Plumbing Apprenticeships Hampshire 2026:Start Your Career with Rosebourne
Earn £15,000-£22,000 while learning a trade for life. Full NVQ qualification support, hands-on training from experienced professionals, and a guaranteed job on completion.
Why Choose a Plumbing Apprenticeship in 2026?
Learn from Will Gaze, who has over 15 years of hands-on plumbing experience
While your friends rack up £50,000+ in university debt, you could be earning £15,000-£22,000 a year while learning a trade that will provide job security for the rest of your life. Plumbing isn't just a job - it's a career with genuine demand, excellent earning potential, and the satisfaction of solving real problems for real people.
At Rosebourne Plumbing, we're offering a genuine apprenticeship opportunity based in Great Bedwyn, Marlborough (SN8), covering the beautiful areas of Andover (SP10/SP11), Marlborough, and Hungerford (RG17). You'll learn from Will Gaze, who has over 15 years of hands-on experience, and work on real projects from day one.
The Reality: The UK needs over 30,000 new plumbers by 2030. Meanwhile, average plumber earnings exceed £45,000 - more than many graduate salaries. This isn't just a backup plan; it's a smart career choice.
What You'll Learn: Year-by-Year Breakdown
Year 1: Foundations & Shadowing
Your first year is about building solid foundations. You'll shadow Will and learn by watching, then gradually take on supervised tasks.
Year 1 focus: Learning basic fixture work like tap installations
- Understanding plumbing systems and how water flows through buildings
- Tool identification, care, and safe operation
- Health and safety practices on every job site
- Basic pipework: cutting, bending, jointing (copper, plastic, push-fit)
- Customer interaction: how to communicate professionally
Salary: £15,000-£17,000
Year 2: Hands-On Development
Now you'll be getting your hands dirty. Under supervision, you'll complete real tasks and start building your own skills and confidence.
Year 2 focus: Kitchen and bathroom installations under supervision
- Installing taps, toilets, basins, and shower systems
- Diagnosing common problems: leaks, blockages, low pressure
- Working with heating systems: radiators, cylinders, valves
- Kitchen and bathroom plumbing installations
- Emergency repairs: how to act fast under pressure
Salary: £17,000-£19,000
Year 3: Working Semi-Independently
By year three, you'll be handling jobs with minimal supervision. This is where everything comes together and you become a proper plumber.
Year 3 achievement: Full bathroom refurbishment completed independently
- Running your own small jobs from start to finish
- Complex installations: unvented cylinders, full bathroom refurbs
- Job quoting and customer management
- Completing your NVQ Level 2/3 qualification
- Preparing for your transition to qualified plumber
Salary: £19,000-£22,000
What We're Looking For
Meet Your Mentor: Will Gaze
"I started as an apprentice myself 15+ years ago. I know what it's like to learn this trade from scratch. I'm looking for someone with genuine enthusiasm - grades are secondary to attitude. If you're willing to listen, work hard, and take pride in your work, you'll do great here."
— Will Gaze, Owner & Operator
Essential Requirements
- GCSEs in Maths and English - Grade C/4 or above
- Age 16-24 - Apprenticeship scheme requirements
- Reliable and punctual - We start early, rain or shine
- Able to get to Great Bedwyn - Our base is in SN8
What Matters More Than Grades
- Enthusiasm to learn - Willing to ask questions and listen
- Practical mindset - Good with your hands, enjoys fixing things
- Work ethic - Willing to graft, not afraid of hard work
- Good attitude - Professional, respectful, team player
Don't have perfect grades? If you've got the right attitude and genuine enthusiasm, we're happy to talk. Some of the best plumbers weren't academic stars - they just had the determination to learn and the pride to do good work.
What You'll Get
Travel to jobs in the company van across beautiful Wiltshire countryside
Work towards nationally recognized NVQ qualifications
Paid Training
£15,000-£22,000 salary increasing with skills. Earn while you learn.
