices

• Works well independently or as part of a team

• Able to use problem-solving skills

• Effectively able to resolve common or complex plumbing issues

• Clear and concise communication skills to explain costs and work to clients

Related: How To Develop Your Skill Set for Career Success

Plumber CV template and example

Having a clean CV that includes all of the right keywords and skills helps impress a prospective or current employer. Use the following template to help write a brilliant CV:

Contact details

[First and last name]

[Street address]

[City, town, county]

[Phone number]

[Email address]

Objective

[A few sentences highlighting skills and mission statement for a current or prospective employer.]

Education

[College, university or apprenticeship's name]

[City and postcode]

[Degrees, qualifications or license earned]

[Dates enrolled]

[College name]

[City and county]

[Dates enrolled]

Experience

[Job title]

[Company name]

[City and county]

[Employment dates]

• [Responsibility]

• [Responsibility]

• [Responsibility]

[Job title]

[Company name]

[City and county]

[Employment dates]

• [Responsibility]

• [Responsibility]

• [Responsibility]

[Job title]

[Company name]

[City and county]

[Employment dates]

• [Responsibility]

• [Responsibility]

• [Responsibility]

Awards

• [Award], [year awarded]

• [Award], [year awarded]

• [Award], [year awarded]

Skills

• [Skill]

• [Skill]

• [Skill]

Plumber CV example

Understanding the correct format for a CV enables you to start writing your own. Make sure to include the most relevant experience and skills and tailor a CV to each job applied for and its required qualifications. Below is a strong template to use for a good, clear and effective CV:

Contact details

Steven Martin

123 Highland Rd.

Dulwich, London

0208 123 4566

smartin22@email.com

Objective

I'm a qualified plumber with five years experience. I'm currently looking for a job at a Blue Chip company where I can apply my plumbing expertise and use my skills and knowledge to help the company improve and grow its plumbing business.

Education

Dulwich Technical College

Diploma in plumbing technology

London, UK

September 2011-2012

Herne Hill High School

South London

September 2007 - June 2011

Experience

Plumber

Robinson Plumbing Co.

Dulwich, London

June 2018 - November 2020

• Installing and repairing pipes and fixtures

• Reviewed and created building plans for plumbing system installation

• Identified the right tools for a number of plumbing procedures

• Identified the right procedures for a number of plumbing jobs

• Testing plumbing systems to identify potential blockages and leaks

• Cut and drill holes used for plumbing pipes

• Works well independently

• Works well under supervision

• Maintained friendly communications with supervisors, coworkers and customers

• Researched ways to cut plumbing time and costs

Plumber Assistant/Apprentice

Joshua Lewis Plumbing Supply and Service

Herne Hill, London

June 2015 - June 2018

• Assisted senior plumbers on complex leaks and blockages

• Assisted problem solving with complex blockages and water leaks

• Helped experienced plumbers repair fixtures

• Located leaks

• Cut and drill holes in pipe systems

• Reviewed specifications to ensure compliance

• Installed pipe assemblies

• Collected and transported plumbing materials, equipment and tools to a worksite

• Helped pipefitters lay out, assemble and install piping

Skills

• Able to troubleshoot plumbing issues efficiently and effectively

• Able to interpret various building codes and specifications

• Able to offer friendly customer service to customers of all ages

• Works well independently

• Able to read and interpret plumbing codes

• Experience with a wide range of plumbing tools and codes

• Able to communicate well with customers, coworkers and supervisors

• Able to work in harsh conditions

• Works well under pressure

Tips to make your CV stand out

A friend, coworker or family member can be enlisted to check over a plumbing CV for spelling, grammar and potentially other issues. Consider gathering feedback from others. Here are a few more plumbing CV tips to help a CV stand out to prospective employers or hiring managers:

Focus on the job post's required skills

It's important to meet the job specification. Look for a 'personal specification' and list how each specification is met. Gives examples of when these specifications have been met in real life, in training or on the job.

Related: 139 Action Verbs to Make Your CV Stand Out

Tailor CVs to each job you apply for

Write a CV that's tailored to each individual job advert, even if applying for multiple roles. Each CV can include the specific qualifications and key skills mentioned in the job post. While one position may require a team player, another position may require a plumber who can work well unsupervised. The more tailoring a CV for a specific position has the greater chance of matching an employer's needs.

Proofread your CV

Before submitting a CV, read it over and correct any grammar, spelling and punctuation errors. Look for formatting errors and make adjustments, so that the CV stands out. Proofreading your CV can help give it a professional look.

Disclaimer: The model shown is for illustration purposes only, and may require additional formatting to meet accepted standards.

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