IF YOU have ever had problems with a leaky pipe or a blocked drain, you will know how just how hard it is to find a good plumber.

Figures released today by the Construction Industry Training Board predict that over the next five years, the country will need an extra 30,000 plumbers to keep up with demand.

Now, with a new course that allows people to learn plumbing part time, Swindon College hopes it can help.

Before February last year plumbing was a closed shop, and the only people who could study for professional qualifications were those already doing the job.

But the industry has recognised the shortage and introduced a new part time Foundation Level course.

Swindon College was the first institution in the country to offer the one-year course. And the initial two courses proved so popular that the college has now decided to add a third.

Course tutor Keith Arrell said all kinds of people had been attracted to plumbing, in particular servicemen leaving the forces and people with IT or engineering skills.

He said: "The only basic requirement for the job is manual dexterity; there are no formal qualifications.

"We have everyone here from people who can only just read and write to engineering graduates. There are lots of levels you can work at. If you want to be fixing kitchens and bathrooms you can, but there are opportunities to study design and electronics to degree level.

"The one-year course is really targeted at people from other vocations who want to come into ours."

The average self-employed plumber can earn from £30,000 a year upwards, with six-figure salaries for skilled plumbers who are prepared to travel.

Mr Arrell explained that course entrants were split between those who wanted to work for themselves and those who wanted to work for bigger companies.

Carol Cannavan at the Institute of Plumbing said: "Because of the national shortage it's now possible to make a good living in plumbing and many people are recognising the potential the industry has for self-employment."

Anyone wishing to discuss the courses and plumbing as a career should contact Keith Arrell at the College on Swindon 498398.