NVQ Qualification
Full support for NVQ Level 2/3. College day release included.
Guaranteed Job
Permanent position on completion. No wondering "what next?"
Tools Provided
All tools and equipment provided. No expensive startup costs.
Expert Mentoring
Learn from Will Gaze with 15+ years of hands-on experience.
Beautiful Area
Work in Andover, Marlborough & Hungerford - stunning countryside.
Plumbing Apprenticeship vs University: The Numbers
| Factor | Plumbing Apprenticeship | University Degree |
|---|---|---|
| After 3 years, you have... | £54,000+ earned + NVQ qualification | £50,000+ debt + degree |
| Starting salary (post-qualification) | £30,000-£40,000 | £25,000-£30,000 (average graduate) |
| 5 years from now (earning) | £40,000-£50,000 | £30,000-£40,000 |
| Job security | Excellent - always in demand | Varies by field |
| AI replacement risk | Very low - physical work required | Medium-high for many roles |
| Self-employment potential | High - be your own boss | Varies significantly |
A Typical Apprentice Day
Morning: Load up and head to jobs
Midday: Hands-on work at customer sites
Afternoon: Travel between jobs in the countryside
Meet at base - Load van, check materials, review day's jobs with Will
First job - Bathroom installation in Andover. You're learning to install a basin while Will works on the shower
Tea break - Will explains why we chose copper over plastic for this particular job
Lunch - Quick sandwich, then drive to Marlborough for afternoon job
Emergency call - Burst pipe in Ramsbury. You watch Will diagnose the problem, then help isolate the water and make the repair
Return to Andover job - Finish the bathroom installation. You test the basin you installed - everything works perfectly
End of day - Clean up, return to base, restock van for tomorrow. Will gives you feedback on what you did well and what to work on
Information for Parents & Guardians
A professional, supportive environment where apprentices learn and grow
We understand that choosing an apprenticeship over university is a big decision. Here's what you should know about our programme:
Safety & Supervision
- • Full health and safety training from day one
- • Always supervised by experienced professionals
- • Proper protective equipment provided
- • Insurance and employer liability coverage
Career Security
- • Nationally recognized NVQ qualification
- • Guaranteed job on completion
- • Transferable skills for life
- • Clear progression path to £45,000+
We're happy to meet with parents to discuss the apprenticeship in detail. Call Will on 01264 502027 or come to our Great Bedwyn office to see our operation and ask any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn to deliver professional quality work that customers love
Do I need any experience?
No! We expect apprentices to arrive with zero plumbing experience. What matters is your attitude, willingness to learn, and work ethic. If you've done any practical work (DIY, mechanics, anything with your hands), that's a bonus, but it's not required.
What if I don't have transport?
You'll need to get to our Great Bedwyn base (SN8) each morning. Many apprentices cycle, get lifts, or use the limited bus service. Once you're with us for the day, you'll travel in the company van. As you progress and turn 17+, we can discuss driving lessons support.
Will I have to go back to college?
Yes, you'll have one day per week at college to work on your NVQ qualification. This is normal for apprenticeships and we fully support it. The rest of the week is hands-on work experience.
What happens after the apprenticeship?
You'll be offered a full-time position as a qualified plumber with us, starting at £30,000-£40,000. From there, you could progress to senior roles, specialize in areas like heating or bathroom installation, or eventually start your own business.
Is plumbing physical work?
Yes, it involves lifting, working in tight spaces, and being on your feet most of the day. You don't need to be super fit, but you should be comfortable with physical work. We'll build your strength and fitness as you go.
Can girls/women apply?
Absolutely! Plumbing has traditionally been male-dominated, but that's changing. Some of our customers specifically request female plumbers. We welcome applicants of any gender who have the right attitude and enthusiasm.
Ready to Start Your Plumbing Career?
Don't spend three years in debt when you could spend three years earning and learning. Apply for our Hampshire plumbing apprenticeship today.