Adapting to modern times as a Plumber!
When looking to become a plumber there is no better way to get your foot in the door than a City & Guilds qualification. Here at Able Skills we have been teaching the trade for over a decade and understand what it takes to give a students the knowledge and skills to be successful in the industry. The plumbing industry like all other is constantly changing, we adapt as a training centre providing plumbing courses and you as an aspiring plumber will need to adapt too. - Today we will talk about some of the changes facing plumbers in this digital age...
Plumbing courses at Able Skills.
Firstly, we do not mean the skill itself, the lessons learnt on plumbing courses such as ours are valuable and will last you a life time, however, when working as a professional plumber especially on a self-employed basis there are a few things that you will need to do to stay competitive and out shine the competition. The idea is to create a customer base in your area and today that means that people expect more from their services. For example, when you order an item online you will receive a confirmation email, this makes the customer feel confident in their purchase as they have evidence of their transaction...Many plumbers in the industry today are of an older generation and have not adapted to technology in the way that you can as an aspiring plumber!
Customer Experience:
It is 2020! Customers want more than just plumbing services. They want an experience that lets them feel like your company has taken care of them. This could be conformation emails, a quick automated text when you are on route to the job or even offering more precise service windows. All of these small but valuable exchanges will give you an edge on your peers. One main thing to note when it comes to customer experience is realising how people use their phones, people do not want to communicate over the phone anymore and they want an instant method of communication - 70% of people prefer to communicate with companies online versus over the phone, so consider using an application or simply texting your clients information that doesn't require a phone call.
This is also something to think about when it comes to payments in modern times. Few people use checks, and even fewer want to read their card number to a stranger over the phone. Consider using a platform such as PayPal or even through an online invoice. The public want to be able to pay online without involving anyone else. Sending an invoice with one-click payment options or accepting payment after the service call is just simply good business in 2020.
Marketing:
Now this one is a huge key to success today. In the past traders have gained a client base through word of mouth and simply reputation. Today there are so many tools at your disposal to build a solid customer base and get attention, having an online presence is the key...When people need a plumber they look online, if you are nowhere to be found then in their eyes you don't exist, no matter how talented of a trader you are! Having at least a website is essential to be successful today, having an active social media page will also boost your customer base and earnings. Interacting with people online through answering Tweets or posting on Instagram will no doubt have a positive effect on your career!
Seeking training?
If you are looking to become a plumber our City & Guilds Level 2 Plumbing Course is the perfect starting point. The course will start with the absolute basics and progress on as the weeks pass to more advanced aspects of plumbing. This program of learning will teach you to become a plumber starting from scratch over 6-weeks! Covering a range of topics such as; Electrical principles and processes, Common plumbing processes, Cold water systems, Domestic hot water systems, Sanitation, Central heating systems Drainage systems and more! The course is a mix of both classroom-based theory and hands-on practical work so that you understand the concepts behind the trade itself. This is an industry recognised, formal trade qualification and is required in order for candidates to progress further in their plumbing training to something like an NVQ.
Contact Us:
If you would like to learn more about our Plumbing courses then simply give us a call on 01322 280 202. We are happy to help in any way that we can! Whether you are looking to enroll or just ask questions. If you would prefer to speak to a member of staff in person about our range of plumbing courses or any other training then know that you are welcome to pay our office a visit - We are open 7-days a week between the hours of 8:30 - 16:30!
Live too far away? If the distance is troubling you then be aware that we do offer accommodation exclusively to our students. Accommodation is within walking distance of our facility and takes the commute out of the question for the reasonable price of £20 per night! - If you are interested then please contact us ahead of your plumbing courses start date as spaces are limited!
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