Construction Growth May Generate Plumbing Jobs

Plumbing jobs could be created in the near future as the construction industry grew for a third consecutive month, according to a study.The Markit/CIPS purchasing managers’ index (PMI) rose from 58.2 to 58.5 in May, which was encouraging for the construction sector as the figures are at their highest level since September 2007.There was more positive news for those in construction as employment in the industry increased for the first time in two years and the housing construction sector also rose from 60.3 to 60.6 on the index.Sarah Ledger, economist at Markit and author of the UK Construction PMI said that increased activity in the construction industry has resulted in the sector experiencing expansion.She said: “It was encouraging to see growth within the UK construction sector maintained during May, with all three sub-sectors (housing, commercial and civil) indicating an expansion in activity.”More construction jobs are expected to be generated during the current economic recovery but this may be affected by spending cuts, according to the chief executive officer at the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply.David Noble said: “Purchasing managers say that on the surface things are looking positive with recent growth accelerating and more jobs on the horizon.”Peter Wright, an associate professor in labour economics at Nottingham University’s Globalisation and Economic Policy Centre, told the BBC that plumbing jobs are often available during a period of economic growth.An increasing number of people may be interested in enrolling on plumbing courses to become qualified tradesmen and take advantage of any future employment opportunities.Carol Cannavan, from the Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (IPHE), told the BBC that people interested in plumbing courses should be aware that they cannot become a fully qualified plumber in a short space of time.Carol Cannavan said that during the last period of economic growth there was a great demand for plumbing courses because of reports of large salaries in the sector but many people found that they were not suited to the work.”But they discovered when they got on the courses that you have to be a practical person and want to learn how things work, so it’s not for everyone,” Ms Cannavan told the BBC.John Thompson, from the Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors, has advised people who are keen on plumbing courses to research training centres and opt for those which are fully accredited.